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
ROGER DAVIDSON TRIO
Ten to Twelve.
Various Artists
Upstairs at Larry's: Lawrence Welk Uncorked
DYLAN TAYLOR
Sweeter For The Struggle
VARIOUS
Rumble In the Great Lakes (Best of the Detroit Jazz Fest 2007)
DAN BARASZU
Nightfall
JOEY DEFRANCESCO
40
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