By Robert Krevolin (from JamBase.com)

Discovery. Of oneself. Discovery by another. Unearthing feelings from inside, influencing change in others. These occurrences often lie in dramatic light, the stories behind them profound and moving, the setting for inspirational tales that teach us to follow our dreams. Most often this is the language of fantasy. In these stories, Norah Jones finds truth. Her story is a thematic twin, mirroring the accounts of the dreamer's path leading to the golden road. This songstress has been pursuing her dreams and they have become reality. She has found the song within and she is now ready to sing and tell us her tale.

This Texas flower first started getting into jazz during her years at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas where her love for song truly began to develop. Deciding to focus her efforts on a more solid musical foundation, Norah began major study in jazz piano at the University of North Texas. Her work at the university continued for two years before she decided to take a summer away from college and move to New York. Immediately Norah fell in love with the City's dynamic music scene as she began hanging out with local musicians and songwriters. With these newfound friendships and experiences came inspiration to write as Norah began penning her own lyrics for the first time. She hooked up with local songwriter and guitarist Jesse Harris, forming a band with Norah singing and playing piano. Out of this band grew expanding modes of simplicity, allowing Norah's playing to flourish in an atmosphere rooted in a sense of melodic beauty rather than an emphatically complex technical structure.

Sought after by Blue Note Records in the fall of 2000, Norah and her band recorded some demo tracks for the label, who after hearing it decided to issue the recordings as is. The six-song EP, aptly titled Norah Jones First Sessions, fuses Norah's musical roots in jazz with her newfound passion for songwriting while bridging gaps between styles of old time country and rhythm and blues. Accompanied by Jesse Harris along with bassist Lee Alexander and drummer Dan Rieser, these recordings are a special document of the working band with great collaborative efforts from guitar players Tony Scherr and Adam Rogers. During the session, Norah recorded a Horace Silver tune entitled "Peace," a song she had never played before, to fill the remaining tape; sitting alone, gracefully, blanketing the soul in her warmth and soothing, her song leaving the heart truly at peace. These recordings were some the first steps Norah was taking toward the golden road as her next would prove to be the most important.

En route to a recording session for his most recent Blue Note release, Songs from the Analog Playground, eight-string guitar wizard Charlie Hunter and his bandmates first heard the First Sessions EP when their manager was played the album way to the studio. At first note, orders ensued to find the girl at once. Contact was made and Norah was hunted down at the Midtown restaurant where she was working as a waitress. Arriving at the studio and meeting the musicians, Norah was given the lyrics to a song written by Brian Ferry entitled "More Than This." Never before seeing these words let alone knowing the song, Norah was asked to just give it a shot. After getting a feel for the song, she began to sing the band playing behind her. At song's end, Norah timidly asked, "if that was okay?" For a minute everyone in the room remained speechless, mesmerized by Norah's radiant essence. Unanimously, it was decided that yes, it was in fact okay.

Very enthusiastic about this collaboration, Norah was invited to sing on another track off the Analog record, a musky blues number entitled "Day Is Done," her satin vocals adding new dimensions to the feel of an artist minded primarily as an instrumentalist. At the performance at the Bowery Ballroom celebrating the release of the Analog record, Norah joined Charlie Hunter and the members of his quartet to perform "More Than This" and "Day Is Done." Her enchanting voice captured the attention of those often inattentive, pausing their time for a moment to be shrouded in tranquility and receiving Norah with the same warmth she had given to them. A few weeks later Charlie and his quartet performed at the Bowery, inviting Norah to join once again but this time as an accompanying instrumentalist as well. Taking seat behind the Wurlitzer, Norah was greeted to a striking reception painting the impression her voice leaves in your soul. As a piano accompanist she held down the grooves with the band adding tonal stylings reminiscent of soul drenched Bill Withers records.

In January of 2001, Norah officially signed with Blue Note and began recording her debut album in May. The album due to be issued in February of 2002 features appearances by contemporary jazz giants Bill Frisell, Brian Blade and Kenny Wolleson while continuing work with bandmates Jesse Harris and Lee Alexander. "I feel like this record is a pretty full expression of where I am now. It's music of mine, and many of my friends. Also some jazz standards and covers. The environment was great. I felt very comfortable with all the musicians. It felt like we were making a record in my living room."

Performing as a soloist, Norah sets the scene in musical diversity as she delves into genre and style, embracing her loves. Flavors of the blues, jazz, soul, country and Latin rhythms all find a place. Her dexterity as a player can be seen in concert seated behind a grand piano or a Wurlitzer embodying sophistication and soul, her band complimenting with perfection as she flows with the elegance of a starry night.

"I don't know if it can be classified as jazz really, or pop music, hopefully it can be appreciated by fans of both. It has lots of different elements. In the end though, it's all about the songs. I think they're all very strong songs. I'm very lucky to have friends who are great songwriters."

Amassing all of these experiences into a formidable project, Norah has set some dates on the West Coast with her band as well as appearing as a guest vocalist with Charlie Hunter's trio during his holiday run from December 18th through the 23rd at the famed Yoshi's in San Francisco. Be sure to check out norahjones.com and charliehunter.com for updates.

Maintain an open mind's eye, extend your ears to hear what is being created around you. As we are ever reaching new grounds in musical exploration, be sure to take part in the movement and you may find a new place within.

Licensed with permission from JamBase.com. Copyright © 2001 JamBase and Robert Krevolin.