Norah Jones Is Playing Along

Norah sits down with the incredible singer, songwriter, and pianist, Rufus Wainwright, to talk about music and family, and to sing in sweet harmony. His gorgeous piano playing shines on songs from his early career, and Norah gets to play for him on an old standard from the Judy Garland "Live at Carnegie Hall" album. He tells some fabulous stories and they duet on a classic murder ballad from his new album, "Folkocracy.” Recorded 4/27/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Grohl and Norah hang out in Foo Fighters' studio to play through some choice songs from his epic career. Dave talks about why he decided to take the hard road after Nirvana, getting lost in the White House, and asks Norah to take him to music school. Norah and Dave duet on a song that he hasn't played in 20 years, and he makes her day by lending his powerful drumming to one of her songs. This warm and wide-ranging episode gives an intimate peek into the mind of one of modern rock's most beloved legends. Recorded 4/26/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Berninger and Bryce Dessner of The National join Norah by the fireplace to talk about and play songs from their amazing new album, The First Two Pages of Frankenstein. They fill her in on what it was like to come together as a band while living in far away places, the inspiration for the album, and writers block. Matt's warm baritone inspires Norah to ask for a duet on the first-ever acoustic performance of a decade-old song. Recorded 4/29/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret Glaspy is a stellar singer-songwriter whose distinct approach has drawn in listeners far and wide. With her evocative lyrics, magnetic guitar playing, and unshakable vocals, Margaret’s performances are always inspiring and this episode is no exception! Listen in as Norah and Margaret rock out on her new singles, standouts from her catalogue, a powerful Lucinda Williams cover, and chat about the evolution from competitive fiddler to her bold new album, Echo The Diamond. Recorded 6/16/23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special session features not one but two incredible and incomparable musicians - Questlove and Christian McBride. Both hail from Philadelphia and have become titans of the music scene, each in their own right. Go back in time as they relive shared hilarious high school memories, musically breakdown some of their greatest influences, and come together with Norah on inspired covers of D’Angelo, Pops Staples, Kris Kristofferson and more. Recorded 5/10/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Norah is joined by masterful singer-songwriter, Alynda Segarra aka Hurray For The Riff Raff. Though a Bronx native, Alynda found a grounding music community in New Orleans, and through songwriting and performing, they evolved into the passionate and powerful musician they are today. The stillness of the pandemic inspired them to write. You’ll hear some of those songs in this episode, and Norah and Alynda come together on a heartfelt Lucinda Williams duet. Recorded 6/12/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we feature Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Max Clarke of Cut Worms. He’s an explorative musician, and an eloquent lyricist. Norah and Max discuss his musical beginnings, the art of the ’long song’, and his latest work. They perform together on some of his new music, a melancholic Carole King duet, and one of Norah’s favorite songs that grounded her through the pandemic. Recorded 5/10/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features Norah’s longtime friend, the prolific singer-songwriter, M. Ward. Though Matt and Norah have traveled the world together over the past 2 decades, she still had a lot to learn about this illustrious musician with an alluring, honeyed voice. Listen in for duets on Matt’s newest music, as well as a couple of his most treasured songs over the years. Recorded 5/3/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is a singer-songwriter with a powerful, captivating voice - Remi Wolf. Her innovative sound bends the rules of any genre. Norah and Remi talk about the ups and downs of a busy tour schedule, and the desire to find other creative outlets. Join us for intimate versions of songs from Remi’s catalogue, old and new, and Norah and Remi duet on a shared inspiration, Blossom Dearie. Recorded 4/26/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re doing something a little different. We’re sharing an episode from another podcast we love called Broken Record! On Broken Record, acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, and others interview storied musicians from every genre about their lives, inspiration, and music. Norah has been a guest herself but today we’re sharing a recent episode with Feist! You can find more Broken Record, from Pushkin Industries, wherever you listen to podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today is the incredibly talented and versatile musician, Mickey Raphael. His legendary harmonica playing is the hallmark of many songs you know. Not only has he played with everyone from Elton John to Neil Young to Chris Stapleton, but has spent the last 50 years playing alongside Willie Nelson. Mickey and Norah connect on their musical beginnings, their chance meetings with Willie, and life on the road. You won’t want to miss this episode of classics and a spin on one of Norah’s originals! Recorded 4/28/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today is the immensely talented, GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter and dear friend, Emily King! From growing up in NYC, to navigating her way through her career, you’ll hear about how she’s stayed true to herself and her music. Listen in as Emily and Norah perform powerful songs from Emily's latest release, Special Occasion, beautiful favorites from her catalogue, and pay homage to their shared jazz roots. Recorded 4/21/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norah sits down with one-of-a-kind singer, songwriter, and truly accomplished bass-player, Cat Popper. She’s toured with Ryan Adams, Grace Potter, Jack White and many more. She’s also a member of Puss N Boots, along with Norah and Sasha Dobson. Though you may have heard her bass stylings on several artists’ records, today you’ll get to tune in for live stripped down versions of Cat’s fabulous original songs and a striking Pere Ubu cover from the 80’s. Recorded 4/12/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s producing, directing, writing, animating, comedy, voice-overs or singing - Seth MacFarlane can do it all! You may know him as the creator of “Family Guy”, “The Orville”, or the movie “Ted”, but in this episode, Seth and Norah take a step back in time to visit some old jazz standards, and duet on their Oscar-nominated collaboration. They may bond on some deep cuts, but can you guess the one era of music they don’t agree on? Listen in to find out! Recorded 2/7/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norah sits down with the phenomenal singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Bird. This episode is packed full of music that features his stellar violin playing, and his distinct whistling. You’ll hear some lovely original songs by Andrew from across his vast catalogue. Will Norah whistle along? Tune in to find out! Recorded 2/3/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we speak with the brilliant, world renowned sitar player, Anoushka Shankar, who happens to be Norah’s sister! Tune in for stories of the teen years when they first connected, the unique history with their father, Ravi Shankar, through their current GRAMMY night pajama hangs. You’ll hear the harmonious pairing of sitar and piano as they duet on a couple of Anoushka’s songs, one of Norah’s classics, and you won’t want to miss Norah's impromptu introduction to a traditional Indian Raga! Recorded 2/4/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of our first two-parter, we delve deeper into Norah and Robert’s shared roots. You’ll hear an unprecedented version of a Norah classic, one of Robert's songs off of his album Black Radio 2, and a very unexpected duet on one of the "greatest songs of all time”! Listen in to find out who Robert dreams of touring with - it might surprise you! Recorded 2/7/23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fellow piano player, songwriter and Texan, this episode with Robert Glasper was meant to be! Norah and Robert reminisce about their days at Performing Arts High Schools and band camp, and recollect all the alums that have inspired them from the start. They perform a stunning Radiohead cover, a recorded collaboration they’ve never played live together before, and a meditative composition by Duke Ellington. Get caught up in the walk down memory lane, and find out the advice they both got from their friend, Q-Tip! Recorded on 2/7/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Norah and Sarah check in with listeners to find out their dream guest and song ideas for the show. Tune in to hear some unexpected suggestions, and find out who was the most requested! The guest list is endless and the door is wide open! Recorded 3/6/23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Los Angeles based Singer Songwriter Azniv Korkejian, aka Bedouine, has released 3 albums full of beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics. She comes from an Armenian family and has lived in Syria, Saudi Arabia, and all over the US. They dive into her unique songwriting process and find intimate harmonies as they perform Azniv's songs and cover one of her greatest inspirations, Nick Drake. Recorded on 11/15/2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is soulful and compelling singer, songwriter and musician, Lukas Nelson. He is the frontman of Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, who have released several albums and regularly back the legendary Neil Young. Norah and Lukas perform beautiful songs from across his catalog (including a song he wrote when he was 10 years old), you’ll learn all about his distinct and important role as producer/songwriter for the film, A Star Is Born, and about the childhood he spent on his dad’s tour bus. Listen in to find out what his dream was before music! Recorded on 10/18/2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sasha Dobson is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose life has run the gamut from swing dancing in Santa Cruz, to learning instruments on-the-fly in New York City. You’ll hear about how she and Norah met, how they encouraged and inspired each other, and ultimately came full circle in exploring music together. They’ll play some of Sasha’s striking solo compositions, duet on a Puss N Boots classic, and you’ll hear Norah's surprise performance for Sasha. Tune in for all that and the answer to what a Jazz singer is supposed to do with their hands! Recorded 3/29/21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rodrigo Amarante is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Brazil whose career has spanned from the immensely popular band, 'Los Hermanos,' to his collaboration with Fabrizio Moretti and Binki Shapiro 'Little Joy,' to writing and performing the theme song to 'Narcos.' His recent albums highlight his stunning work as a solo artist. He explains growing up with Samba schools, defines Norah’s favorite Portuguese word, and they play songs from all corners of his discography, including one of their recent co-writes. Tune in and get to know this true student of life! Recorded on 6/17/2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Blade is a world renowned drummer hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to his own group, Brian Blade Fellowship, he’s played with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea and Norah amongst many others. He is also a composer and songwriter and can be found carrying a guitar on tour in case the spark for new music strikes. Brian & Norah discuss his penchant for listening to the lyrics while he plays and gets a better understanding for where he developed his fluid style. They put this to the test while playing some of Norah's songs and then switch up the instrumentation with Brian on guitar for a few of his songs from his band, Mama Rosa, including ‘At The Centerline’ and ‘Nature’s Law.’ So tune in as Norah dares to play drums for her drummer! Recorded on 3/6/22. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bobby Hall aka Logic is a brilliant rapper, producer and musician who has cut through the noise with his message of peace, love and positivity. In this episode, he and Norah discuss their relationships to their greatest hits, how to navigate through the pros and cons of social media, and finding the path that feels best for their craft. They work out an intimate version of Bobby’s iconic “1-800 song”, collaborate on a couple of his beat-driven tracks, and improvise a mashup on the spot! And you won’t want to miss Bobby’s confession to Norah, so tune in! Recorded on 6/30/22. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valerie June is a GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter, musician, a yogi, healer, poet, illustrator, children’s author and all around creative. In this episode she and Norah delve into how to overcome the dark corners of your mind and use that energy for something positive. Valerie used her energy to go from watching performers soundcheck growing up, to being a celebrated artist in her own right. Norah and Val sing and play around with duo versions of some of her most special songs. Listen in for an intense conversation with a great student of life and beautiful music. Recorded on 7/16/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Thile was born to play music! He began playing the mandolin at 5 years old and by 8 was in the popular bluegrass band, Nickel Creek. He went on to start the band Punch Brothers and to take the reins of Prairie Home Companion and reinvent it as his own ‘Live from Here with Chris Thile’. The conversation dives into what it was like growing up in church, making room for healthy debates, and the life-changing experience of having Alison Krauss as your producer. This episode is a wild card when it comes to music, as Chris suggests that he and Norah not only dig into his catalog, but also play some killer songs by Radiohead and Judee Sill. Recorded on 10/26/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Rebillet is a wizard! You may know him as Loop Daddy or from his many viral videos improvising tracks at home in his bathrobe. And while that might not be Norah’s performance attire, she and Marc do have a lot in common sharing roots from Dallas to New York. This is by far the funkiest episode to date as Norah & Marc lay down original music on the spot while discussing childhood influences, Marc’s main inspiration Reggie Watts, and how he pieces together the music magic. Tune in to find out what he has planned next! Recorded on 1/18/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mavis Staples is pure love and light. She grew up as part of the Staples Singers, a family whose powerful messages of peace rang loud and clear through times of civil unrest. Now, she has solidified worldwide respect and adoration as a solo artist. In this episode, Mavis treats us to many stories, from growing up in a big musical family, to staying strong through trying times, and how she spreads love through her music. She and Norah pay homage to Pops Staples with a rendition of “Friendship”, take on a gospel classic, and even get into the Christmas spirit! Recorded on 1/27/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tarriona “Tank” Ball is the front woman of Tank and the Bangas who got her start in the slam poetry scene of New Orleans. Norah and Tank are by all means ‘friend goals’ so they cover everything from the news, to cooking, writing, attending the GRAMMYs and of course love. The music in this episode takes some surprising turns while they play new versions of songs by Tank like ‘Rollercoasters’ & ‘Friend Goals,’ a collaboration with Norah titled ‘Playing Along’ and in a twist, a new take on ‘Don’t Know Why.’ Recorded on 9/16/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Tweedy is a musician, songwriter, author and frontman of the prolific band, Wilco. Norah joins Jeff in the studio to chat and play duo versions of 5 of her favorites songs of his, including ‘Jesus, Etc.,’ ‘Muzzle of Bees’ and ‘Sunken Treasure’. They dive into how he’s made music a family pastime and writing the perfect set list. Norah & Jeff laugh about the time she got the words wrong to one of his most beloved songs in front of him, and they tackle the age-old question of ‘who’s career would you like to have?’ They revisit recent history and discuss how the pandemic impacted songwriting. In the end, the answer is simple: Love is the king! Recorded on 10/1/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What you can expect to hear hanging out in the studio for Norah Jones Is Playing Along! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices