Renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. New York Times hails her “smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather”. She lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. Also, her music accepts the beauty of reality and creates a collective experience of belonging for the listener. Thus, Wright’s songs embody a tradition that allows us to always feel at home.
Wright’s latest, 2024’s Shadow, presents Lizz in a gentle and triumphant light. With five originals penned by Wright, Shadow is anchored by acoustic guitars. Then, she layers with string quartets, harp, Carnatic Indian classical strings, gospel vocals, and bare emotion. It celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing. Moreover, the album features acclaimed guest artists Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.
Wright first made a name for herself at twenty-two as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At twenty-three, she released Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. Then, she released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016), featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist. Wright’s 2022 release, Holding Space, was a live recording of a concert in Berlin at the Columbia Theater. Here, this marked her debut live album on her own Blues and Greens Records.
Recommended for fans of Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Norah Jones and Gregory Porter.
📸: Hollis King
