Lizz Wright, like most folks, enjoys being comfortable. Her sweet spot is home in the mountains of western North Carolina. The laid-back vocalist is back on the road after dealing with some adversity. The eloquent and witty Georgia native suffered through a divorce, a split from her record company and a scary car accident just prior to recording her latest album, the deep and uplifting “Freedom & Surrender.”
“We never know what life is going to bring,” Wright said while calling from Chicago. “You have to bounce back from things. Fortunately, there is mercy in life. No matter what happens, I can go back to the mountains. I have nature and my wonderful friends and neighbors. I get so much by being there. I discovered that I could begin again at home.”
That message is at the heart of the moving “Freedom & Surrender.” The follow-up to 2011’s gospel-themed “Fellowship” is an impressive collection of soothing and elegant tracks. The eclectic songs, which comprise originals and covers, veer from folk to blues to jazz and to soul.
“It all happened organically,” Wright said. “I love singing all types of genres. I like to mix it up and I did just that with this collection of songs.”
Wright, 35, who will perform Sunday, Sept. 13, at Hartford’s Infinity Hall, found that she was simpatico with veteran multi-instrumentalist/producer Larry Klein. “Larry understands me and where I want to go with my music,” Wright said. “We were on the same page throughout the production of ‘Freedom & Surrender’ and I was thankful for the support I received from the band.”
Guitarist Dean Parks, bassist Dan Lutz, keyboardists Pete Kuzma and Billy Childs, percussionist Pete Korpela and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta enabled Wright and Klein to manufacture a sophisticated and stately sound.
“The guys knew what I wanted and they nailed it,” Wright said. “This album surpassed my expectations.”
“Right Where You Are,” a languid duet with George Porter, is a solid Wright-Klein co-write. Wright’s longtime pal Toshi Reagan contributed the powerful tunes, “Freedom” and “Surrender,” which bookend the album. “Toshi isn’t just a great writer,” Wright said. “She’s like family.”
And then there are the choice covers, a spooky version of Nick Drake’s “River Man” and an austere take on the Bee Gee’s classic “To Love Somebody,” which benefits from elements of gospel. Wright’s voice drives the song, which is light on instrumentation.
“That’s how I grew up singing in the church,” Wright said. “The voices are the focal point. ‘To Love Somebody’ is a beautiful song. It was good to take it to another place.”
Wright, who is now with Concord Records, is content. “I’m in a good place right now,” Wright said. “I love the label and I love where I am personally. I hope to be able to have the next album out sooner. I don’t foresee a gap as big as the one between the last two albums. I want to record, tour and just live life. I survived a near-death experience with that accident and have overcome some different things and I’m still out there singing. Life is good. It might not go the way we plan it, but that’s fine. We just do what we can. I’m just pleased to be able to do what I’m so passionate about. I get to tour now and before I know I’ll be home, relaxed and inspired.”
LIZZ WRIGHT appears Sunday, Sept. 13, at Infinity Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford. Tickets are $34 and $54. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Information: 866-666-6306 and infinityhall.com.
