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
THE BIG THREE TRIO
We Got Rhythm
OU
Pisces Crisis
ED PALERMO BIG BAND
Eddy Loves Frank
ABBEY LINCOLN
Abbey Sings Abbey
Soweto Kinch
A Life in the Day of B19: Tales of the Tower Block.
Various Artists
Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars
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