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
MO'FONE
'Fonology
Joris Teepe's Gronigan Art Ensemble
Jazz In Jazz Out
BEN Wanicur
The Excluded Middle
THE MIKE LONGO TRIO
Float Like a Butterfly
Babatunde Lea
Level of Intent
Galen Weston
The Space Between
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