Norah Jones in Orlando

Friday, 13 August 2010 12:16

Norah Jones played at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando this week, bringing a relaxing, mellow vibe to the state as a consolation gift in place of the recently canceled Lilith Faire (where she was one of the scheduled performers). Yes, the cancellation was disappointing, but Norah was one that I was anticipating most, so I was happy to see her anyway.

Story and Photos by John Davisson

Like many people, I enjoyed her huge hit album Come Away With Me, and that album’s “Don’t Know Why” (with a hint of gospel to keep it fresh) received the most enthusiastic response of the evening. Her 90-minute set was a steady, mid-tempo journey featuring songs from throughout her career. Sometimes you wish she might switch gears into a full-tilt rocker, but that’s not her style; she was a professional, and her style was classy, not crass. She knows that, and even joked about visiting Disney World (well, it was Orlando—what do you expect?) and riding the Aerosmith roller coaster. She said she could never have a roller coaster as it would be the slowest ride in the world.

Sometimes the slow rides are good, though—a time to take in the beauty of life and reflect, and such was her show. Her band was top-notch, easily creating sonic soundscapes to accompany the Norah Jones ride perfectly while Norah shifted from piano to keyboards, to guitar. The textures were subtly varied, with some piano ballads, of course, but also some twangy guitar with country touches and some bluegrass. It was an entertaining evening.