Norah Jones’ talent has never been in question, and she proved why with an outstanding performance at the Murat Theatre on Saturday night. The audience was so diverse and her performance was so unique and eclectic, that even the pickiest ears were pleased with the sounds delivered.

Much of the concert was devoted to her most recent album “The Fall”, but she threw in a lot of different songs to keep the audience on their toes. “The Fall” features a more groovy, soulful rock sound but the songs fit right into her set and didn’t feel out of place at all.  The groove on “Chasing Pirates” and “Even Though” set a frantic pace that is a far cry from Ms. Jones’ early material. Having such a successful early career and having more hits coming off her early works, I wondered how well her new material would be received since it such a contrast from her older stuff. I wasn’t really surprised though to see that her new sounds were met with cheers and yells of “We Love You Norah”.

When Norah Jones is at her best she is behind the piano, and this performance was no different. Playing favorites “Sunrise” and “Don’t Know Why”, got a huge reaction out of the crowd. The different lighting sets on the stage really set the mood, and provided a nice effect with each song. Ms. Jones showed the crowd her funny side midway through the show, with “Man of the Hour”. The song is about a her dog, and is littered with humorous lyrics all the while being very heartfelt. Shortly thereafter she covered “Cry, Cry, Cry” by Johnny Cash that once again got the crowd going. I’ve always felt she did country very well, she just doesn’t do enough of it. Her voice needs no introduction. Everything about it is perfect, and it echoed throughout the theatre much to the delight of my ears.

The musicianship by her entire band was top notch all night, but I would especially like to recognize guitarist Smokey Hormel for his fantastic slide guitar on “Back to Manhattan”. Kudos, Mr. Hormel. Also backing guitar player and the opener for the night, Sasha Dobson. The crowd was a bit tough on her early on. Much of the audience seemed very uninterested and that is putting it mildly. At one point Dobson uttered the classic stage line “tough crowd”. Once she settled into her set, the crowd acknowledged her as if she was worthy of her place on the stage. I happened to enjoy the folk rock she offered. It was in the style of Jones, but had something more to offer. It was a more earthy folk sound, and was at times on the fringe of alternative country.

Having now seen sister Norah live, it’s hard to imagine her ever playing a bad show. We have that Jones connection, that’s why I can call her sister Norah. The use of so many different instruments offered something for everybody. Everything about the performance was executed flawlessly and worthy of the standing ovation she received. Whenever sister Norah is in town again, I would highly recommend you make it a point to go and see her.