Telluride Jazz Celebration: vocalist Lizz Wright

05 Jun Telluride Jazz Celebration: vocalist Lizz Wright

[click "Play" button to hear Susan talk with Lizz Wright]

Chanteuse/songwriter Lizz Wright was only 25 when she first visited town, a guest of the 29th annual Telluride Jazz Celebration. At the time, the soulful young charmer was already brushing shoulders with song stylists such as Cassandra Wilson and Anita Baker, Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln. The buzz among critics was that stars such as Norah Jones and Diana Krall had better get a firm grip on their crowns: Lizz was waiting in the wings.

The sheer beauty and quiet serenity of the lady, the full-bodied texture and musky warmth of her gospel-trained contralto, the conversational way she phrased her lyrics, had the crowd eating out of her hand. This was no aural window dressing. Lizz was – and is –  the real deal.

Five years later, Lizz returns triumphant to the 33rd annual Telluride Jazz Celebration, again the event's featured vocalist, her star power assured with the release of her third Verve album, the largely self-penned "The Orchard."

For more on Lizz's ride to the top, press the "play" button and listen to her podcast.

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