Norah Jones/Osaka,Japan 2017

Norah Jones recently came to Japan for the first time in five years. Her latest and best live album is here. This was her first tour across the archipelago from Sapporo to Fukuoka, and the performance included in this work is the “April 17, 2017: Osaka Castle Hall” performance. First, let’s check the position in this tour schedule. April 9: Xebio Arena Sendai April 11: Sapporo Nitori Bunka Hall April 13-15: Nippon Budokan (3 performances) April 17: Osaka Castle Hall [This work] April 18: Fukuoka Sunpalace April 19: Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall April 21: Nagoya Century Hall That’s a total of 9 performances. The Osaka performance in this work was the 6th performance, which is in the middle. The biggest point of this work, which contains such a concert, is the sound that is the best. It is an original master that is not available on the Internet, obtained through a unique route, and it is definitely an audience recording. Although it may seem unreliable at first, the live performance that flows from this work is not “like a sound board” but rather “isn’t this a sound board!?” It is a superb product that makes me doubt my ears. Certainly, some of the applause that rises between songs is close, so it must be the audience… I’m sure. However, if you listen carefully, you can also feel the “taste” of the audience. It’s a natural “sound”. For example, official live albums are made to have a “natural live-like” sound by applying effects and mixing to bland table recordings, but in this work, the sound is of official class, but it is full of natural nuances with zero artificiality. In other words, it is a high-quality live album that allows you to enjoy a natural “sound” like a classical concert recorded with a microphone hanging from the ceiling. In fact, I was blown away by this sound. After all, the venue for this event is the huge “Osaka Castle Hall”. Up until now, her Osaka performances have only been small and medium-sized halls such as the Welfare Pension Hall, Grand Cube, and Umeda Arts Theater. However, this time, since it was a huge venue, I expected the sound to be quite distant, but I was completely wrong. Unfortunately, I was unable to contact the recordist himself, so I don’t know the position or equipment, but how on earth could they record such clear sound? Such a beautiful Osaka Castle recording…no, it is an extremely high-quality sound that I have never heard even at the Osaka Festival Hall, which is said to be “made by God”. Nora’s singing voice and piano spun with such a classy sound are so beautiful that they cannot be put into words. Since she changes her set every day, I cannot grasp her clear intention, but she sings a wide range of masterpieces from her debut work “COME AWAY WITH ME” to her latest work “DAY BREAKS” sometimes with heart-wrenching sadness, sometimes with bouncy brightness, and sometimes with enveloping kindness. Not only every word of the lyrics, but even her breathing is recorded with a reality and closeness that feels like a skin touch. This is already a “work of art loved by God.” I have been exposed to countless, indeed thousands, of recordings on a daily basis. Each time, I realize the development of PA and recording equipment, but the sound of this work is not convincing enough on its own. The unique culture of audience recording can embody such “beauty.” I am even in awe of that fact. The “beautiful sound” that makes me think that there must be a goddess of recording. Live at Osaka-Jo Hall, Osaka, Japan 17th April 2017 ULTIMATE SOUND(from Original Masetrs) Disc 1 (51:33) 1. Intro. 2. I’ve Got To See You Again 3. Tragedy 4. Out On The Road 5. Those Sweet Words 6. Don’t Be Denied 7. Chasing Pirates 8. Rosie’s Lullaby (with Dan Iead) 9. Don Don ‘t Know What It Means 10. Tell Yer Mama 11. Stuck Disc 2 (42:25) 1. Don’t Know Why 2. It’s a Wonderful Time for Love 3. Travelin’ On 4. Little Broken Hearts 5. The Nearness of You 6. Flipside 7. Carry On 8. Sunrise 9. Creepin’ In 10. Come Away With Me