Singer-songwriter-guitarist Elizabeth Wise is an authentic 21st century blues troubadour.
For over a decade, she’s traveled the world, from Memphis to New Zealand as a solo act, playing covers and classics in festivals, bars, and living rooms.
Her new CD, “Reckless Sophistication,” expands on the one-person charisma in the best way possible, backing her with an all-star RVA band, including pianists Daniel Clarke and Carlos Chafin, bassists Rusty Farmer and Brian Cruise, drummer Scott Milstead, and the killer horn section of trumpeter Bob Miller, trombonist and arranger Toby Whittaker, and saxman J.C. Kuhl.
The production is both restrained and satisfying, providing a varied sonic accompaniment to a set of songs finding individual paths into the archetypical blues themes of romantic longing, anger, disappointment, resignation, and hope.
Wise’s guitar, fittingly, is the first among equals in the overall mix. The Shockoe Sessions Live event at Hardywood features both sides of her talent with an opening set of just Wise and her guitar and a second set with the full band.
Elizabeth Wise and her guys perform for Shockoe Sessions Live, at the Richmond Pizza Kitchen and Taproom at Hardywood Brewery, on Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 6-9 p.m. RSVP via Facebook.