Questlove chats with Norah Jones about her 20-year friendship with Questlove, balancing creativity and parenting during the pandemic, childhood memories and musical influences, discovering jazz music, the concept of a fake book, spontaneity and authenticity in recording music, ownership and memories, collaborations and the evolution of music, and their discomfort with social media.
Norah Jones discusses her musical upbringing and the impact of attending a performing arts high school on her career.
Jones highlights her diverse range of collaborations with artists like Andre 3000 and Danger Mouse, showcasing her versatility.
Jones reflects on her favorite albums, the influence of producer Brian Burton, and shares insights on her upcoming album 'Pick Me Up Off the Floor'.
Deep dives
Nora Jones recounts her journey as a musician and her early musical influences
Nora Jones reflects on her upbringing in a musical household and shares how she discovered her passion for music. She discusses her experience attending a performing arts high school and the impact it had on her career. Jones also discusses her transition from jazz to singer-songwriter and the importance of following her creative instincts.
Collaborations and musical exploration
Jones talks about her collaborative projects with artists such as Andre 3000, Billy Joe Armstrong, and Danger Mouse, highlighting the diverse range of musical styles she has explored. She also touches on her collaboration process and the lessons she has learned from working with other musicians.
Reflections on past albums and creative growth
Jones opens up about her past albums, including her favorite projects and the creative growth she experienced throughout her career. She discusses the influence of producer Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) on her album 'Little Broken Hearts' and how his process allowed her to overcome creative constraints and take risks.
Upcoming album 'Pick Me Up Off the Floor'
Jones shares insights on her upcoming album, 'Pick Me Up Off the Floor', revealing that the album started with a piano trio setup and evolved with additional production. She also discusses her collaborations with Jeff Tweedy and the overall creative process behind the album.
Thoughts on previous rejections and future projects
Jones reflects on past missed opportunities and collaborations she regrets turning down, mentioning a call from Pharrell Williams as one that got away. She also emphasizes her eagerness for future projects and ongoing exploration in songwriting and collaboration.
Back in 2020, Questlove had a special one-on-one interview with Norah Jones. She has sold over 50 million albums and earned nine Grammys. In this special QLS, Questlove and Norah reflect on 20 years of their friendship, and her musical journey from a restaurant server to a Blue Note Records superstar for a new generation.