Right now I think that is very safe to say that anyone who overlooks this CD is missing an opportunity to have one of the most creative and innovative projects that has been out in years. The undercurrent of the album is pretty much about love, fate, life, compassion, freedom, and many other topics that give your mind food for thought. In a word, the album is brilliant. Buy it now!
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From start with "Jade" through track fourteen "Move The Clouds", Norine Braun gathers all her tools and more to the point uses them with expert delivery and style. Jazzy, hip-hop, and a little punk thrown in for spice. "Now & Zen" shows the broad spectrum of Norine's talent. Totally enjoyable and packed with turns in genre. Notably is Braun's ability to vocally master these genres with comfort and confidence. Spirituality is again an under riding theme to "Now & Zen"  as with one of her previous CD's "Crow".  Self acceptance, understanding, and exploration are all a part of her message. Eclectic and bold, "Now & Zen" is one of the most exciting CD's of the year. Another of Braun's strengths is in the artists with which she is surrounded. All bring together an unforgettable musical experience.

     At times laid back, then swinging into danceable, the journey is filled with enticing hooks and strong lyrics. Norine Braun is not an artist who will or can be pigeonholed into a set type or genre. One of her charms is her ability to be a musical chameleon. Easily and seamlessly changing from one distinct style to another. The music is at times haunting as in "Jade", then  a 'stick to the ribs' catchy as in "J'en Suis Desolee". 

     Picking a favorite would be extremely difficult for this reviewer. However, the aforementioned "Jade", and "J'en Suis Desolee" would be among the top to come to mind. "Be Brave" is a compassionate song of emotion. Truly one of the most beautiful I have heard. The closing song, "Move The Clouds" is a self explorative, musically retrospective and jazzy journey into self, control and self exploration. Dealing with desires, anger, and self acceptance. A closing which in traditional Norine Braun flair and style will leave you hungry for more. Lots more!!!!
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Norine Braun is a Vancouver based artist who is not afraid to make music on her own terms.  She has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop."  That should tell you how her music defies conventional categorization. 

"Jade" is a hard hitting number with a strong bass line and the listener expects they are about to hear a CD in the Alternative genre.  Norine quickly shifts gears for the hip-hop/rap number "Intimate Hour."  And Norine shows she has the chops to carry off the number.  A remix of this could easily become a dance club standard. 

Once you're expecting one thing Norine shifts gears again with "Buffalo Nights," 
a song that could easily receive playtime on Adult Alternative Radio.  Sometimes when you have a CD like this with songs of such diverse style you wonder if you are listening to a musician who has not found her path yet, this never comes to mind listening to "Now & Zen."  Norine places these songs perfectly to make the CD work as a whole. 

"j'en Suis Desolee" is a pure rock and roll tune, with the addition of some spoken word parts.  Norine shows her ability at spoken word.  Each song amazes me in its bending of genres, professionalism musicianship, and artistic integrity.  Usually I recommend CDs to listeners 
who like a certain genre, I can recommend Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" to listeners of all genres.  That is a rare find.
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OK, just get past the somewhat disquieting disembodied head cover art and listen to this CD. People throw the word "eclectic" around a lot these days when describing CDs that fall outside the commercial mainstream, but pop vocalist Norine Braun's latest disc earns that label. Now & Zen is a pretty cool mix of styles – she calls it, "ambient soul pop with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk" -- that maintains a cohesive focus. It's also a lot of fun.

Like jazz-pop vocalist Martha Lipton, Norine Braun has a lovely, flexible voice that sounds natural covering a variety of styles. The insistent chant-like refrain on "Intimate Hour" -- "Intimate hour become surreal power hour" -- has an appealing hip-hop feel and an undeniable commercial hook. On the bluesy/funk rock "J'en Suis Desolee" -- mixing sung choruses with spoken verses -- her voice sounds a lot like Debbie Harry. Similarly, "I'm The 1" sounds like it could have come off a lost Blondie album from 1980. When Norine shifts gears to the laid-back, southwestern-style acoustic guitar and trumpet accompaniment on "Survival of the Richest," it doesn't sound at all out of place

Now & Zen most reminds me of the soundtrack to a favorite musical film or play, where you run to the record store immediately after leaving the theater in order to grab the album before the songs can fully leave your consciousness. That's a pretty big compliment. Search a little deeper into the pop music pile and dig out Norine Braun's Now & Zen. You'll thank yourself.
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