Join Norah Jones, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her hit debut 'Come Away With Me,' and Don Was, president of Blue Note Records, as they celebrate the label's 85th anniversary. Norah shares her journey from a small-town musician to an international sensation and reflects on her musical upbringing. Dive into the creative process behind her latest album, 'Visions,' and discover how her collaboration with Leon Michels blends unique sounds. This engaging conversation reveals insights into artistry, fame, and the emotional depth of music.
The podcast celebrates Blue Note Records' 85-year legacy and highlights its profound influence on jazz music through iconic artists.
Norah Jones recounts her artistic journey, blending classical training with jazz, highlighting her inspirations and early experiences in music education.
Themes of collaboration and authenticity are central, with Norah emphasizing the importance of genuine artistic expression and maintaining creative integrity.
Deep dives
Nora Jones and the Legacy of Blue Note Records
The conversation focuses on the rich history of Blue Note Records, celebrating its 85th anniversary along with its significant influence in the jazz genre. The label has been home to numerous legendary artists, such as Robert Glasper, John Coltrane, and Nora Jones herself. Nora highlights her long-standing relationship with Blue Note, having launched her career with them and expressing admiration for its distinctive branding and the artistic contributions made by its past executives. The episode features discussions on how Blue Note’s artistic direction and rich catalog continue to shape the contemporary music landscape.
Nora's Musical Journey
Nora reflects on her musical upbringing, including her experiences in Grapevine, Texas, and her exposure to different genres. She shares how she balanced classical training with her passion for jazz while drawing inspiration from artists like Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday. Nora's journey through music education led her to open new creative doors, particularly when she discovered her voice and began writing songs. The podcast emphasizes the significance of her early experiences, which served as a foundation for her future successes as an artist.
Collaborating with Influential Artists
The influence of collaborations is a prominent theme as Nora recounts working with various artists, including Don Wuzz and Brian Blade, both of whom have profoundly impacted her music. The conversation touches on the collaborative nature of creating her albums, particularly the joy found in spontaneous jams and the unique chemistry developed with her collaborators. Nora's experience with Brian Blade exemplifies the deep musical connection that arises when artists play together, noting how Brian’s drumming style enhances her own performance. This synergy not only elevates their music but also inspires creativity within their collaborations.
Exploring New Musical Directions
Nora discusses her latest album 'Visions' and the creative process behind it, illustrating the joy of experimenting with different sounds and genres. Working with producer Leon Michels, they crafted music that feels fresh and organic, embodying the spontaneous spirit of collaboration. The podcast highlights how Nora's songwriting evolved, often drawing from personal experiences during the pandemic while maintaining a focus on creativity without constraints. Her approach reflects a desire to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and musical exploration.
Embracing Artistic Authenticity
Throughout the episode, the theme of staying true to oneself as an artist resonates strongly with Nora’s reflections on her career. She discusses the pressures of the industry, particularly after experiencing her early fame, and how she navigates the desire for authenticity in her music. Nora emphasizes the importance of saying 'no' to projects that don’t align with her artistic vision, creating boundaries that maintain her integrity. This commitment to authenticity, coupled with her ability to embrace change and growth, illustrates her journey as not just a musician but a resilient artist.
Blue Note is one of the first and longest standing institutions of Jazz music. Since its formation in 1939 the label has put out albums by Robert Glasper, Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Gergory Porter, Bobby McFerrin, and so many more.
To celebrate 85 years of music from this iconic label, Justin Richmond and Blue Note’s current President Don Was recorded a series of interviews with the label’s past present and future: Ron Carter, Meshell Ndegeocello, Charles Lloyd, Julian Lage and today, Norah Jones.
Norah has been with Blue Note Records since releasing her juggernaut 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me. Her latest album, Visions, wascreated with New York’s Leon Michels of El Michel’s Affair. Their two distinctive sounds blend beautifully to make an album that stands out not only as a new texture in her discography, but some of her strongest work to date.
On today's episode, Norah Jones details her musical upbringing and what it was like striking it big with her debut album. She also performs for us, and talks about the musical freedom she's found as part of the Blue Note family.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Norah Jones songs HERE.