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
PONCHO SANCHEZ AND HIS LATIN JAZZ BAND
LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD
DR. LONNIE SMITH
SPIRAL
MATT BELSANTE
– Blame it on My Youth
Carlos Vega
Bird's Ticket
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Next Stop...Soweto, Vol. 3: Giants, Ministers and Makers -- Jazz in South Aftrica 1963-1984
THE BLUECAT EXPRESS
The Spirit of New Orleans
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