Music is my Heroin...Tunes to Groove by Version 0.6

Norah Jones -- Artist's Choice

Album: Norah Jones -- Artist's Choice

Artists: Various

Genre: "Jazz"


I've stated before, that I'm totally addicted to the compilation discs that Starbucks puts out through Hear Music. This is one of the albums I picked up in Mid-December of 2004.

Basically, this album is an introduction into the various musicians that influenced Mizz Jones, and subsequently inspired her to become a musician in the first place.

It starts off with the impeccable, genius that is Ray Charles, singing "What Would I Do Without You" A lovely tune, simple in composition, which is the perfect backdrop for Ray and his soulful vocals. The drums consist of a simple snap of the wirebrush on the snare drum every four beats. Very simple. As well as the talents of the magical Mister Charles on the ivories. I love Ray Charles.

This album includes Classic female Jazz icons, including Billie Holiday singing "What A Little Moonlight Can Do." One of her more upbeat peices, if compared to her wounded-soul songs, and statements on the treatment of Blacks in America, back in the 1930's. ("Strange Fruit") Featuring sassy horns, dancing piano, and of course, Billie's unique vocals.

As well as the legendary Miss Holiday, She also picks musicians such as Sarah Vaughan, singing "Whatever Lola Wants. (Lola Gets)" which is SO one of my favourite songs. (I seem to have LOTS of favourites, don't I?) In particular, I highly appreciate the drowsy sounding male backup singers, who echo Sarah. They sound entranced by her vocal abilities. I know I would be.

She also includes the emotional cacaphony of Etta James, singing "I Just Wanna Make Love To You." from the female perspective, instead of the male. I LOVE singing this one when no one is home. I belt it. Etta's gritty vocals are the perfect accompanyment to the naughty lyrics. She really makes it clear that she wants to make love to you.

A very interesting song entitled "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" sung by Donny Hathaway, an artist unknown to me prior to this album. He's got stunning voice control, and a giant range, from high tenor to second bass. This song is heavily Blues/Soul influenced, in my opinion, but also remeniscent of the early 80's (usually something I highly avoid) perhaps I feel this way due to the Saxophone accenting the song.

Also, in the "Soul" category of genre's is the muse to my soul. The woman who's voice makes me sigh with relief at the end of a brutal day. The stunning, gospel-like Aretha Franklin, belting out "Today I Sing The Blues." Lordy. I could go on for paragraphs on this song. However I'll refrain from going quite that far. Aretha plays the piano in the background, and the blues guitar is the perfect accompanyment.

*Sighs in pure eargasmic joy*

To quote Norah,

"She sings the hell out of this song."

Indeed.

I find it impressive that Norah seemed to be influenced by relatively country sounding groups, and artists, including "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" by "The Band", which has wonderful harmony, and a charming southern twang to it.

As well she chose to include the amazing Willie Nelson, singing a very sweet song entitled "Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight?" which simply encapsulates the desire to be held when you feel like you are at your lowest point from the person you love leaving you, and not expecting anything else other than that act of comfort.

There is a track on here by Lucinda Williams, entitled "Fruits Of My Labor". Lucinda's voice is moving, to say the least. I'm very appreciative of the fact that Norah, doesn't seem to linger on musicians who's voices are "immaculate" and will gear towards uniqueness and individual style.

Also included, is the legendary Hank Williams yodeling through "Lovesick Blues." Damn that man was talented. his voice is all over the friggin place in this song. I recoiled a little when I first heard it, but as per usual, it grew on me, like some sort of wart, and now I like it quite a bit. It's fun to sing in the tub.

It finishes off with a soft, two-part harmonized song entitled "Dear Someone" by Gillian Welch. Beautiful. Perfect at capturing the longing of a heart to be with your own. It's absolutely heartwrenching. If I'm not careful, I could cry listening to it depending on the mood I'm in.

This style of harmony is what Elizabeth and I used to play with on our own, covering stuff by R.E.M. such as "Losing My Religion" and making it completely our own, with her doing the upper harmony and myself doing the melody.

There are a few more tracks on here, along the same genre, which is why I disagree with it being categorized as "Jazz" it's too varied.

However, who am I to disagree with the record company that created this album. *snorts*

Out of a Glamazon Shoe Rating of 5 shoes, Norah Jones, Artist's Choice compilation disc, gets 4.5/5 shoes.