Lizz Wright’s debut Salt introduced a talented vocalist with deep roots in spiritual music and the ability to convey the soulful feeling of jazz. Like the majority of new singers on old jazz labels, Wright’s sensibilities extend beyond jazz into “adult contemporary” in the realm of Sade, Norah Jones, Sarah McLaughlin, Tracy Chapman and others. Wright is a serious singer who centers upon the healing embrace of her radiant warmth and emotional integrity. Wright connects here but there are some strange song choices that seem to come straight out of the overzealous producer playbook. It’s strange enough to hear her sing the Youngbloods’ “Get Together” but why on Earth was Neil Young’s “Old Man” chosen? (No matter what your personal opinion of those songs are, they simply don’t suit Lizz Wright. For that matter neither does the trite sentiment of “I’m Confessin’.) Fortunately, most of “Dreaming Wide Awake” works, including a lovely interpretation of “A Taste of Honey” recast with a folk blues feel brought forth by guitarist Bill Frisell. Wright’s interpretation of folk legend Ella Jenkins’ “Wake Up, Little Sparrow” is perfect and beautiful. “When I Close My Eyes,” featuring Glen Patcha’s soulful organ groove, finds Wright soaring majestically. Madonna may have uncovered Joe Henry’s “Stop” but Lizz Wright owns the song now. It sounds like it was written for her when she sings: “Don’t tell me to stop/ Tell the rain not to drop/ Tell the wind not to blow/ Cause you said so/ Tell me love isn’t true/ It’s just something we do/ Tell me everything I’m not/ But don’t tell me to stop.”

Not surprisingly, Wright shines on the original material presented here. She is at her best when she is introspective and almost confessional, giving wings to her inner thoughts. The sparse, atmospheric musical accompaniment is perfectly suited and understated; a deft combination of classic and contemporary. Behind the gorgeous voice, the poise, the presence, you hear the tenderness of her heart and the soul-stirring sincerity.