Norah Jones bares her soul at Massey Hall
I used to think I could sing. I mean I really, truly thought that even without any past vocal training I could carry a tune. The trouble was I was always singing along to women like Norah Jones. "Come Away With Me" was going to be my choice cover song during my sold-out show at Massey Hall. It turns out I can't sing at all. But the fancily frocked fans at Massey Hall will agree with me that Norah Jones can sing. Her velvety voice still makes my heart flutter and my feet melt.
Hanging from the stage's ceiling were dozens of white origami cranes and loose strings of lights, making for a background of ethereal shimmer that complemented the soulful songs that flowed so smoothly they sounded as though they were falling from her lips. Moving from keyboard to electric guitar to acoustic guitar to grand piano, Jones' instrumental talents remind me of meeting someone who can speak multiple languages fluently — I'm too awestruck to feel substandard.
Jones' newest album, "Little Broken Hearts," weaves a tale of the emotional turmoil involved in bitter breakups, and her raw lyrics are a dramatic turn from her previous releases. The album was produced by Brian Burton — you may know him as Danger Mouse — who has collaborated with Jones in the past. She even performed her rendition of Danger Mouse's "Black."
Jones is a classic beauty: remember her cameo in Two Weeks Notice? Hello gorgeous! Her beauty is only outmatched by her vocal and instrumental prowess. Flowing through new songs like "Happy Pills" to old hits like "Don't Know Why," Jones included both solo performances and groovy ballads with her band.
Although I've come to terms with the fact that I can't sing, I know I can listen really well. And Norah, to you I will listen as best as I can.
Setlist
Good Morning
Say Goodbye
Take It Back
Even Though
Chasing Pirates
She's 22
All a Dream
Black (Danger Mouse cover)
It Must Have Been the Roses (Grateful Dead cover)
Cold, Cold Heart
Out On the Road
Miriam
Happy Pills
The Nearness of You
Don't Know Why
What Am I To Do
Little Broken Hearts
Stuck
Lonestar
Encore
Sunrise
Creepin' In
Come Away With Me
Photos by Brian Morton
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