"I Want to Be Great" appears on Nora Germain's 2024 album Postcards from Violin Mountain. This track represents a departure from the album's predominantly instrumental jazz format, incorporating a vocal element that reflects Germain's multifaceted artistry. The performance is built on the harmonic foundation of the standard "I Wanna Marry You," reimagined with Germain's original lyrics and vocal interpretation. This creative approach of setting new words and meanings to existing jazz harmony has a long tradition in the music, and Germain's contribution adds a personal, autobiographical dimension to the practice. The track stands as a statement of artistic ambition and determination, with its title serving as both a declaration and a motivation. Germain's work on Postcards from Violin Mountain positions her as not merely a jazz violinist but a complete artist who brings together performance, composition, arrangement, and vocal interpretation. By including this song on the album, she reveals a vulnerability and directness that connects with listeners on a personal level. The track adds variety to the album's program and demonstrates that Germain's creative vision extends beyond the boundaries of instrumental jazz into songwriting and vocal expression.
