KEY POINTS:
LIZZ WRIGHT
The Orchard
(Verve)
Herald rating: 3/5
Verdict "Jazz" singer brings best of both worlds on third album
After two albums on the vaguely jazz label Verve, US singer Lizz Wright appears to be heading in a more obvious pop direction. The singer, whose voice calls to mind Tracy Chapman, still evokes an old-world charm on bluesy ballads like I Idolize You. But The Orchard inhibits the world of soul-jazz as readily as the adult-contemporary dinner party brigade. Alongside the earthy blues songs are poppy ballads that sound as though Brooke Fraser had a hand in them, Another Angel and Speak Your Heart among them.
Wright continues to work with her long-time producer Craig Street, who helps her to break free from her jazz leanings with songs that incorporate gospel, blues and occasionally, Americana. As Wright takes control with her rich alto, he lets the instrumentals breathe care of Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell, Calexico members Joey Burns and John Convertino and collaborator Toshi Reagon. My Heart fuses jaunty rhythms with Spanish guitars; This Is blends Latin rhythms with diva vocals. Wright is also at her vocal best on the ballad, Hey Mann and the blues song Leave Me Standing Alone.
Although she's a fine singer of authority and depth, there are times you wish she'd go crazy on the dynamics, rather than operating on one cosy level.
