Norah Jones: Begin Again Review
Vocalist Norah Jones has been impressing listeners with her soft brand of jazz since her debut, Come Away With Me. Armed with a warm and technically gifted voice, Jones continues to bring us well-written tunes with longtime collaborator Jesse Harris. Jones is back with her seventh album titled Begin Again. The seven tracks are all on the mellow side, but Jones is an expert at drawing us into her world of intrigue and mystery. Begin Again continues to show how this wonderful vocalist is still growing and searching the depths of her musical soul.
The opening sounds of the album offer a swelling keyboard sound. The drums enter and have a pop feeling and sound. “My Heart Is Full” has well-written lyrics that Jones delivers with undeniable style and precision. The call and response style of the melody is captivating. The track does grow in sound and fullness as Jones climbs to her upper register. The emotion is real, and this is a new sound for Jones, which she brings to light in a relaxed and believable manner. Great music with a deep meaning is the immediate emotional response you will feel.
The title track has elements of groove that has influences from jazz, R&B and pop. Â Jones is deeply supported by the ensemble. The sixteenth note pulse is a wonderful medium for Jones relaxed vocal and piano style. Her singing has a little more pop influence on this album. The tune is intriguing and will keep your interest. Jones piano solo is some of the best playing on the date, straight to the point and deft.
Each evolution of release that Jones puts forth, her resolve is deepened. It is clear she is an artist who continues to challenge herself to dig into her own profundity. Begin Again is adroitly titled, as this offering evokes a new sound for Jones, one that is more strongly nestled in the adult contemporary pop genre.
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Norah Jones
Begin Again
April 12, 2019
Blue Note Records