On a breezy evening under the open skies at the famous Mahalakshmi Race course, a steady stream of Mumbai’s crème-da-la-creme made its way for an unforgettable Sunday.
Marking a sensational debut with her first live performance in India here , doe-eyed Norah Jones (daughter of the late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar) left the crowds entranced with her mesmerising voice and endearing stage antics.
A Summer's Day, the first gig of the American singer songwriter’s maiden three-city tour in India, was a treat for music lovers who had waited a long while.
The setting, too, was dreamlike, with a string of origami cranes taking off the main stage, lending a magical feel to the performance under the stars.
The Grammy winner, in a blue summer dress and orange stilettos, charmed the crowd as much with her wear as with her music.
“ Yahan aane ke liye shukriya ”, was her way of acknowledging the overwhelming turnout for the concert. " Shukriya , for the warm welcome. Thank you. We're so happy to be here. It’s my first show in India and their (her band's) first time in India. We are very happy,” she added.
To the impatient fans urging her to play their favourite numbers, she cheerfully chided, “Quit yelling at me man! I'm playing everything, you know.”
Kick-starting the concert with her hit single from the latest album Little Broken Hearts , the energetic singer crooned 22 songs from her old as well as latest albums before ending with the runaway hit Come Away With Me .
Chasing Pirates, Don’t Know Why, Lonestar, Cold Cold Heart, Miriam, Creepin in and Sunrise sent the crowd into raptures..
Switching from jazz, country and switching to instruments… all of Norah’s musical repertoire was in full display.
The show also featured M. Ward, who played tracks including Chinese Translation, Primitive Girl , and a great cover of Chuck Berry's Roll Over Beethoven .
After Mumbai, Norah will perform in Delhi and Bangalore.
Deepa.nair@thehindu.co.in
Manisha.jha@thehindu.co.in