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
Thad Jones
One More: The Summary: Music of Thad Jones Volume 2
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
Various Blue Note Artists
Somethin’ New
THE FFFELLAZ
4 Song EP
Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts
The Scenic Route
CATHERINE RUSSELL
STRICTLY ROMANCIN'
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