I just realized that both Vicente Amigo and Lizz Wright are performing here in LA on the same night. I’m going to see Vicente but will miss Lizz Wright. I’ve seen most if not all of her shows. True, the two artists do very different music, but they’re both at the top of their class and their game. If you’re not a flamenco addict, or perhaps just saw Paco de Lucia, who was recently in LA, you should head for the Broad Stage this Saturday night. It’s at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and 11th St. in Santa Monica. It is a wonderful place to hear music.
Amigo is a superb flamenco guitarist who rarely comes to LA, while Wright is a brilliant singer with heartbreakingly beautiful mezzo voice. When Lizz goes low, you’ll get goosebumps. I saw her when she first came to LA, performing at Grand Performances at California Plaza. She did a duet–I think of “Embraceable You” with an upright bass player that was absolutely wonderful. She didn’t need a band to sound great.
Lizz comes from a strong gospel background and usually will sing at least one spiritual. She also excels in singing classics like “A Taste of Honey” and Chet Powers’ moving “Get Together”The Broad Stage is a good place for her. At 499 seats, it is both intimate and elegant, and the acoustics are second to none.
Check out her moving, powerful version of “Amazing Grace”. No wonder crowds marvel her vocal power and beauty.