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
STRYKERT AND SLAGLET
KEEPER
JAKE SHIMABUKURO
Dragon
Bryan Vargas & ¡Ya Esta!
Afro Latino Soul
Various Artists
European Jazz Stage (Radio Netherlands Worldwide)
NATE NAJAR TRIO
I’m All Smiles
JAKE BERGEVIN
Holding Back the Dawn
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