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
Kate McGarry
The Target
Caribbean Jazz Project
Afro Bop Alliance
Abram Wilson
Ride! Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta
AJA WEST
The Olympian
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA
SONGS FROM LONELY AVENUE
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