hat is it exactly that attracts people to this sultry 23-year old jazz-country-folk-pop singer? Many say its her voice and the way she sinks you into that nostalgic feeling. Others say its the familiarity with such jazz legends as Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Whatever the case may be, Norah's debut album come away with me has hit gold album status, going as far as #17 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart.

The album, released in February of this year, carries such varied styles ranging from the blues to ballads. The 14 song EP includes covers from Hank Williams (cold, cold heart) and Hoagy Carmichael (the nearness of you). It's clear when Norah says that she enjoys listening to older classics rather than modern music. This, most likely influenced by her mother's musical collection, of which Norah grew up with in Texas.

Here's a good quote to sum things up: "Imagine the voice of a husky Eva Cassidy, or Macy Gray after deep-tissue massage, singing to you in an empty bar late at night."

So what is it that attracted me first to Norah Jones? Well, it's hard to say. Actually, when I was first introduced to her by a friend at work, I didn't like her at all because of her low, dark-sounding voice. However, soon after, I gave her another try and found myself entranced in her vocals and music.

Not being much of a jazz fan, I liked what I heard that I even went out and bought the album. I have to say, I enjoy many of the songs on the album, including Painter Song, which with the accordian, conjures the feel of a "sleepy European street corner." Her moody voice is capable of drifting you out of reality for a while and gently bringing you back to it.

While Norah's been getting great reviews from critics all over the place, I recently read an article in the Toronto Star that said her live material has yet to be as good as her album. Mainly because of her quick launch to stardom, she has had little time to adjust from playing free concerts at bars to playing for thousands of people who pay $30 bucks a ticket to see her.

Hopefully her concert at the Palais Royale this week will be something to remember.