Norah Jones Come Away With Me

Soothing and melodic, Come Away With Me 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.