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
DAVE SIEBELS
With Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
The New Orleans Social Club
Sing Me Back Home
The Butterfat Trio
Under Dog
THE MEMPHIS HANG
THE MEMPHIS HANG
SIMONE
Simone on Simone
Ian Shaw
A World Still Turning
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