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“Nice to be home”: Singer Lizz Wright returns to headline Atlanta Jazz Festival

Lizz Wright got her start as a church music director. Today, his jazz voice amazes audiences around the world. She performs Monday, May 27 at 9 p.m. at Piedmont Park in Atlanta as part of the free Atlanta Jazz Festival (Photo by Tony Smith)

The 47th Atlanta Jazz Festival taking place this weekend in Piedmont Park is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. Attendees can expect to hear some of the best artists from around the world. Renowned singer and songwriter Lizz Wright is one such artist.

The Georgia singer performed in a tribute to Billie Holiday and landed on former President Barack Obama’s favorite music playlist. Now she returns to Atlanta with a new album and a headlining performance. Wright spoke with Pamela Kirkland, host of GPB’s Morning Edition, before taking the stage on May 27.

Click here for more information on this weekend’s Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Pamela Kirkland: It is Morning edition. This weekend will kick off the 47th Atlanta Jazz Festival. The festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, featuring different artists from around the world. Famous singer and songwriter Lizz Wright is one of those artists, and she joins me now. Thanks to be here.

Liz Wright: Thank you, Pamela. Glad to be with you.

Pamela Kirkland: So, first of all, I just want to congratulate you on the new album, Shadow. Before we get to that, let’s start at the beginning. You’ve been playing for over 20 years. In fact, you grew up right here in Georgia. What got you into music in the first place?

Lizz Wright: Oh darn. I’ve always been very sensitive and shy, and something about the language and the atmosphere of music has always allowed me to be with people, you know, with my family, with people I don’t know . And it just creates a moment of clarity and closeness that is just very calming for me. So it’s as much about, you know, certain talents that I appreciate and have tried to develop over the years, but also about the need that the music fills. So, I think that’s how I managed to do it for so long.

Pamela Kirkland: Fast forward to now. Your latest album, Shadow, has just been released. What inspired you and how do you think it reflects your musical journey?

Liz Wright: I’m excited about Shadow. I think the audience listening to me has taught me a lot about their depth and creativity in the conversation we have through music. Because, you know, over almost 25 years now, I’ve always been tempted to make sure that the records were extra, you know, bright and warm. And that created very optimistic feelings. And then this time it was like I wanted to keep singing, you know, my feet were walking through the valley of my grandmother’s passing and I realized how beautiful and interesting grief is. Not exactly what I expected. Lost in the valley. So I climbed a mountain.

It’s also my feet are going through the valley of, you know, Covid and, like, I’m trying to figure out who we are and what we do and get out of it. And then traveling across, you know, seeing the horizon again just getting out of there. So allowing myself to write and create, through a period of unknown and not mask it with something sensational or really exciting or, you know, or resist it, was for me like a gesture of courage and something that I really celebrate that, I think, really warmed my heart and made me feel more joy and celebration.

So I’m really, really grateful to the audience because I think they grow with you. And as an artist, knowing that people want to stay in conversation with you, almost no matter what you do, is an incredible gift that you don’t know to ask for. But once you have it, you know, it really means a lot.

Pamela Kirkland: I want to talk about the Atlanta Jazz Festival. As a Georgia native, you must be excited to play. What are you looking forward to?

Lizz Wright: I am always very excited to be a part of the Atlanta Jazz Festival. I have so many memories. From past festivals, I even met my longtime music director and one of my best friends and my piano teacher, Kenny Bing Sr. You know, I saw him perform at the Atlanta Jazz Fest there has many years, and I prayed for a chance to play with him. And now, when we’ve been playing together for over 20 years, it’s so much fun to be on stage with him and celebrate this project. We also shot a music video for this project. We’re still on duty right now, but I’m so happy that, you know, the people who helped us are here to celebrate with us.

And, yeah, I love having the opportunity to have any family member be able to come (to the show). And I think what I’m looking forward to is the view of the trees. I love the big trees of the South, just explosive. It’s one of my favorite things. I love the park. I used to run in the (Piedmont) park, so I’m just, I’m excited to be home. It’s always good to come to this (event).

Pamela Kirkland:Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me.

Liz Wright: It’s my pleasure. Thank you, Pamela