Grace

Vocalist Lizz Wright, with her deep, dark tone and relaxed delivery, has a true gem in Grace, produced by Joe Henry. The twin guitars of Chris Bruce and Marvin Sewell offer a bevy of timbral and stylistic contrasts; Marc Ribot’s guest guitar on “Stars Fell on Alabama” adds yet more. The eight-piece gospel chorus, sneaking in on three tracks, is beautifully integrated. Wright is on quiet fire and effortlessly herself, whether she’s interpreting Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, or k.d. lang.