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
STRING PLANET
Songs From the Home Planet
BRUCE KAPHAN QUARTET
Bruce Kaphan Quartet
Ian Shaw
A World Still Turning
CCM Jazz Orchestra
In Search Of Garaj Mahal
Le Rex
Wild Man
The Yohimbe Brothers
The Tao of Yo
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