The first studio album
Lizz Wright
released on her
Blues & Greens
label,
Shadow
also marks the singer's 25th year as a professional artist. Where 2017's
Grace
was a covers-oriented set produced by
Joe Henry
, this incorporates a higher percentage of originals and sees guitarist
Chris Bruce
tighten his bond with
Wright
as producer.
co-wrote five of the 11 songs, including "Root of Mercy," an airy ballad full of rich imagery that honors the memory of her grandmother. The blues is more present here than it was on
, epitomized by the longing "Your Love," where
Meshell Ndegeocello
's bass provides the musculature and
Brandee Younger
's ripples of harp accentuate
's hopefulness. Another bluesy original that elegantly aches, "Sparrow," draws a link to 2005's
Dreaming Wide Awake
-- on which
covered
Ella Jenkins
' "Wake Up Little Sparrow" -- and features
Angélique Kidjo
in a 100-percent-connected supporting role. Violinists
Trina Basu
and
Arun Ramamurthy
make equally valuable contributions to a restrained and powerful rendering of
Caitlin Canty
's "Lost in the Valley." The greatest testament to
's ability to combine burning passion and supreme nuance might be her version of
Sandy Denny
's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," another highlight. ~ Andy Kellman