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
JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers
CHRISTIAN HOWES
Southern Exposure
LONNIE SMITH
Jungle Soul
JASON LINDNER
Now vs. Now
DAN BARASZU
Nightfall
STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
So There
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