It’s a pop album. No, it’s a Jazz album. Wait…its got country sounds too, along with some soul elements. But then, does it really matter? Whatever it is, it sounds beautiful.

The great Duke Ellington had the phrase “beyond category” for musicians who manage to transcend the tags given by the industry, and that’s somethingMs Jones achieved with this debut album. Showing a maturity that’s way beyond her age (23, when it was released) she takes listeners on a gentle trip. In fact, when she singsthe title track, Come Away With Me (5^th track on Side A), you just want to go with her, without wanting to know where she is taking you.

The entire LP is like a melodious whisper. The songs just quietly climb up your earlobes, barefooted, andcalm you down. Backed by a solid jazz band, Ms Jones’ husky vocals just shine through like a sparkling wine surrounded by some great conversation. And, she isn’t really a jazz singer or anything. She is just a good piano player with a good voice that can tell good stories.

While the entire album has that melodious, low-yellow light feel, there are some real standout tracks. The album starter, Don’t Know Why, with its hooky electric guitar intro sets the mood for the album. This is followed by the National guitar guided Seven Years. The 3^rd track on Side A is probably one of the finest picks from the album, a very convincing and sublime rendition of Hank Williams classic, Cold Cold Heart.

Side B opens up with a slide guitar starrer Lonestar that melts into a melancholic I’ve Got to See You Again. The 3^rd track, Painter Song, will leave you with a slight sound of accordion ringing in your ears much after the song is over. The album ends with The Nearness of You, as if the accompanying Jazz musicians decided that we can’t leave the building without doing the Jazz standard.

Although on repetitive listening this work might start to seem monotonous but when you want to set the mood right for an evening of quiet conversationand more, play this vinyl and break open a bottle of good Riesling.

Rating: ****

Label: Blue Note

Year: 2002

Duration: 45:03

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com .