Lizz Wright
PROJECTS:
Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. She lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. Her music accepts the beauty of reality and creates a collective experience of belonging for the listener. Wright’s songs embody a tradition that allows us to always feel at home.
Wright’s 2024 studio album release, Shadow, presents Lizz in a gentle and triumphant light. With five originals penned by Wright, Shadow is anchored by acoustic guitars and layered with string quartets, harp, Carnatic Indian classical strings, gospel vocals, and bare emotion. It celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing. The album was produced by Chris Bruce and executive produced by Wright on Blues & Greens Records (with licensing/distribution through Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music). Wright worked with renowned engineer Ryan Freeland (who recorded Grace and has also worked with music legend Bonnie Raitt), and the album features acclaimed guest artists Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.
At the age of 22, Wright first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At 23, she signed with Verve Records for the release of Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. She went on to record for Universal Music Group and released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). On Concord, Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016) – featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist – and Grace (2017). Wright’s (2022) release of Holding Space (a live recording of a concert in Berlin at the Columbia Theater) was her debut live album on Blues and Greens Records.
PRESS:
“Lizz Wright has a voice! It's so warm and welcoming, so full of honey, smoke, texture, and simmering goodness. She’s also a really thoughtful curator of her own work and a wonderful songwriter. Shadow has several really nice original songs, and a fantastic collection of cover songs.”
Nate Chinen, NPR
“Ms. Wright conveys a bird’s-eye command, hitting her notes precisely and illuminating even the space around
them with a ruby glow. This brand of wisdom-singing almost borders on the mythic, but there’s some physical
need in her voice that brings things home…”
The New York Times
“Wright translates with phenomenal fluency between inner awareness and outward demonstration, individual seeking and conscious communion, ecstasy and empathy.”
NPR
“…stunning new record, the magnificent Shadow… [is] a masterful work, one filled with Wright’s artistic vision, authenticity and musical beauty.”
Forbes
“Lizz Wright promises sanctuary, consolation and strength in ‘Sparrow’ from her new album Shadow. Folky guitar and fiddle and a quietly insistent six-beat rhythm support Wright’s benevolent, ever resolute voice as she calls on a lover to return.”
The New York Times
