An acclaimed singer switches gears

Lizz Wright goes from jazzy to more folk-oriented sound - Even curled up in a chair wearing sweats, Lizz Wright exudes an almost regal elegance that distinguishes her from the crowd.

That same vibe defined her stunning debut, 2003's "Salt." That album established the singer, who has a husky voice with a heavenly sound, as one of the jazz world's brightest new talents with its mixture of jazz, dreamy R&B and a dash of gospel thrown in for good measure.

Her sophomore set, "Dreaming Wide Awake," has also won raves, but fans of her first record might be surprised: It takes a markedly different approach, with a more rootsy, folky sound -- a couple of songs even sound a bit country.

But the artistic change-up doesn't seem to have cost her any fans -- the singer's album has been at or near the top of the contemporary jazz chart since its release earlier this summer.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Wright, 25, talks about storytelling, why she's not a big belter, and being at peace with herself, artistically and spiritually.

[Click on the article title to read the interview at cnn.com]

Technorati tag: Jazz