Jazz chanson! And a roots repertoire too! The American Lizz Wright has her feet firmly on the ground as her impressive yet warm voice reaches for the heavens. In the best traditions of gospel or Negro spirituals, but subtly driving with refined phrasing.
Her fourth CD, ‘Fellowship’, should be out here by now (via Universal) with fresh, unusual versions of songs by Me'Shell N'Degeocello, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Wasser and others.
In 2011 you could also experience Lizz together with Diane Reeves and Angelique Kidjo on the 'Sing The Truth' tour, which also took in Gent Jazz. At the same time, Miss Wright is working on tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and CDs by Toots Thielemans and Joe Sample.
Her most recent visit to AB was back in 2005, and even Humo reported the following: '...her voice is superfly, one moment crooning, the next biting...' while Les Inrocks said: '...the jazz revelation of the season... her voice captivates and intoxicates'. It’s clear that that robust voice, that tender timbre is still there.
Fancy it? You should definitely have a look at Lizz's Garden and Lizz's Kitchen on her site, for a serving of 'Roasted Root Salad with Balsamic Rosemary Dressing Over Tri Colored Quinoa with Sauteed Greens', for example.