Yes, I know this is a wilderness blog, but every now and then, I likes me some culture 😉
I was first introduced to Norah‘s music by her performance on the Grammys 4 years ago and I have loved that voice ever since. Norah’s three albums showcase her style that is constantly changing. Influences from jazz, folk, bluegrass, and country alike run like a river through her music. In other words, she’s not stuck in a rut.
I managed to score a single ticket for her show at the Ryman last night. Turns out I was extremely lucky as her fan club had held a presale that darn near sold out the building.
M. Ward opened the show with a short 30 minute set.
After a 30 minute intermission, Norah opened with “Come Away With Me” and a cover of Townes Van Zandt‘s “For the Sake of the Song.” In honor of her first appearance at the Ryman with Willie Nelson, she covered “Hands on the Wheel” from Willie’s Red Headed Stranger album. The tiny Schroeder (that’s Schroeder from Peanuts) like grand piano (Norah’s new toy) added a unique sound to “My Dear Country.”
“Cold, Cold Heart”, a cover of the Hank Williams tune for the Come Away with Me album, “Don’t Know Why”, and “Long Way Home”, a Tom Waits cover ended the encore.
Much is made of Norah Jones’ inviting, gentle hush of a voice, but there’s an arresting power in the singer’s pipes that’s just as noteworthy. And as it arced to the high ceilings of the Ryman and washed back, warmed by the venue’s glorious reverb, that limber voice showed that she’s not just one of the MTV generation’s most successful singers, but one of the only timeless ones we’ve been given yet.
The only thing that would have made my experience richer is if I’d told the highly intoxicated couple sitting next to me to shut up and listen before someone else did. The rest of the audience was in tune with the mood for the evening.
And just in case you’ve been in a cave for 4 years, check out Norah’s albums:
Read more at the Tennessean and also here.