MUSIC Norah Jones who will be performing in India for the first time talks about fulfilling her father’s desire and her musical influences
Nine-time Grammy winner, Norah Jones, will kick-off a three-city tour with a headlining performance at ‘A Summer’s Day’ in Mumbai, followed by concerts in New Delhi and Bangalore. Jones first emerged on the world stage a decade ago with the 2002 release of Come Away with Me that introduced a singular new voice and grew into a phenomenon, sweeping the 2003 Grammy Awards and signalling a paradigm shift from the prevailing synthetic pop music of the time. Since then, the talented artiste has sold over 40 million albums worldwide, releasing a series of solo albums — Feels Like Home (2004), Not Too Late (2007), The Fall (2009), and Little Broken Hearts (2012) — as well as two albums with her country collective The Little Willies .
Norah Jones speaks to the MetroPlus about her maiden India tour, her music and what she’s got on the cards.
How did this performance come about?
I’m excited to come to India. It’s also bittersweet because my dad just passed away. I’ve never played in India, so that’s one reason to do it, and also my dad has always wanted me to perform here. It’s just never worked out in the past. I’m usually so tired by the end of the tour that I never want to add the faraway places. This time I planned it a while ago and my dad was really asking me to do it, and I thought it would be nice for him and for me.
So it’s very sad that he’s gone now.
Among your albums which one is a personal favourite?
I don’t know. I think the newest thing is always the favourite — it’s what you’re closest to, and I think that’ll probably be true for a long time. I think I’ll need another 10 years to reflect and choose a real favourite.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Every year I change and get inspired by different things. I find inspiration in all kinds of places. It’s really hard to put into words.
Your music appeals to a wide range of audience. How did you achieve it?
It’s great. It’s totally random. Sometimes there will be older people, sometimes there will be college kids, and sometimes there will be people my age.
If there was an Indian artiste/band you could collaborate with, who would it be?
I’m mostly familiar with my dad and sister (Anoushka). They’re my personal favourites. I have a good old Bollywood soundtrack compilation that I listen to sometimes. I love old Bollywood music which is so good.
Norah Jones will perform in Bangalore on March 8. Tickets are available at www.nh7.in/asummersday and BookMyShow.com.
NEETI SARKAR
