New York-born songwriter Jesse Harris is currently captivating audiences in Paris with performances at the Duc des Lombards, but it’s his latest album, “If You Believed in Me,” that has him reflecting on a significant first – collaborating with a full orchestra. The Grammy-winning musician, known for his work with artists like Norah Jones and Melody Gardot, described the experience as “incredible,” marking a new chapter in his prolific career.
Harris, whose songwriting credits include the hit “Don’t Know Why” for Norah Jones, has consistently sought to refine his musical approach. His performances this weekend represent not just a showcase of his latest work, but a continuation of that pursuit of artistic evolution. The new album, and the orchestral arrangements within it, represent a deliberate step forward for the artist, who has spent decades crafting songs across multiple genres.
The collaboration with a full orchestra on “If You Believed in Me” allowed Harris to explore textures and dynamics previously unavailable to him. He’s worked with a diverse range of acclaimed musicians throughout his career, including Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, and Cat Power, but this project presented a unique challenge and opportunity. Harris spoke about this experience in a recent interview, emphasizing his constant drive to improve his records.
Harris’s connection to Norah Jones dates back nearly two decades. The two first collaborated when Harris was 19 years old, and he contributed four or five songs to her breakthrough debut album, Come Away with Me, released in 2002. That album went on to achieve diamond certification, selling over 27 million copies, and earned Jones five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist, according to Billboard records.
Beyond his work with Jones, Harris has maintained a busy schedule as a solo artist and with his instrumental group, Cosmo. He’s also a frequent collaborator, lending his talents to a wide array of projects. A recent Instagram post from @jesseharrismusic highlighted a discussion about the making of “Having a Ball,” a track featuring Norah Jones, offering a glimpse into his creative process.
His recent appearance on Norah Jones’s podcast, “Norah Jones Is Playing Along,” provided further insight into their long-standing friendship and creative partnership. The episode, recorded on June 5, 2024, featured duets from across Harris’s catalog and a conversation about his early musical background, as detailed on iHeart. Harris discussed his time spent in Paris, a city he frequents, and his approach to songwriting.
Harris’s versatility is also recognized within the jazz world. Billboard named Norah Jones the top jazz artist of the 2000s decade, a testament to the quality of the music they created together. Harris’s contributions to her success, and to the work of other artists like Melody Gardot, have solidified his reputation as a highly sought-after songwriter and musician. He is also scheduled to perform at the Duc des Lombards on March 15, 2025, according to Paris Jazz Club.
As Harris continues his run of performances in Paris, the experience of working with a full orchestra remains a focal point. It represents not just a technical achievement, but a deepening of his artistic vision and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of his musical expression. The success of “If You Believed in Me” and the positive reception to his live shows suggest a continued trajectory of growth and innovation for the Grammy-winning artist.
What comes next for Jesse Harris remains to be seen, but his dedication to musical exploration and collaboration promises further compelling work. Fans and critics alike will be watching to witness how he continues to evolve his sound and contribute to the vibrant landscape of contemporary music. Share your thoughts on Harris’s work and his Parisian performances in the comments below.
