Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Come Away with Me is the debut album of pianist and singer Norah Jones, released by Blue Note Records on February 26, 2002. Recording sessions for the album took place at New York City's Sorcerer Sound Studio and Shokan's Allaire Studios in 2001. Released by a predominantly jazz-based label and recorded with several jazz musicians, Come Away with Me has been noted by music writers for its acoustic pop style and incorporation of jazz, folk, soul, and country music elements. The album's critical and commercial success was a breakthrough for Jones in 2002, as it reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart and several jazz charts. The album also topped many critics' "albums of the year" lists and gathered major music awards in the process, including eight Grammy Awards. Following initial sales, Come Away with Me was certified diamond by the RIAA on February 15, 2005 having shipped over 10 million copies in its first three years of release. This album has been released with the Copy Control protection system in some regions.
Soothing and melodic, <i>Come Away With Me</i> draws listeners in effortlessly. Yes, this album could provide a musical backdrop for thousands of dinner parties but it's much more than just thoughtfully arranged, low-key mood music — these are well written pop songs expertly performed. Norah Jones is a talented pianist blessed with a warm and smoky voice that seamlessly blends jazz, soul and country into an intoxicating brew. The songs are a mix of covers from many styles, ranging from Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" to Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart", along with tracks written by Jesse Harris and Lee Alexander, her guitarist and bassist respectively, as well as three by Jones herself. And while this isn't exactly a jazz album, she is supported by a large cast of first-rate jazz musicians (including guitarist Bill Frisell, drummer Brian Blade and organist Sam Yehel) who understand her and provide some controlled sizzle to these consistently laid-back arrangements. With its quiet beauty, subtle power and classic sound, it's no wonder Jones appeals to such a wide audience.
