Jazz gig of the year 2005!
Lizz Wright
@ The Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
8 July 2005

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Biography

Lizz Wright hails from Hahira, South Georgia. Both her parents were ministers. Her father (a pastor) eventually formed his own church. Apart from his regular duties, he also contributed to the church musically by serving as pianist and musical director. He would encourage Lizz to absorb as much as the church could offer. As you may imagine, her childhood was definitely not ‘rule free’: no sports, no television, no pants, no designer pantyhose and no short hair!

Despite such a strict upbringing, Wright somehow managed to maintain an open mind. In high school she sang with the choir and won many competitions. She also attended Georgia State in Atlanta to study voice at professional level. Wright gained further experience performing at jazz nightclub Churchill Grounds. In 2000 Wright joined the much talked about In The Spirit jazz group. Two years later she signed with the Verve record label.

Review

Wright first came to my attention after appearing as a guest vocalist on Joe Sample’s “Pecan Tree” album, 2002. At the time she only managed to raise an eyebrow or two on my then relatively smooth forehead. I was not overly impressed. It took the release of her debut solo offering, “Salt” (2003) to further cement my interest. I could have cried when I realised I had missed Wright’s gig at the Pizza Express in London. I also noticed an increase in wrinkles on my forehead (possibly caused by anxiety at missing that gig).

I felt that I was prepared for whatever I was about to receive on this night. There was a strange air of expectation wafting from the audience sitting behind me. I could not read the faces of this expectant audience in the dim light, but I could sense their excitement.

Wright elegantly glided onto the stage behind her band and immediately filled the air with many emotions. OK, I deliberated for a second. I was not really as prepared for this as I thought. And my cynicism got the better of me. Just because you get a sense of a musician, or musicians from a CD, this does not necessarily mean you are going to get it ‘live’!

My cynicism did not last. Not only did Wright deliver immediately, she held each and every one of us in the palm of her hand. I was so engrossed by what I heard within the very first few seconds, I completely forgot the title of her first song. Wright’s sultry vocals washed over me like a tidal wave.

No matter what your taste in music, as long as you are open, Wright will evoke many images in your mind. Her voice is drenched in the gospel. This gift, in turn underpins her soulful, jazz draped delivery. All of which is wrapped in a fresh bluesy, well polished veneer. Wright used this platform to bless many of her own compositions from her two album releases. I have heard “Walk with me, Lord,” sung in a few churches with genuine edgy uplifting gusto. Wright would fit in perfectly in such a setting. Her vocals carry a genuine breathy edge that will leave you feeling warm and empowered. Like many great singers, Wright will also make you feel as though each song is performed for ‘you alone’.

Very rarely do I see photographers smile and actually sit down to enjoy a concert. After all, photographers and journalists attend many gigs. There were three photographers tucked neatly around the stage front tonight. Every one of them took their seats and gazed at Lizz Wright in admiration till the very end of her set. They even joined in with gentle handclaps on “Walk with me, Lord” and swayed gently to the subtlety powerful “Open Your eyes, You Can Fly”.

On many occasions I have witnessed an encore lack the same drive and energy as songs performed earlier. After all, singers and musicians are human and they get tired. Liz Wright performed a breathtaking, flawless a cappella “Silence”, which literally did silence her audience. We almost forgot to applaud. Perhaps we just did not want to break the peaceful aura created by Wright and her band. Wright also added “Salt” to her encore.

I got the impression that this London strong audience was extremely grateful for Wright’s therapeutic vocals tonight. There was talk of her gig being cancelled due to the unfortunate mayhem, which occurred in London the day before. Apparently Liz Wright was even more determined to perform. She felt that it was imperative to show her support at a time when it was most needed!

Desert Island Discs

Which 2 albums would you take with you to a desert island?

Dianne Reeves – Bridges

“I will have to get back to you about the second one... this is a difficult decision...”

Musicians:
Lizz Wright – vocals, Mike Moreno - guitar
Anthony Peterson – acoustic guitar, Massimo Biolcati - bass
Jano Rix - drums

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.