[INTERVIEW] Norah Jones releases Christmas album

Cover image for singer-songwriter Norah Jones' first Christmas album "I dream of Christmas" / Courtesy of Universal Music

By Park Ji-won

Nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones will be releasing her first Christmas album "I Dream of Christmas" on Wednesday.

"I mostly made this album to comfort myself in this time … I think this album did come out of the very long first year of the pandemic. I needed something to look forward to and a way to be creative that had a little joy baked into it. This was the perfect project for me," Jones said in a recent email interview with Korean reporters.

"Christmas is a nostalgic, beautiful and magical time of year that is something to look forward to. A time to shut off the phones and just hang out and eat and spend time with those who matter most."

She said in a press release that she decided to come up with the Christmas album last year after feeling comfort while listening James Brown's "Funky Christmas" and Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album."

Of the 13 tracks on the album, she composed six herself. She picked "Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)" as the one she was most attached to, as "It really helped inform the whole album with the longing for Christmas spirit and missing friends who feel like family. By the end it's a party," she said.

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones / Courtesy of Universal Music

The following are questions and answers with singer Norah Jones. They have been lightly edited for content and clarity.

Q: It's the second Christmas since COVID-19 broke out. What did you do on Christmas last year and how have you spent this year so far?
A: Last year we had a quiet Christmas with just my small family. This year probably more of the same. I've been enjoying playing the Christmas songs for some promotion but now going to settle in to being cozy!

Q: Do you have any special memories on Christmas? Could you explain what Christmas means to you?
A: To me, Christmas is a nostalgic, beautiful and magical time of year that is something to look forward to. A time to shut off the phones and just hang out and eat and spend time with those who matter most.

Q: From your new album "I Dream of Christmas," there was an impression that it emphasizes the importance of listening to your inner self and giving deeper comfort despite a difficult situation like COVID-19. You said that you came up with this album while spending Christmas during the lockdown. What kind of story and music did you want to share with this album?
A: Yes, I think this album did come out of the very long first year of the pandemic. I needed something to look forward to and a way to be creative that had a little joy baked into it. This was the perfect project for me.

Q: In this album we can listen to traditional Christmas songs that we all enjoy listening to. Why did you choose these pieces for the album and how did you interpret these all-time-favorite Christmas songs?
A: There is no shortage of amazing and classic Christmas songs. I just picked the ones I wanted to sing the most and everything fell into place.

Q: You participated in writing six tracks for the album. If you could pick only one, which song do you feel most attached to and why?
A: I love Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones). It really helped inform the whole album with the longing for Christmas spirit and missing friends who feel like family. By the end it's a party.

Q: You are very well known as a jazz vocalist but for nearly 20 years you have explored different genres such as country and blues. Compared to the previous albums, is there a difference in terms of expression of voice? Did you explore new tones or expressions especially for this album?
A: Though I do come from a strong jazz background, I've always felt very free with genres. I think for me, all that matters is that I'm singing a song and conveying the lyrics in an honest way. Everything else should just fall into place that's happening. I don't think of how I'm singing too much when things are working that way.

Q: What was it like working with Tony Scherr, Brian Blade and Dave Guy?
A: Making the record with Brian Blade and Tony Scherr was a blast. Leon Michels was the most amazing producer and we had so much fun putting everything together afterward, throwing fun things at the recordings to see what stuck.

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones / Courtesy of Universal Music

Q: This album was impressive in terms of your unique and rhythmical voice. You said that you found yourself listening to James Brown and Elvis during lockdown for a sense of comfort. Do you have any other songs that inspired you while working on this album?
A: Yes, Christmas music has that nostalgic thing to it that is very comforting, especially the older you get. Leon and I had a great Christmas playlist going back and forth with some amazing inspiration on it. Duke Ellington's "Sugar Rum Cherry" is one that comes to mind.

Q: "Come Away With Me" touched the hearts of Americans who were having a hard time after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Your new Christmas album also happened to come out in this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. What message do you want to deliver through this album?
A: I mostly made this album to comfort myself in this time, maybe that will translate.

Q: Next year is your 20th debut anniversary. How you do feel about reaching this milestone? How do you want to be remembered as an artist? Do you have any special plans for the upcoming year?
A: It's a crazy touchstone to think that it's been 20 years! Of course I have very fond memories of making the record and the fact that it became such a success changed the course of my whole life. I hope to tour a bit next summer, it's been way too long.

Q: You are one of the most popular artists among South Koreans. It seems that your soothing music resonates with many audiences here. Do you have anything you want to say to Korean fans?
A: I hope to visit soon to play music in Korea again! I love it there so much and I wish you all love and friendship for the holiday season.