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
ELVIS COSTELLO AND ALLEN TOUSSAINT (“Two-SAHN-t”)
The River in Reverse
ED PALERMO BIG BAND
Eddy Loves Frank
STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
So There
JAZZ PISTOLS
Superstring
MIKE LONGO TRIO + 2
To My Surprise
Steppin’ In It with Rachael Davis
Shout Sister Shout
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