Vocalist Lizz Wright is one of those artists who always seems just on the edge of breaking through to major recognition and appreciation, but never quite breaks the tape at the finish line. Maybe because the race isn’t over yet. This time out, Wright changes labels (Concord) and producers (Larry Klein) and teams up with a group of all starts like “Vinie Colaiuta/dr, Dan Lutz/b, Billy Childs/key among others for a deeply personal album. What’s more, she, Larry Batteau and Klein teamup on the writing skills for a healthy amount of the tunes, all very thoughtful which go from country blues such as on “The New Game” to a oozing duet with Gregory Porter on “Right Where You Are.” She still finds her hometown roots from the deep south on “Somewhere Down the Mystic” which is a vulnerable reflection of the loss of a friend, while an out of character “Real Life Painting” has Wrights sensuous voice capture the moment.
She’ll be touring with this album real soon. Definitely worth a listen for this lady who still has a lot to say, delivered with the heart of a lion.
Miss Wright also appears on drummer/composer Terri Lyne Carrington’s latest production. Also included on this soulful session are vocalists Natalie Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Nancy Wilson and Ledisi, just to name a handful. Smoking’ R&B is in abundance as on a take of Luther Vandross’ “For You to Love” with Oleta Adams and Ashford & Simpson’s “Somebody Told a Lie” with Valerie Simpson herself. Wilson is glorious on “Imagine This” while Wright hits it on the bulls eye on “When I Found You.” Natalie Cole spices up an eye raising reading of Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” which is more celebratory than reflective, and Bill Withers’ “You Can’t Smilet It Away” is perfectly enunciated by Paula Cole. A soulful delight.
Concord Records