2014-04-06
Hong Kong's Ginger Kwan serves up themes of hope and inspiration on her debut, Kwantum Leap. Smooth jazz backs this vocalist's buoyant lyrics, occasionally delving into reggae ("I Keep In the Line") and bossa nova ("Someday"). All the songs here are original compositions except for the cover of Simply Red's "Your Mirror"; a song with a positive message supported by simple acoustic guitar and finger-snapping. Ms. Kwan's vocals here are lovely, the musicianship is spot-on, and the production is top-notch. It all comes off as rather bland, however. If you like easy-listening vocal jazz that doesn't take risks, you might like this one. Rebecca Ruth
Jeff Coffin & Charlie Peacock
Arc of The Circle
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Highlights, Volume 1
CHARLIE HUNTER TRIO
Mistico
SEAN SULLIVAN
Hereafter
MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
Friday the 13th The Micros Play Monk
BILLIE HOLIDAY
Remixed & Reimagined
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.