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
RICHARD OPPENHEIM
Greenhorn In A Red State
THE IAN CAREY QUINTET +1
Roads & Codes
HIROMI
Voice
Lewis Porter and Phil Scarff Group
Three Minutes to Four
The New Orleans Social Club
Sing Me Back Home
THE GREYBOY ALLSTARS
What Happened to TV?
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