Twenty-three year old Lizz Wright is from the American state of Georgia, where she learned to sing in her father's church as the youngest of three children. At fourteen she taught herself to play the piano. Her musical horizon got broadened further by her joining several choirs in high school. While she was studying classical music at the University of Georgia she sang in small jazz combos to learn the standards. In '99 young Lizz was discovered during a jam session and invited to sing with the group In The Spirit. Her real break-through was last year when she took part in a tribute to Billie Holiday. The music critics were praising her glowing interpretations of famous Billie-songs I Cover the Waterfront and Don't Explain. Record label Verve too didn't hesitate one minute. The result is a very successful debut Salt, where Wright is supported by top musicians like drummer Brian Blade (who co-produced the album with master producer Tommy LiPuma), pianist Danilo Perez, sax player Chris Potter and percussionist Jeff Haynes.
