Norah Jones is an accomplished vocalist and pianist, and on this, her debut album, she carves her own individuality, as deftly as any craftsman fashions an intricate jewellery box. Open it, and there inside, find the songs nestling like gems, all different, each one a thing of beauty in its own right. And she's drop-dead gorgeous too.

It is hard to categorise her music, as elements of jazz, southern soul, country (don't let that put you off!) weave themselves together in a way that almost makes you feel you're already familiar with the songs.

Norah's cover of Hank William's "cold cold heart", has been imaginatively re-arranged, and given a new breath of life with a compelling bass line underpinning her sumptuous vocals.

Not afraid to blend styles, the violin in "I've got to see you again" even hints at Jewish Kletzma, and the sitar makes an appearance in a few other tracks, as does slide guitar, Hammond organ and accordion.

I would say that beautiful as these laid-back ballads are, an up-tempo number would have been a welcome addition, but then this album is the sort of thing you could listen to with friends and loved ones without being overbearing. No doubt this will be the catalyst for a multitude of candle-lit suppers and more I suspect.

Music is in her blood; her father is the sitarist Ravi Shankar, whom she only met four years ago. Norah describes her musical background; ”I was a jazz nerd in high school - I listened to Bill Evans - but I also loved my mum's Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles records". Aged only 22, the Texas-born singer now based in Brooklyn, is destined for great things.

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