Spins: Album reviews

Lizz Wright – The Orchard

Artist: Lizz Wright
Title: The Orchard
Label: Verve Forecast
Genre: Soul/Jazz

Lizz Wright rekindles a gospel folk-soul dreamland where past musicians like Roberta Flack, Melissa Etheridge or Tracy Chapman have taken their craft before breaking out the funky electric guitars reminiscent of Carlos Santana with her third album The Orchard. The album, a step away from her original jazz and quiet storm roots, creates an uplifting air to Wright’s messages of love and tenderness with the signature of the wailing guitar. The in-the-mood atmosphere juxtaposes between the genres of Southern Soul, Blues, Urban Contemporary gospel and folk music.

While Wright’s moving husky alto burns like blistering candle wax, the album’s sound may draw many comparisons to other well-knowns like Corinne Bailey Rae (“This Is”), BB King and Muddy Waters (“I Idolize You”). The record varies with little range, and while exceptional on first listen, there aren’t any tracks that feel authentic in style or feel upbeat. Wright’s effort feels more like a monologue after a while, with song after song, almost in repetition, baring the same muse. The album opens more like an old slave hymn spiritual and ends with a feeling of being buried alive. Her songs “Another Angel,” a soul ballad and “When I Fall,” a mid-tempo piece, wear a harmonious poker face and become void of emotion overtime.

However, thankfully there are three stand-alone tracks that may make the album easy to listen to. The Spanish guitar-tinged “My Heart,” coffeehouse folk ballad “Leave Me Standing Alone” and the soulfully wavering “Speak your heart” save the record. “My Heart” is a sexy groove and with Wright’s calm but raspy voice, creates a sleek pressure to the all-too-calm record that keeps its vitals stabilized. At first listen, “Leave Me Standing Alone” is an unstoppable object for meeting an unmovable object. The song, so lively and moving, is an oddity for the record’s slow boil. Lastly, “Speak Your Heart,” a song that reminds listeners of the smoky-eyed cigarette torch sirens of the Jazz era with its gospel vibes, Wright’s melismatic vocal runs and the song’s slow burn.
Overall, Wright is a talent, but understates her own genius.

- Marcus Scott

www.myspace.com/lizzwright

Download at Itunes
Download at Amazon
Purchase at Amazon