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Lizz Wright's got the jazz chops. However,
on her latest album the relative newcomer shows she has the crossover
potential like that of Norah Jones and Diana Krall. Dreaming
Wide Awake consists of original material penned by Wright
herself (the title track, "Hit the Ground") and others
(Jesse Harris' "Without You," "Stop" by Joe
Henry, and a haunting cover of Neil Young's "Old Man").
Wright, who sounds similar to Toni Braxton, sings with understated
emotion but full of warmth and tenderness-especially on the romantic
jazz of "I'm Confessin'" and the aching "Wake
Up, Little Sparrow." Even her elegant interpretation of
the Youngbloods' "Get Together" conveys a seriousness
and hope fitting for these times. If you got the time and the
willingness to seek out new jazz artists, Wright would be the
first on your list.
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