Lizz Wright Gospel

On her return to Prague, Lizz Wright performs a special programme of the music which resonates most deeply with her: gospel.

For Lizz Wright, the return to gospel is a return to a childhood filled with music. Her father, a priest and church choirmaster, shared his musical passion with both his flock in Hahira, Georgia, and his family at home. Lizz quickly learned not only to carry a melody, but also how to sing second, third, and other backing vocal parts in traditional arrangements of spiritual songs. Sharing the art of gospel with her audience is a natural step for Wright, who has become known for bringing together forms such as folk, blues, jazz, and r n' b in her work.

Lizz Wright's debut album Salt was released 18 years ago and was highly praised for its eclectic yet coherent mix of styles. The follow-up, Dreaming Wide Awake, enjoyed a long stay at the top of the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz chart. Wright has maintained a remarkably consistent level of quality across subsequent albums The Orchard, Fellowship, Freedom & Surrender a Grace, and from record to record her gospel DNA has come increasingly to the fore. Her sound has gradually developed from r n' b-jazz to an even more authentic form of expression rooted in traditional Afro-American spiritual music, and she continues to take an engaged stance on some of the key questions facing society.

Lizz Wright's return to Prague following her triumphant Strings of Autumn concert – as well as her return to her gospel roots – is not to be missed.