The nine-time Grammy winner performed in the city and spoke about fulfilling her dad’s desire
Opening with her current popular number Happy Pills and signing off with the global hit Come Away With Me, Norah Jones fulfilled the Delhi audience’s every wish belting out a mix of old and new songs at her maiden performance in the city. The nine-time Grammy winner deftly moved from keyboards to guitar and to the piano, playing each with elan as she presented a variety of songs from her kitty. large origami cranes fitted with special lighting hanging from the stage ceiling changed colours to match the various moods Norah created with her deep voice singing her jazz and blues numbers.
How do you feel about your first tour of India, and why did you choose now to perform in the countryIJ
I was excited to come. It’s also bittersweet because my dad just passed away. I’ve never played in India, so that’s one reason to do it, and also my dad has always wanted me to play here. It’s always just been a matter of timing, and adding on to tours. It’s just never worked out in the past. I’m usually so tired by the end of the tour that I never want to add the far away places because I’d be tired. This time I planned it a while ago and my dad was really asking me to do it, and I thought it would be nice for him and nice for me. So it’s very sad that he’s gone now, but I know he was very excited that I was going to be playing in India, so that’s a nice thing.
What did you plan for the concertIJ
I decided to do a lot of old songs and a lot of new songs, and we threw in a cover or two. It was a really fun show.
Since my first album, I have a lot of different kinds of songs — it makes for a really good variety in the show, and they all fit together in interesting ways. I have a great new band and I played some piano and guitar.
How familiar are you with the works of Indian musiciansIJ Do you have any personal favouritesIJ
I’m mostly familiar with my dad and sister. They’re my personal favourites. I’ve heard a lot of music from them over the past few years that I love and I never remember anyone’s names. I have a really great old Bollywood soundtrack compilation that I listen to sometimes. I do love that old Bollywood music which is so good.
Are you looking forward to collaborate with any Indian artistes while you’re hereIJ
At this point in the tour, there’s not going be a lot of room for anything other than the shows, but I’m always open to do things, always.
How often do you visit IndiaIJ Any places you’d like to visitIJ
I’ve been to India four to five times, usually to see my family. I haven’t got time to do tours around, so I would really like to spend a bit of time doing that. It’s such a huge place, it’s very overwhelming to plan a trip, actually!
How do you go about choosing film projects and TV rolesIJ Will we see you in more movies in the futureIJ
I don’t know. I would love to do more in the future if something fun came up. It’s usually a right place at the right time kind of a thing. If I have time and it seems fun, I’m down, but I have no idea.
inputs PTI