By Frank Alkyer | Published October 2026
There are few things on planet Earth more beautiful than the voice of Lizz Wright. Her alto demands your ears. Her tone and phrasing melt your soul. So, what could be more perfect than an assembly of standards, spirituals and originals featuring just the voice of Ms. Wright and the soulfully brilliant pianism of Kenny Banks Jr.? Nothing. From the first strains of “The Nearness Of You,” it’s time to grab a comfortable chair, close your eyes and let Wright and Banks take you away. “Nearness” becomes a prayer at an achingly slow tempo that hangs every syllable, lyric and stanza on a gentle breeze. When Mr. Banks slides over to the Hammond B-3 for the spiritual “Soon I Will Be Done,” the duo takes us to a Sunday morning sermon, testifying: “Amen.” Throughout Nearness, Banks and Wright weave an intimate cocoon of spirituality with wonderful takes on “Hold On,” “Amazing Grace” “How I Got Over” and, especially, “Deep River.” On the latter, Wright crosses over into an almost operatic vocal that is absolutely stunning. Somewhere Mahalia Jackson is smiling. When not taking us to church, the duo sends a bit of a love letter as highlighted by the title tune, “All The Things You Are” and “Just You, Just Me” as well as the terrific originals “Hold Me” and “Circling,” the closing number done a cappella. Ms. Wright and Mr. Banks beautifully offer calm, confidence and hope in a chaotic world. Nearness is a perfect balm for difficult times, and a treasure.
