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Lizz Wright is back once again to the place where she first performed in Los Angeles, the California Plaza Grand Performances. And, once again, grand she was! The crowd screams out as they recognize the introduction to her tune. Elegant with style and fashion, Lizz makes her way to the front of the stage and is received with much love.

The stage is a glow and shines with rich and vibrant colors emanating the omnipresent energy of our jazz queen for the night. Full of soulful energy and expression singing songs like Afro Blue, Nature Boy, tunes by Milton Nacimento and of course her own Salt from the album of the same name.  Lizz has such a clean, clear and effortless voice. I first met her in Monterey a few years ago just after she performed here in Los Angeles. I was the master of ceremonies at the Monterey Jazz Festival and on my stage that evening was Paula West, Roberta Gamboarini and Lizz Wright. Lizz must be the most easy going and laid back singer I know. No drama, just peaceful love and kindness. Everyone had a great performance that night but, Lizz brought something special. She is so grounded and her spirit is so calming that you just sit back, lock into the energy and breathe in as you body feels the pulse of her voice.

A good friend of mine from New York City, Deanna Witkowski, was playing piano in the band along with Carlos Henderson on Bass and Mark Colenburg on Drums. I met Deanna a few years back at the International Association of Jazz Educators in NYC a few years back. One evening after a day at the convention, I went with George Duke, Ndugu Chancelor, Chris Jonz from Warner Brothers and Dianne Reeves to go check out Christian McBride over at the Iridium. Afterwards, a few of us heard about a Latin Jazz Jam session happening uptown so, we hopped in a cab in search of the music. When we arrived, we walked up a few flights of stairs to a loft that was on fire with Latin Jazz music. On stage, playing her ass off, was Deanna and her Latin Jazz Band. Lizz certainly recognizes talent, and the power of the cohesive sound of her band is evident as she strolls right over the melody like she’s walking on water.

Her players are young and you can hear the culture of hip hop and funk in their playing. As you look around everyone is bobbin’ their heads and tapping their feet to the intoxicating groove. Lizz is so mesmerizing that you forget that you are among thousands and think that you are all alone experiencing a private concert just for you. Listening to Lizz is like a mental dream sequence. Her whole body is a vortex of sound which leaves you inhaling the essence of her dynamic voice so it must be true, “Must be the Salt in the Stew!”

LeRoy Downs