Lizz Wright Hits The Ground Running At Soho Show

The less self-critical mood, also evident on new album The Orchard, indicates a subtle more worldly-wise shift in her musical stylings and lyrical flow. The dark lure of Ike Turner’s ‘I Idolize You’ exemplifies her knowingness and her version on the night, thanks to a simpatico rhythm accompaniment, had a hanging-in-the-air stillness that marked the first highpoint of a strong set with ‘Hit The Ground’ a close second. While only one member of her band at the Revue Bar featured on the album (versatile guitarist Oren Bloedow from Elysian Fields), it was clear that the arrangements and approach was in keeping, here anchored by electric bassist Nicholas D’Amato and steered by drummer Christopher Eddleton who scored best of all on the cover of Neil Young’s ‘Old Man’ with his accentuated third and fifth beats. Wright, simply dressed in sleeveless T-shirt, trousers and boots, supplemented by a wrap, as she was clearly feeling the chill after a few numbers, was slightly apologetic as she introduced ‘Another Angel’, a co-write with John Leventhal, which she feels is a departure for her, as it, she told us, is not autobiographical. Wright was very ably supported by backing singer Gina Breedlove, clearly a fine voice and a name to watch, and a band that knew her every move. The audience spontaneously burst into applause during the final number of the set before the encore, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s ‘Thank You’, deftly offset by a spiritual to send us on our way.
Stephen Graham