Norah Jones Woos Fans at Bowl

The rain couldn’t stop notable jazz musician Norah Jones from playing a stripped-down performance of songs new and old at the Bowl last Thursday night. Dressed in ponchos and hoodies, dedicated fans relaxed in their seats unbothered by the weather as singer/songwriter Valerie June opened the set. The Nashville singer put a millennial twist on folk music with her space buns and metallic skirt as she played songs with gospel, bluegrass, and Appalachian influences.  

Jones began her set sitting at a grand piano playing her new release “Day Breaks” and the seductive “I’ve Got to See You Again,” until her band came onstage to play “Out on the Road” from 2012’s Little Broken Hearts. Her silky voice, enchanting piano prowess, and charisma gave new meaning to the radio hits “Sunrise” and “Come Away with Me.”

Jones offered a bit of comic relief when she and the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to bass player Josh. She also won over the crowd with her politically savvy tune “My Dear Country,” reimagining the lyrics to address the upcoming presidential election. After coyly implying nobody has ever gotten engaged to her music, a couple from the first row slow-danced to the tune of “Don’t Know Why” in a powerful display of her role in romantic relationships in the past decade.

With poise and wit, Jones delivered a dazzling set of songs that fans know and love, and introduced music from her new album, Day Breaks, proving that she hasn’t lost her original charm but still has a few musical tricks in her little broken heart.