The second set of a double bill begins super mellow. Lizz Wright, sharing a bill at Royce Hall with vibraphonist Stefon Harris, lets her band get the groove going before she waltzes on the stage. Greeted by applause, screams and whistles, the young spirit with an old soul begins to sing in the clearest and purest tone. If you can understand the difference between high definition and the black and white television that your mama made you come in and turn the channel knob for her when you were a kid, then you will know how clean, clear and beautiful this voice is.

Soon after the mellow began, the bass guitar kicked in and in came the funk, the soul, the groove, the ballads and the rhythm and blues to create a sound that took on a whole new vibe. These are the sounds of an artist that can not be put in a box with a label on it for the masses to easily categorize. Her instrumentation for the evening included guitar, percussion and bass guitar, quite a different setting than I have been used to seeing her in. Many styles of music came from this section of melodic rhythm, even gospel. The versatility touched on all kinds of genres.

Lizz has a naturally organic and powerfully strong voice that soared and floated on top of the rhythm like the cream on hot chocolate. The spot light cast a distinctive glow on the raw beauty and peaceful spirit of her instrument. She has a subtle charismatic peace which exemplifies her soulful qualities.

At the request of her audience, the volume is turned up on her microphone so as not to compete with the big boom of the percussion. There is much power in simplicity. The message is delivered with clear uncomplicated communication. A large majority of the populace prefer it that way. So when an artist can match this delivery with overwhelmingly creative and genuine talent, the mixture is absolutely bound for success.

For her encore, the audience yelled out for the title track to her popular album, “Salt”, but Lizz had a few other things in mind. She is taking her music in new directions, moving forward and letting whatever music she is feeling guide her in the pure and peaceful direction of her musical destiny. This takes much courage for a younger artist to hold true to creativity and not just allow the masses to dictate and impress their will upon her, as so many other artists have done. We all look for more great things from the pure and natural, Lizz Wright.

LeRoy Downs