Dreaming Wide Awake - Dark Publications

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Similar Items:

•	The Orchard
•	Salt
•	Mudcrutch
•	Worrisome Heart
•	Trouble in Mind

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Lizz Wright's sophomore release, Dreaming Wide Awake is a gorgeous, floating atmospheric journey. Her deep, rich alto, matched by a similarly incredible depth of emotion, makes for a beautiful, timeless record. Highlights include a bluegrass-tinged cover of Neil Young's "Old Man," a gorgeously sultry version of Joe Henry's "Stop" (better known as "Don't Tell Me," as covered by Madonna), and the Youngbloods' positivity-tipped "Get Together." But not all highlights are cover tunes. Wright, along with songwriter Jesse Harris and Toshi Reagon, created the achingly beautiful "Hit the Ground," while Chocolate Genius (a.k.a. Marc Anthony Thompson) scribed "Chasing Strange," and Wright penned the jazz-tinged title track on her own. --Denise Sheppard

Album Description
On this album the singer, songwriter embraces the history of Jazz, Gospel, and R&B. Her collaborations with some of the most gifted artists already have this record tagged as one of the most original albums of the year.

Customer Reviews: Read 76 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

this one even better June 14, 2005
16 out of 20 found this review helpful

i truly loved lizz's first album and after checking out the soundclips at the verve site i pre-ordered this to have it show on today . . . i kept my expectations in check - sophomore jinx and all ya know.

i gotta say, Lizz Wright outdid herself on this. after 2 listens, first in my car and then at office this album stands out as a true thing of soul, beauty and inspiration. . . if you don't know Lizz you need to check this out AND see her perform live, if you do know Lizz you need to tell a friend who doesn't. this girl is special. i'll be dreamin wide awake all day

5 out of 5 stars

WOW where have I been? November 13, 2005
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Picked up this CD by chance and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Wonderful soulful, folkish voice. Softer than Tracy Chapman along the same lines almost as Norah Jones for sure, but in the package of a sistah. Definately not as Jazzy as Cassandra Wilson but that is okay because her voice holds itself well. Songs vary they do not all sound a like which is something that I definately look for in my CD's I have recently purchased about 20 CD's within the last 2 weeks and Liz has remained at the top of my WOULD buy for friends list.

In my CD player at home that plays random I keep this CD in if I am in the mood for some light relaxing music along with Kem "Kem", Norah Jones "Come Away with Me", Terence Blanchard "Flow", Ray LaMontagne "Trouble" and Michael Franks "Anthology-The Art of Love" GREAT CD's to just have on random selection you just can't go wrong.

Respectfully Reviewed

5 out of 5 stars

Alpha Wave Music July 4, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

The much acclaimed, young singer, Lizz Wright, starts out this sophomore album with a terrific version of "A Taste of Honey", done here as a duet with Bill Frisell's bottleneck acoustic guitar. Imagine Robert Johnson doing this tune, and you have the idea. It does exactly what an opener is supposed to do, which is to grab your attention and make you listen further.

Yet, for as good as her original title track is, strangely enough I think the cut that defines this album is Ms. Wright's take on the old Tin Pan Alley tune, "I'm Confessin'." This album is a confessional. But when I think of this tune, I think of the dramatic way Lena Horne used to do it. This is no Lena Horne copy: Ms. Wright does the song as a confessional to a kind, loving God.

And the whole album is like that. The old Youngbloods tune, "Get Together", is done as though the whole world really could "get together, right now." Marc Anthony Thompson drops by for a cover of his "When I Close My Eyes", and as done here, Ms. Wright makes it sound like something Marvin Gaye might have done from "What's Goin' On." This is one of those albums where you can definitely say that "God was in the House that day."

Ms. Wright has a strong contralto, reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson's. But nothing here is sung above mezzo-forte; and if you take out "Trouble" and "Stop", above a mezzo piano. In that sense, she's more like Shirley Horn. Really, she's an original: people in the future will be comparing other singers to Lizz Wright. One thing is for certain: Lizz Wright has one of the most superbly controlled voices among all modern popular music singers.

If you are about to embark on an uncomfortable journey on an airplane, and you need calming, don't take a valium. Instead, put this album into your Ipod and listen. This is alpha wave music, guaranteed to put your alpha waves in order. Through the first 6 months of 2005, this album is truly one of the best of the year. RC

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely BEATUTIFUL! June 14, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Lizz is rightfully on her way to earning the title of the "modern day Nina Simone". On this follow up album to the powerful, soulful, jazzy, and extremely heartfelt 'Salt' debut, Lizz expands her repetoire to include a more earthly and raw sound. Her voice is unbelievable and her pure talent is undeniable. My favorite track on this new record is by far "Trouble", but there are many other favorites to speak about. Take a listen and you will know...this young princess is on her way to becoming a Queen!

4 out of 5 stars

Smooth Like "Honey" July 3, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Lizz Wright's sophomore album "Dreaming Wide Awake" can be summed up in one word; bold. The soulful vibe is apparent throughout the album with the help of Lizz's sultry voice; although deep in range, it can be simultaneously powerful yet subtle. Although not as jazz-oriented as her debut "Salt," it is easily just as compelling. Highlights include the title track "Dreaming Wide Awake," the bittersweet "Hit The Ground," the smooth "I'm Confessin'," the serene "A Taste of Honey," and my favorite track, the sexy and soothing "Stop," a cover song by Joe Henry (and personally, I'll take Lizz Wright's rendition over Madonna's any day). The one thing noticeable about this album is the semi-non-acoustic approach, which can be both good and bad. It's bad because most would immediately categorize it as run-of-the-mill lounge music. On the contrary, it's a cappella characteristic allows the listener to appreciate the voice, rather than over-producing and therefore covering up. Although it won't appeal to all, "Dreaming Wide Awake" is ultimately an album that is sufficient in exceptional songs and is only lacking in an audience.

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