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
DIRTY BOURBON RIVER SHOW
Volume Four
JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers
BEN Wanicur
The Excluded Middle
SHAWN LEE'S PING PONG ORCHESTRA
Reel To Reel
DYLAN TAYLOR
Sweeter For The Struggle
CASSANDRA WILSON
Loverly
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.