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.