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
ADONIS ROSE & THE N.O. VADERS
Untouchable
Matt White The Super Villain Jazz Band
Worlds Wide
FOUR80EAST
Enroute
THE SECTION QUARTET
Fuzzbox
Caribbean Jazz Project
Afro Bop Alliance
DYLAN TAYLOR
Sweeter For The Struggle
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