BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center will present singer/songwriter Lizz Wright at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 in the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $40, $30, $20; $20 for students. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org.
This Georgia native has taken the jazz world by storm with her trademark combination of jazz, R&B and soul. Her first two recordings, "Salt" and "Dreaming Wide Awake," established Wright as an accomplished songwriter and a versatile, deeply expressive singer. "Salt" won international acclaim, earning Wright comparisons with such formidable figures as Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln. "Salt" reached the No. 2 position on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, and "Dreaming Wide Awake" topped the chart.
Wright studied voice at Georgia State University in Atlanta and continued her musical education at New York's New School and in Vancouver. Returning to Atlanta, she won considerable regional acclaim after joining the jazz group In the Spirit. In 2002, Wright gained high-profile acclaim for her performances as part of a touring Billie Holiday tribute, for which she was singled out as a future star by several prominent critics.
On her third album "The Orchard," the artist shines with the warmth and resonance of her gospel-trained contralto and takes a substantial leap forward, transcending genre distinctions to deliver a vibrant, intensely creative milestone. "The Orchard" features an eclectic cast that includes noted singer/songwriter Toshi Reagon, who co-wrote several songs with Wright; Calexico members Joey Burns and John Convertino; avant-guitar hero Oren Bloedow; longtime Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell; Ollabelle member Glenn Patscha; and guest vocalists Catherine Russell and Marc Anthony Thompson (aka Chocolate Genius). The fluid, intimate performances reflect the unpretentious spirit in which the music was created. The project actually began with a set of photographs taken by Wright in her rural hometown, focusing on the orchard of the title, a setting that she's known since childhood.
This show is part of the Red Hot & Jazz Series and is sponsored by The Birmingham News, WBHM, 98.7 KISS FM and Viva Health.
About UAB
Located on the UAB campus, the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center is one of the Southeast's premier performing arts centers, hosting the best in international, national and local performance. Home to the UAB departments of Theatre and Music and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the ASC also presents its own season, bringing the world's best music, dance, theater, comedy and family entertainment to Alabama.