The Orchard

I think thanks to Amazon's affinity algorithms, I got interested in Lizz Wright and checked her first two albums out of the library. Her voice is like a natural force - tremendous depth, a really beautiful voice. The first two records had some great songs but it wasn't clear she or her producers knew exactly how to present that voice in the best way. This album comes much, much closer. She could practically sing a capella, and that would be enough - and this album gives her a few spots where it really is just her voice, and its overwhelming. Craig Street put together a nicely understated musical background, and just opened it up for her to sing. She can definitely sing! Wasn't totally sure on the first two records - sort of, ok, great voice but can she sing? This album answers the question.

She starts to remind me of Mahalia Jackson at one end of the spectrum and Roberta Flack on the other. There's some real passion on this record that was kind of intermittent on the first two. This Orchard is full of inspiration. After a while all the songs sound fantastic but Coming Home, Hey Mann, When I Fall, Song for Mia, and the cover of Led Zeppelin's Thank You are most amazing.

Edit Revise: I was totally wrong about her earlier albums, especially "Salt" - that is a fine, fine album, an addiction now. But this one takes Lizz Wright to a new, more mature level. Can't wait for more.

I look forward to each new Lizz Wright album. Such a wonderful stylist who gives each song just the right dose of emotion and care. A must for the Lizz Wright fan!!

The celebratory chant and driving beat of the hit "My Heart" signals a new road for Ms. Wright. As effective as it is, Wright remains more a master of smoky yearnings, as found on the back-to-back tracks "Speak Your Heart" and "This Is." Though she veers occasionally toward Sade territory, Wright retains an acoustic feel throughout, making The Orchard more a field trip than a nightclub romp, more Joan Armatrading than Billie Holiday. Even when stepping into Led Zeppelin's "Thank You," Wright is in charge, making each song hers, as if all is Wright within her quietly enervating world.

If you know anything about Lizz Wright, you know she can sing. If you dont know anything about Lizz Wright, she can sing. Yet this is not the most extraordinary thing about this CD. First off she co-wrote 8 of the 12 tracks and you can feel the feeling and emotion in every one of them. Secondly and what struck me even more was the subtle and yet incredible diversity in her music. There is a strong acoustic presence throughout but you get a little gospel(Coming Home), a little rock(Leave Me Standing Alone) a little country(Song For Mia)and a little ballad(This Is). It is really an amazing array and shows to my delight that this lady doesnt have A style but many and does them all very well.

When I first bought the CD and saw track 11(Thank You) is said it cant be. My music roots were rock and roll back in the day and I clearly remember a Zeppelin tune of the same name. I checked the writing credit and guess what-Lizz was covering a Zeppelin song. I figured this would be a bust-most people cant cover Zeppelin and dont even try. I listened to it and I believe both Page and Plant would be proud of the result.

After this CD I am convinced Lizz could sit in with the boys on an acoustic version of 'Stairway' and if Jimi were alive could do a killer duet of 'All Along The Watchtower".

Buy this CD. Ms. Wright is a very talented singer, a thoughtful and emotion songwriter and has one of the more versital sounds I have heard in awhile.

This is my favorite Lizz Wright CD. I was surprised that she was so young. Her voice and spirit is rich with experience and passion. I look forward to seeing her perform in person. Sit back, close your eyes, and let her enter your soul.