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In an industry where a
successful blueprint encourages and rewards stagnation; it is rare
to find an artist whose evolution is characterized by the
cultivation of talent- not increased financial success. Norah Jones’
third release, Not Too Late, is a refreshing CD in which she
masterfully presents her unique jazz-country-pop fusion. After eight
Grammy awards, two critically acclaimed CDs, and multi platinum
sales, Ms. Jones shows no sign of disappointing her fans with
mediocrity and Not Too Late is no exception. Rather, after a
two year hiatus, she has returned with a poignant CD that is
lyrically and musically beautiful. Every song is written or
co-written by Jones, making it her most personal CD thus far.
Recorded in her home studio with her bass player, co-song writer and
sweetheart, Lee Alexander, Not Too Late bespeaks maturity and
a musical understanding that escapes so many artists. Although Norah
does not abandon her signature piano, the CD is largely acoustic
with an emphasis on guitar, bass and cello accompaniment. The CD is
an audio documentary painting vivid pictures of life, love,
disillusionment and longing. I can see her
narrative; like
musical cinema the stories are captivating. The opening track “Wish
I Could” has a bluegrass sound appropriate for the lonesome tale of
a love lost to war. In “Not My Friend” she sings of her pain and
disappointment in a riveting song simplistic in both the track and
lyrics. At only two minutes and 54 seconds, it is a true example of
“less is more”. Love is a classic theme, and Not Too Late
plays upon the listener’s experience without being clichéd. Yet
greater than just love, the CD is about life, so the songs extend
beyond that central theme. In “My Dear Country”, undeterred by the
Dixie Chicks’ celebrity blacklist, Ms. Jones speaks of political
disillusionment creatively using a piano interlude reminiscent of a
circus freak show theme to signify turmoil. As a testament to her
jazz piano background (she majored in Jazz piano at University of
North Texas), “Sinkin’ Soon” is a juke joint like tune that
emphasizes the sensuality of Norah’s voice with a piano riff and
whaling trumpet clearly influenced by the Great Satchmo (Louis
Armstrong). The title track ends the CD on a hopeful note, making
you want to believe that it is “Not Too Late”.
Once dubbed the
“accidental superstar” by Rolling Stone magazine, Norah Jones proves
again why she is a quiet but powerful voice within the industry.
Regardless of what genre of music you deem your favorite, Not Too
Late is well worth a listen. It successfully combines several
genres of music to create a sound that is palatable to a mainstream
audience but undiluted in its sincerity. Ms. Jones is an artist
unconstrained by categorization. She loves music, and that
motivation is what makes Not Too Late inspiring.
S. Ellard
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