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
ANGELO MICHAJLOV (Performed by Petra Cernocka and The Karl Vlach Orchestra)
Saxana
Bob James & Nathan East
The New Cool
The New Orleans Social Club
Sing Me Back Home
Manuel Valera Trio
The Seasons
Stanton Moore Trio
Emphasis (on Parenthesis)
FREDDIE CRUGER AKA RED ASTAIRE
Soul Search
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