Serving as the album’s opener and title inspiration, “The Nearness of You” is an expansive reading of Hoagy Carmichael’s timeless ballad. The standard has orbited Wright’s career for over a decade, most notably taking root during the Apollo Theater’s 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella tribute concert in October 2016. Shared on Wright’s Facebook and premiered by PopMatters, the duo's video performance went on to reach over one million viewers on Facebook. Revisiting the song alongside Banks again a decade later, Wright brings a warm, insightful perspective to the classic, centering on how the simple presence of a kindred soul can reshape how we view ourselves and share our gifts.

Lizz Wright shares, “I’m excited to be able to use that one word to explore concepts of love and closeness that are not often mentioned. I’m celebrating not just a teacher here, but a great platonic love.

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