Norah Jones and The Little Willies

Singer Sarah McLachlan performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" at... — Singer Sarah McLachlan performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park. (June 11, 2010) Credit: Getty Images

By GLENN GAMBOAglenn.gamboa@newsday.comJanuary 6, 2012

The Little Willies make great country sound effortless on "For the Good Times" (Blue Note), getting the balance of pain, sass and humor just right. Of course, having Norah Jones offer her pitch-perfect delivery of classics like "Jolene" and the title track helps. But her pals -- bassist Lee Alexander, guitarist Jim Campilongo, and, especially singer-guitarist Richard Julian -- provide an equally masterful backdrop for her, with restrained arrangements and gorgeous harmonies. Jones doesn't need that on her feisty version of Loretta Lynn's "Fist City," but it sure makes "I Worship You" stunning.