Friday, June 6
Lizz Wright

A new jazz age has dawned, and with it comes contemporary singer/songwriter Lizz Wright. Wright has been trained well—by years of gospel choir, vocal studies in college, and her time with groups such as In the Spirit—to use her amazingly eerie yet soothingly strong contralto voice. Inspiration for her latest album, The Orchard (Verve), comes from Wright’s childhood home of Hahira, Georgia, the interactions between neighbors and friends, and her overall personal experience. Tweaks here and there from eclectic guest musicians such as Toshi Reagon and Oren Bloedow, and guest vocalists including Catherine Russell and Marc Anthony Thompson (a.k.a. “Chocolate Genius”), help the album along without compromising the music’s purely organic, spiritual feel. The New York Times has praised her “pitch-perfect” voice and numerous critics have noted her stage presence and star quality, assets that make this new chanteuse a rising talent to watch. Now living in New York, Wright is positioned to become a major influence in the world of jazz, soul, and gospel. This event is one of the inaugural shows at Babeville’s 9th Ward, located in the recently renovated downstairs.

—emmalie vance

7pm. 9th Ward at Babeville

(852-3835/babevillebuffalo.com). $17.50/advance (Ticktetmaster) or $20/day of show