Lizz Wright: Holding Space: Lizz Wright Live in Berlin

Editor's Choice

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Chris Bruce (g)
Ben Zwerin (b)
Lizz Wright (v)
Ivan Edwards (d)
Bobby Ray Sparks II (ky)

Label:

Blues & Greens Records

September/2022

Media Format:

DL

RecordDate:

Rec. 2018

When, during the pandemic, Lizz Wright found the time to listen back to some previous live dates, she was particularly struck by a show recorded in Berlin, the final date of her 2018 European summer tour. Produced by Christian Ulbrich and the first album to be released on Wright’s own label, Blues & Greens Records, Holding Space features Wright and her exceptional band – Chris Bruce (guitar), Bobby Ray Sparks II (keys), Ben Zwerin (bass), Ivan Edwards (drums) – performing 11 songs from that Berlin date. Six are taken from Wright’s most recent studio album, Grace (2017), including the deeply moving Rose Cousins-penned title track, the warm embrace of her original co-write with Maia Sharp ‘All The Way Here’, plus the great song of belonging, ‘Seems I'm Never Tired Loving You’, penned by Aretha Franklin’s sister, Carolyn. We’re also treated to a brace of songs from Wright’s 2015 album Freedom & Surrender – the spirited country blues ‘The New Game’ and the sudden, ecstatic outbursts of ‘Somewhere Down The Mystic’ – the sublime traditional gospel song ‘Walk With Me Lord’ from her 2003 Verve debut Salt, and the incredibly powerful ‘No More Will I Run’ written by Wright’s great friend, the brilliant Toshi Reagon. With stunning recorded sound, a wonderfully attentive audience, and an irresistible communion between singer and band, it’s the most transporting and beautiful album I’ve heard this year.

Follow us

Jazzwise Print

  • Latest print issues

From £5.83 / month

Subscribe

Jazzwise Digital Club

  • Latest digital issues
  • Digital archive since 1997
  • Download tracks from bonus compilation albums during the year
  • Reviews Database access

From £7.42 / month

Subscribe

Subscribe from only £5.83

Never miss an issue of the UK's biggest selling jazz magazine.

Subscribe

View the Current
Issue

Take a peek inside the latest issue of Jazzwise magazine.

Find out more