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
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY ALL-STARS
Live at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival
STRYKERT AND SLAGLET
KEEPER
MeShell NdegeOcello
Comfort Woman
JAMBALAYA BRASS BAND
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE/GROUNDTRUTHER
ALTITUDES
CHRISTIAN HOWES
Southern Exposure
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