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
WYNTON MARSALIS
SELECTIONS FROM SWINGING INTO THE 21'ST
THE MIKE LONGO TRIO
Float Like a Butterfly
FALKNER EVANS
Arc
CLAYTON CAMERON AND THE JAZZ EXPLOSION
Here's To The Messengers: A Tribute to Art Blakey
CATHERINE RUSSELL
STRICTLY ROMANCIN'
CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE/GROUNDTRUTHER
ALTITUDES
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