Norah Jones has the kind of voice that lends itself to a variety of different genres of music. From dance to hip-hop, jazz to pop Norah Jones is COMPLETELY versatile in that regard, which is why her new compilation album, …Featuring is so perfect. Her last album, 2009’s The Fall, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, marked a slight change in direction for Jones. The album was a bit more experimental in terms of production and overall sound, something that I was quite excited about. While there’s always room on my iPod for Jones’ brand of smooth jazz/pop I was excited to hear that she was going a little bit more…all over the place this time. Working with Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse), Ryan Adams and Will Sheff (from Okkervil River) as well as longtime partner Jesse Harris – I was pleasantly surprised with the end result.
A compilation of some of Jones’ best duets and collaborations spanning the past decade …Featuring is due out via Blue Note Records on November 2nd. The album features a talented cast of legendary singers and musicians including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles and more! Speaking of her fantastic history of collaborative efforts, Jones says:
“It’s so exciting and flattering and fun when I get asked to sing with somebody that I admire,” says Jones. “It takes you a little bit out of your comfort zone when you’re doing something with another artist. You don’t know what to expect—it’s kind of like being a little kid and having a playdate.”
The album contains early works (2001’s “More Than This” with guitarist Charlie Hunter) as well as more recent material (“Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John” with Belle and Sebastian) and sees Jones experimenting with different genres, from country and rock to jazz and even hip-hop. In addition to collaborations with well known artists, …Featuring also includes collaborations with artists Jones has toured with and worked with in other capacities including The Little Willies, M. Ward, Sasha Dobson, Gillian Welch, and David Rawlings. From covers of songs by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell and Roy Orbison to new material from Ryan Adams and Q-Tip, …Featuring really is a grab bag of AMAZING. Jones seems pleased with the final collection, saying:
“A lot of the people on this record are people I’ve worshiped since I was a kid, and some of them are younger and more my contemporaries,” says Jones. “Even though the musicians are so varied, the vibe of the songs makes sense when we put them all together.”
I should mention that there is one notable omission here…”Dreamgirl,” Jones’ collaboration with Saturday Night Live outfit The Lonely Island. Oh well. Pick up your copy when it’s released on November 2nd. Her album The Fall is out now.
Tracklisting:
1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin’ In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward
