The American jazz and soul singer Lizz Wright returns to feature with the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in the beginning of March, when the ensemble visits the Savoy JAZZFest.
The Savoy Theatre concert features big band evergreens by George and Ira Gershwin, including the beloved songs Summertime, I’ve Got a Crush on You, I Got Rhythm and They Can’t Take That Away from Me. The arrangements customized by the famous Jim McNeely are originally written for the German hr-Bigband.
When Lizz Wright visited UMO at the Huvila tent in 2019, the sold-out concert received excellent reviews. The concert was Ed Partyka’s debut as UMO’s conductor. Now the circle closes, as the concert at the JAZZFest is one of Partyka’s last as UMO’s chief conductor and artistic director.
“Lizz Wright’s and UMO’s concert in the Huvila tent was a great luxury.”
Helsingin Sanomat, Harri Uusitorppa
Velvet-voiced Lizz Wright has her roots in gospel and choral music, but she is equally at home in jazz, blues, soul, folk and pop. She combines the soft sounds of the American deep south with the gospel tradition and the finesse of the Great American Songbook. Wright thrives in the spotlight of big orchestras, and her soft and dark alto has been heard with for example. the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, WDR Big Band and hr-Bigband. She has also collaborated musically with among others Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Gregory Porter and Angelique Kidjo. Wright’s debut album Salt was released in 2003 and since then there are seven more albums, the most recent Shadow in 2024. www.lizzwright.net
Savoy JAZZFest on 5–8 March 2025. www.savoyteatteri.fi
Photo: Hollis King