Norah Jones Interviews Danger Mouse and Matt Berninger

Norah Jones, an award-winning singer of sophisticated crossover music, quickly rose to stardom at 22 when her debut album of classic country and ’70s singer/songwriter balladry, Come Away With Me, took off the charts. Since then she has continued her pursuits, finding success in everything from new-twang country multiverses to collaborations with Danger Mouse.

Norah Shankar Jones

Norah Jones burst onto the world stage with her debut album Come Away With Me in 2002 and since has earned nine Grammy awards and become one of this decade’s most revered artists. Additionally, Norah has appeared in multiple films directed by Kar Wai Wong including My Blueberry Nights as lead protagonist.

Her music evokes various emotions while drawing from various genres. She has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists such as Foo Fighters, Ryan Adams and Cee Lo Green – her fifth studio album Little Broken Hearts was produced by Danger Mouse who also had previously collaborated with Cee Lo Green.

Visions is the follow up album to her 2020 release Pick Me Up Off The Floor, which featured new original songs that addressed life’s trials and tribulations and provided comfort, joy, and hope.

Singer

Nine-time GRAMMY winner Joni Mitchell first made an impactful statement with her 2002 album Come Away With Me – self-described as “moody little record” that introduced a singular new voice – though marketed as jazz it proved immensely popular due to its easygoing melodies and country influences which proved captivating listening material for listeners of all ages.

Jones has managed to successfully traverse two musical scenes throughout her career: jazz musicians who favor complex improvisation and structural experimentation; and singer-songwriters, who seek concision and elegance in their writing. She has developed an appreciation for three chord songs from folk, country and soul traditions.

Norah hails from Grapevine, Texas where she sang church choirs and learned piano and guitar. At Interlochen Arts Camp and University of North Texas she majored in jazz piano performance with the UNT Jazz Singers before moving to New York City where an unexpected meeting with musician Jesse Harris led to a band they formed together and subsequently toured extensively together.

Songwriter

As one of the best-selling albums ever released, Norah Jones has collaborated with an eclectic roster of talent. On this episode of our podcast she enjoys intimate conversations with Matt Berninger and Bryce Dessner of The National by their fireplace while singing together and playing songs together.

She discusses her latest album Visions. Released last week, this album marks a departure from her signature style; instead offering up pop songs with some fresh funk elements recorded over a year-long residency in Brooklyn apartment.

Norah for the first time played guitar on all her songs during this album, as well as discussing Ravi Shankar’s impactful influence. With early encouragement and support from him as she discovered her musical voice as both composer and performer; his dedication to Indian classical music also provided Norah with inspiration in creating her signature blend of Western influences into an original sound.

Musician

Come Away With Me was released by Jones in 2002 to great acclaim and became an instant classic. Blending mellow acoustic pop with jazz and soul influences, Jones is noted for her delicate voice, elegant piano playing, and poetic songwriting that expresses depth of emotion through sparse yet elegant tones.

After an impressive run of concerts, she released Feels Like Home in 2004 to critical and commercial acclaim. This album marked a departure from her earlier releases; instead it focused on mixing original songs with classic covers to form one cohesive body of work.

Norah is joined in this episode by GRAMMY nominated singer-songwriter and guitar player Margaret Glaspy, known for her powerfully emotive lyrics and magnetic guitar playing. Listen as Norah and Margaret perform recent singles from their catalogue as well as powerful Lucinda Williams covers, while discussing their journey into competitive fem-rock.