Norah Jones - Day Breaks - Reviewed 4 Stars

Norah Jones returns to her piano-based jazz, that familiar place where she emerged from and endeared herself to millions of adoring fans who embraced her simpler blend of soft pop/jazz.

“Day Breaks” is Norah's sixth studio album and as she says..."This new album feels full circle because I'm going back to my early influences. After the first record, I drifted away from the piano a little bit. I still played it, but was more inspired to write on guitar. I really loved playing piano on this record."

Norah's wispy, smokey-sultry voice is as good as ever, she is a far more mature artist now, as evident with the songs “Burn,” - “Flipside,” - “Carry On” and the title track “Day Breaks.”

There's a real New Orleans influence in the recording of these songs. With this album she delivers a batch of fantastic new songs. “It’s a Wonderful Time for Love” is in a throwback sort of style along with “And Then There Was You” and “Once I Had A Laugh.” These are standards style arrangements that perfectly compliment the stronger tracks. It is with these perfectly crafted songs that her confidence shines through.

Three of the tracks are covers, “Don't Be Denied” from Neil Young, “Peace” from Horace Silver, and Duke Ellington's “Fleurette Africaine” is an excellent choice for a conclusion to her latest album. These are all tracks you will really enjoy.

In an interview with Billboard, Jones said... "I was listening to a lot of organ trio stuff, soul jazz from the 60s, and listening to the Les McCann's version of "Compared to What" a ton."

"The goal was to do everything live, get really good takes...When you have great musicians there’s no reason to overdub." With this new album, she accomplishes that.

This is an excellent album, it's one of this year's best, and it's one you can play over and over.

Rate This 4 Stars

Day Breaks - Track List

1. Burn
2. Tragedy
3. Flipside
4. It's A Wonderful Time For Love
5. And Then There Was You
6. Don't Be Denied
7. Day Breaks
8. Peace
9. Once I Had A Laugh
10. Sleeping Wild
11. Carry On
12. Fleurette Africaine (African Flower)

Norah will also embark on a tour in support of Day Breaks this fall. These are dates confirmed so far. Other dates may be added. To stay up to date visit her website for further details.

Norah Jones

Norah Jones Tour Dates

October 10 – New York, NY - Sheen Center

October 11 – New York, NY - Sheen Center

October 12 – New York, NY - Sheen Center

October 13 – New York, NY - Sheen Center

October 18 – Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theater
October 19 – Seattle, WA - Benaroya Hall
October 20 – Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
October 25 – Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theater
October 27 – Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
October 28 – Oakland, CA - Paramount Theater
November 28 – Kingston, NY - Ulster PAC
November 29 – New York, NY - Beacon Theater
December 2 – Philadelphia, PA - Academy of Music
December 3 – Washington, DC - Lincoln Theater
December 8 – Providence, RI - The VETS
December 9 – Portland, ME - State Theater
December 10 – Boston, MA - Orpheum Theater