Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Few debuts have ever reached the stratospheric heights of Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” which besides selling over 27 million copies and collecting five Grammy Awards, contributed to Billboard crowning her the top jazz artist of that entire decade.

Of course, that wasn’t her exclusive style on the landmark recording, which included blues, folk, country and pop elements to further foreshadowed a cross-section of success that continued in multi-platinum stacks on a regular basis.

Exactly two decades later, the singer, songwriter and pianist released an anniversary edition of the album and returned to the road, but also brought along tunes from 2020’s even more experimental affair, “Pick Me Up Off The Floor” (produced by Chicago’s own Jeff Tweedy from Wilco), along with several moments in between for those who bet the rain would stop surrounding the otherwise breathtaking Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island.

If anything, the classy performance proved just how much Jones refuses to be pigeonholed, touching all on those roots-based leanings with the soft and steady touch of a three-piece band supporting her gorgeous vocal/piano playing combination.

“Just A Little Bit” and “I’m Alive” were a few early examples of the warm and relaxing interplay that found Jones starting exclusively at the center microphone before strolling over to her primary instrument.

It was a place where she frequently sat while impeccably recreating “Sunrise,” “To Live” and “This Life,” though she also strapped on a guitar and turned up the volume come “Little Broken Hearts,” and a little later, back at the keys for an especially upbeat “Happy Pills.”

The audience was treated to a surprise cameo from local hero and gospel great Mavis Staples, along with opener Emily King, for a soulful take on the newer “I’ll Be Gone,” with everyone seeming awestruck over the 83-year-old national treasure.

Regularly scheduled ballads, “Come Away With Me” and “Don’t Know Why,” brought the evening full circle as Jones gently crooned each familiar chorus, entrancing with the same charming musical spell she managed to constantly cast for around 100 minutes.

King, a fellow troubadour and triple Grammy-nominee, also benefited from the breaking weather, supporting with her smooth brand of R&B, soul and pop, who after previously accompanying Maroon 5, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Sara Bareilles, once again complimented this heroine of a headliner.

For additional information on Norah Jones, visit NorahJones.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include 5 Seconds Of Summer (Jul. 16); David Gray (Jul. 18); Burna Boy (Jul. 23); $UICIDEBOY$ (Aug. 2); Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 4); Brandi Carlile (Aug. 6); LANY (Aug. 7); Maren Morris (Aug. 10); Alicia Keys (Aug. 23); Florence + The Machine (Sept. 7); Odesza (Sept. 9-10); Deadmau5 (Sept. 23); Lamb Of God (Sept. 24); Conan Gray (Sept. 28); New Order and Pet Shop Boys (Sept. 30) and The Head And The Heart (Oct. 1). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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