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
PISTOLERA
EN ESTE CAMINO
Manuel Valera Trio
The Seasons
BEN ALLISON AND MAN SIZE SAFE
Little Things Run the World
CONRAD HERWIG
THE LATIN SIDE OF HERBIE HANCOCK
JAKE BERGEVIN
Holding Back the Dawn
Mark Isbell
Encontro
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