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
MIKE FROST PROJECT
Live
Little Charlie And Organ Grinder Swing
Skronky Tonk
Anitbalas
Who is This America?
ANGELO MICHAJLOV (Performed by Petra Cernocka and The Karl Vlach Orchestra)
Saxana
MELODY GARDOT
Worrisome Heart
BILLY BANG QUINTET FEATURING FRANK LOWE
Above & Beyond: Live in Grand Rapids
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