TORONTO -- It was standing room only last night at the Palais Royale as buzzed-about singer-songwriter-pianist Norah Jones made her concert debut in Toronto.

The Brooklyn-based artist and her trio have previously played industry and contest-winner showcases in the city surrounding the release of her pop-folk-country-jazz collection, Come Away With Me, which came out in February.

But last night was her official coming-out party as the 23-year-old takes part in her first headlining tour.

She couldn't have picked a better place aesthetically to do it with the former dance hall's curved wooden roof and soft art deco lights creating an inviting atmosphere inside while a starry night and the calm lake beckoned outside beyond glass doors left open to capture the beautiful night's breeze.

And even if Jones, who needs some time to gain her stage confidence and sense of style -- a black tank top and jeans doesn't cut it --- wasn't a particularly riveting presence, her warm, wonderful voice (think Carole King-meets-Edie Brickell) and the band provided a marvellous backdrop to the setting.

She kicked off the evening with the Hank Williams' tune Cold, Cold, Heart before moving into standouts like the pretty Seven Years, Painter Song -- this one featuring a nice guitar solo by Adam Levy -- the twangy Lonestar, which saw Levy and Jones' road manager brought on stage to harmonize, and Feelin' The Same Way.

It should be said that all of the above were either written by or co-written with her bassist-boyfriend Lee Alexander.

Also good was the Jesse Harris-penned I've Got To See You Again, Don't Know Why and Jones' own title track from Come Away With Me.

Meanwhile, momentarily stealing some of Jones' thunder, Prince arrived with a small entourage and sat near the sound board at the side of the stage.

Prince, who performed his own stellar show at Massey Hall a few weeks ago, is now apparently a resident of Toronto with a place on the Bridal Path, so concert sightings should become more routine as time goes on.

As it was, there was a definite murmur in the crowd. Some stood around the perimeter of the dance floor trying to catch a glimpse of the recording artist, spotted dressed in an eye-catching cream-colored ensemble.

JAM! Rating: 3 out of 5