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Norah Jones Reveals Early Sitar Lessons

Eight-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones has revealed that she once learned to play the sitar, the instrument her father Ravi Shankar plays.

The folk and jazz singer revealed to the Telegraph her half-sister Anoushka tried to teach Jones how to play the ancient Indian instrument several years ago.

She explained, "It was fun, but you have to twist your back all around. My dad and Anoushka both have twisted backs from playing so much. And you have to sit cross-legged. See, that ain't cool! I can't imagine doing a world tour cross-legged!"

Asked about whether she would ever record a song with Shankar, now nearly 90 years old, Jones says, "I would love to do it, but I would love to just spend time with him and not put pressure on it for some public reason. He comes alive when he talks about music so it's definitely a great experience."

Jones' also reveals that her fourth album 'The Fall,' -- produced by Kings of Leon producer Angelo Petraglia -- is her most personally confident release yet. It was the first record written without co-writing help from former long-term boyfriend Lee Alexander. She describes the album as "about me -- just going through a big transition overall. Breaking up, turning 30, changing my band, getting a dog, cutting my hair."

Nominated for 'Best International Female' at this year's Brit Awards, Jones' has a new single 'Stuck' out on Mar. 8.

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Rich Foster

I honestly don't remember when I first heard Nora Jones but I loved her song "Come away with me". I was shocked when my GRANDMOTHER told me she liked her too!! I like her history and it makes sense why she is such a good entertainer.

March 26 2010 at 10:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve Unwin


I too adore Norah Jones. She's easy to love. The first love of my life was also Eurasian. Indian music at weddings and celebrations is absolutely haunting. George Harrison discovered that. His very best music comes from India. Also I live in Kingwood, Texas and know all about Texan girls! She's the perfect blend! sjfunwin

March 26 2010 at 9:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kimberly

Norah's got so many wonderful songs; her voice is beautiful. I love " Light as a feather" and " Even though". Her voice is always a breath of fresh air.

February 16 2010 at 5:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Frank

I'm a 66 year old married male, however when watching and listening to Norah Jones Videos, my heart just melts to a puddle.

February 15 2010 at 10:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Donald R. Mack

I love Norah Jones and think I have just about every album she's done so far. I love "Feelin' The Same Way," and an Amazon.com exclusive called "Can't Stop." I think her album "The Fall" is probably my favorite although that might be because it's fairly new.

Keep on keepin' on, Norah.

February 15 2010 at 8:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
H L C Van Layden

I Love Norah Jones---She's A Dallas Girl !!!! Love Her New CHIC---STRAIGHT---BOB---Hairstyle She Sported On The Grammys !!!

February 15 2010 at 7:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Angie

My favorite cds are her first two, but loving the single 'Back to Manhattan' on the new cd.

February 15 2010 at 7:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BECKIE EVANS


I THINK NORAH JONES IS A GREAT SINGER. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AND HEAR HER BUT I LIVE IN NEWPORT NEWS,VA. AND I DON'T THINK SHE HAS BEEN HERE. SHE IS SO SENSUAL WHEN SHE SINGS. I KNOW ALL OF YOU GUYS LIKE THAT. KEEP SINGING NORAH AND I WILL BUY YOUR CD'S.

February 15 2010 at 6:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to BECKIE EVANS's comment
Errol

Nora Jones will be playing in Durham, NC, August 8, 2010
http://www.dpacnc.com

March 26 2010 at 8:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Juliej

It is sooo coool that Norah is the daughter of Ravi Shankar. Being a Baby Boomer I was listening to him when I was in college. She is very soulful and I see where she gets it.

February 15 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Richard Dunn

I Love Miss Norah Jones and I can't wait to see her in Austin,Tx.

February 15 2010 at 5:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply