| | Lizz Wright Salt CD Lizz Wright Discography of CDs
 (9 Customer Reviews)
Recorded Right Track Studios, New York, New York between August and December, 2002.
Vocalist Lizz Wright delivers jazz that harks back to such luminaries as Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln on her debut Verve release, Salt. Still in her early twenties, Wright has a warm, dusky voice reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson and similarly to Wilson seems interested in tackling an eclectic mix of jazz standards, traditional folk, and R&B. Early on, a folky afterglow-Latin version of "Afro Blue" takes center stage followed by the gorgeous "Soon as I Get Home," which betters the version from The Wiz. Wright fairs equally well as a songwriter with about half the album filled with her soaring, bluesy ballads. There is a melancholy yet positive '70s vibe that eminates from songs like "Fire," which resonates lyrically as well as melodically much like the personal/sociopolitical writing of another of Wright's obvious inspirations, Terry Callier. Perhaps a little too low-key to register very high on the pop radio scale, but invested with enough sanguine emotionality and chops to make Salt easily recommended to fans of the neo-soul movement. ~ Matt Collar
Personnel includes: Lizz Wright (vocals); Myron Walden (alto saxophone); Derrick Gardner (trumpet); Vincent Gardner (trombone); Kenny Banks (acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes piano); John Cowherd (acoustic piano); Sam Yahel (Hammond B-3 organ); Sarah Adams, Ron Carbone, Crystal Garner, Judy Witmerr (viola); Ellen Westerman (cello); Adam Rogers (acoustic, electric & bottleneck guitars); John Hart (acoustic guitar, guitar); Brian Blade (acoustic guitar); Doug Weiss (acoustic bass); Brian Blade, Terreon Gully, (drums); Jeff Haynes (percussion).
Producers: Tommy LiPuma, Brian Blade, Jon Cowherd.
Vibe (6/03, p.156) - 4 out of 5 - "...On SALT, her heartfelt debut, Wright balances the melodic and rhythmic ingenuity of R&B with the sophisticated intimacy of coffeehouse jazz..."
Mojo (Publisher) - 4 out of 5 stars - "...Wright's voice, with its mellow, richly expressive tone, is a constant delight..." Salt Music Review Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews Great New Artist
Liz Wright has a wonderful voice and knows how to use it. She can make a song her own. This is pleasant surprise.
Submitted by wfrank53 (Tinton Falls, NJ, USA) 
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 A Solid, Gospel-Tinged Outing
I first heard and saw Ms. Wright at the 2003 Ford Detroit Jazz Festival and was immediately impressed with her confident and sensitive approach to her broadly ranging material. Though I hesitated then and now to pigeon-hole her music as jazz, I felt she was the most impressive new talent of that weekend, and her considerable abilities shine through nicely on what I believe is her major-label debut. From the jazzy stylings of Flora Purim's "Open Your Eyes (You Can Fly)" and a lovely cover arrangement of "Afro Blue", to some beautifully sung gospel-inflected originals, this is a worthy freshman effort from a talented young singer who perhaps needs a few more years of seasoning to determine what direction her considerable talents will take her.
Submitted by mroach (Detroit, MI, USA)
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 Excellent, soothing music
Lizz Wright is an extremely talented new artist. Her sound is mellow, but not boring. She has a wonderful, rich, full voice which is very soothing. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for something more than just "smooth jazz".
Submitted by cj (atlanta, ga)
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Wonderful vocalist
I first had the pleasure of listening to Lizz at a small jazz bar in Jacksonville. I am always looking for new jazz music so I decided to add Lizz to my collection. I love the music and her voice but I thought the lyrics were a little weak. I may change mind after I've had more time to absorb her style.
Submitted by a reviewer (Neptune Beach, FL)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No evocative uplifting singing
high lyrical quality and an equisite voice; her singing is full of passion and spirituality. My spirit soared as I listened to her. I listen to this cd frequently.
Submitted by a reviewer ("Fall River, MA, USA")
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