Lizz Wright Shadow 180g LP (Translucent Tan Vinyl)

TAS Rated 5/5 Music, 5/5 Sonics in the October 2024 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

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," acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America.

Wright is one of the great modern American singers with an illustrious 20-year career transcending social divides with her focus on love and a deep sense of humanity.

The blues is more present here than it was on Grace, epitomized by the longing 'Your Love,' where Meshell Ndegeocello's bass provides the musculature and Brandee Younger's ripples of harp accentuate Wright's hopefulness. Another bluesy original that elegantly aches, 'Sparrow,' draws a link to 2005's Dreaming Wide Awake - on which Wright covered Ella Jenkins' 'Wake Up Little Sparrow' - and features Angélique Kidjo in a 100-percent-connected supporting role....The greatest testament to Wright's ability to combine burning passion and supreme nuance might be her version of Sandy Denny's 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes,' another highlight.

The latest album by Lizz Wright starts with a meditative 12/8 groove over which her richly timbred and soulful voice simmers and is punctuated by the voice of Angelique Kidjo singing a bold counterpoint in Yoruba. With lyrics like 'Let it rain' and 'We're going to rise up singing,' the opening track 'Sparrow' sets the tone for an album of winners.