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8 Time Grammy Award Winner? For Real?

I'm sure everyone out there is sick and tired of my whining. But, I (once again) feel the need to vent.

Today, (Sunday, May 25th) which happened to be a damp, drizzly day in Connecticut, Lisa (my better half) and myself, strolled into FYE in the Danbury Fair Mall. She went her way to DVD movies, and I went mine into "Pop/Rock" CDs. After about 15 minutes or so, Lisa found me at the register with a copy of Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me". As we stood in line, she looked at the CD cover and we discussed my new CD purchase. She noticed that of the 14 songs contained on the CD, only 2 were written by Norah. One song (#13) was a collaborative effort.

We further discussed the fact that many of the best artists use non-original material. But, Lisa did make an intersting comment; "Hmmm, she said. I'm surprised that someone awarded Best New Artist would only have 2 original songs". Again, an interesting observation.

Well, I didn't let that take the wind out of my sails. I just continued looking at that little blue sticker on the front of the CD case stating "8 Time Grammy Award Winner", " Album Of The Year", "Best New Artist", "Song Of The Year". I had never heard the complete album, but I figured, it's gotta be halfway decent.

Upon arriving home I put the CD through my usual ritual (Wash, Cut, Polish and Demagnetize), placed the CD In the Audiomeca and sat back to listen to this exciting new "Grammy" performance.

You're kidding, right? This is it?

O.K.,O.K. Kinda cool voice with a sandy kind of texture, (although, she sounds like she was recorded using a plastic microphone), average piano playing skills (although, on cut #1 the piano sounds like it's under water), and on cut #9, she had an almost Ricki Lee Jones "kind of" quality. Overall, not a bad recording, but I wouldn't put it high on the "sonics" list.

So, this is "today's" Grammy material Huh?

I'm certainly glad I'm not a postal worker skilled in firing automatic weapons, cause I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Has anyone found this "Grammy Award Winner" worthy of it's status?

My opinion? I'd have to concur with the title of the first song,"Don't Know Why".


128x128buscis2
buscis2's avatar
buscis2 OP
468 posts
 
Yea, but Viridian, you have to give credit for the recording quality of Patricia Barber. I actually use one of her albums as a reference (Cafe Blue/Blue Note #7243 5 21810 2 5). The recording quality is superb.

The only thing is, when listening to Patricia, I feel the need to do 8 or 10 shots of Wild Turkey. Ya know, just to put you in the same "frame of mind" as the artist.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Ok so I won't compare her to Ella, but please don't compare her to Joni Mitchell. I don't really like Joni Mitchell, but feel that her talent dwarfs that of Norah Jones, even looking back at what she did at the same age and Joni can paint to boot! The only answer may be to disregard the Grummys and other awards entirely and to wish that Ms Jones has a lot in her yet to develop and materialise.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Marty, I agree with your "Jazz Lite" remarks, 'cept for the word horrible. It 'tis what it 'tis. It's really an oxymoron; "good lite jazz?" Hey, it's a start for some. An ending for others. I started with Boones Farm. It got me to the world of a fine Montrachet. There is hope.
peace, warren
tarsando
578 posts
 
It used to be (back in the 60's) that the Grammy's were pretty much worthless awards at least in pop and jazz. Nobody that I knew watched them or gave them any creedence. They were at least 5 years behind the times. I don't know what's changed. I still don't pay any attention to them. Re Norah Jones.. I've listened to the CD three times since I bought it a couple of months ago...Nothing great as far as Im concerned.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Ed, bottom line is, spectacular recordings and all, (and I have them): Can she sing? NO! They are sweet recordings, though. Her voice is, more than, tolerable, but not like this new white girl, who sounds black and cool: Madeleine Peyroux. Can't wait for her new recording. Now this is one white girl who's got Billy Holiday in her.
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