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 MIKE LONGO TRIO
Float Like a Butterfly
THE JAMES MOODY & HANK JONES QUARTET
OUR DELIGHT
Little Charlie And Organ Grinder Swing
Skronky Tonk
MORGAN CHILDS QUINTET
Time
BILLIE HOLIDAY
Remixed & Reimagined
THE RICK HOLLAND-EVAN DOBBINS LITTLE BIG BAND
Trilby
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