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
HENRY BUTLER, STEVE BERNSTEIN AND THE HOT 9
VIPER'S DRAG
DON BYRON
“Do the Boomerang,” the Music of Junior Walker
Greg Merritt Jazz Quartet
New York Sexy
Katie Melua
Call Off the Search
Karen Blixt
Mad Hope
JAVON JACKSON
– Once Upon a Melody
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