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
PAT METHENY
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT
Little Charlie And Organ Grinder Swing
Skronky Tonk
Lenny Marcus Trio & Friends
Moving Forth
James Taylor Quartet (JTQ)
The Oscillator
New Birth Brass Band
New Birth Family
VARIOUS
Rumble In the Great Lakes (Best of the Detroit Jazz Fest 2007)
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