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
DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
BLACK CLOUD
NATE NAJAR TRIO
I’m All Smiles
JAMBALAYA BRASS BAND
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
So There
Joe Ferrara
The Tiger Walks Through My Dreams
PEARL DJANGO
Modern Times
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