Norah and Corinne – A Sweet Escape

I am a person that has a wide musical palate. That being said, I checked out the intriguing double bill of female singer-songwriters Norah Jones and Corinne Bailey Rae at the Greek Theater last Friday. Not only are these two ladies talented but beautiful as well. The English-born Rae is a fine singer who interprets sad, introspective folky neosoul pop. The majority of her songs are sophisticated ballads that aim to hit an emotional response to the listener. Very mellow yet she played compelling up-tempo material including her 2008 breakthrough “Put Your Records On”. Norah Jones definitely showed why she was the headliner of the show. She possesses a clear commanding voice that is smokey, warm and soulful. Backed by a top-notch band, Jones came out with a cherry red electric guitar performing songs from her latest recording “The Fall”. Jones looking glamourous in her patterned top, low cut blouse, tight jeans and high heels, also played acoustic, electric and toy pianos as she concentrated on newer material which reflected her country, bluesy and pop sides. She also played updated versions of a few of her early tunes which catapulted her into stardom. Her band was excellent which included the guitar wizardry of Smokey Hormel and the sweet vocals of Sasha Dobson.