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
CURT RAMM, DAN MORETTI, BILL CUNLIFFE
Foundations
Bill Charlap Trio
Somewhere: The Music of Leonard Bernstein
SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE
Live 2006
Panthelion
Life After 339
CHAISE LOUNGE
Insomnia
RACHEL ECKROTH
Let Go
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