Joyous. Loose. Fun.
These are not words usually used when describing Norah Jones’ music. Or at least not words I have used in the past. Yet all three of them encapsulate Jones’ new album, Visions.
The album was produced by Leon Michels, best known as a soul drummer and one of the founders of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Lee Fields & the Expressions, El Michels Affair and The Arcs. He is also a well-established producer for artists like Chicano Batman, Hanni El Khatib and once before with Norah for her 2021 Christmas album. The two of them have played together over the years, and there is an immediate comfort between them which is palpable throughout Visions.
Visions finds Jones’ playful side. In her interview with Carmel Holt on Sheroes Radio (heard on KAXE Saturdays at 9 a.m., Sundays at 8 p.m.), she used the word "fun" several times in describing the songs, the making of the album and about playing music in general.
Jones has also started her own podcast, Norah Jones is Playing Along, pairing her with fellow musicians, where they casually talk music and sing a couple of songs together. It is a loose environment where Jones has revealed more of her traditionally guarded personal self. One wonders if the connection to her looser approach to music in Visions is tied to that experience.
In the end, Visions makes it clear that playing music is a true joy for Norah Jones.
Must Listens:
‘Staring at the Wall’
‘Running’
‘I’m Awake’
‘On My Way’
Tune in to KAXE Monday-Friday (10am, 3pm, 8pm) to hear from our featured Album of the Week.
