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
LUCIANA SOUZA
The New Bossa Nova
FRED HERSCH
In Amsterdam: Live at the Bimhuis.
DAVE SIEBELS
With Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
STRING PLANET
Songs From the Home Planet
THE DYNAMITES FEATURING CHARLES WALKER
KABOOM
CURT RAMM, DAN MORETTI, BILL CUNLIFFE
Foundations
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