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
FRANK KIMBROUGH
Air
JERRY LEAKE AND RANDY ROOS
Cubist Live
Caribbean Jazz Project
Afro Bop Alliance
DAVID WIATROLIK
Dave and the Gin Mill Gypsies
Madeleine Peyroux
Careless Love
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