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
FRED HERSCH
In Amsterdam: Live at the Bimhuis.
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
NOAH BAERMAN, WAYNE ESCOFFERY, AMANDA MONACO, VINNIE SPERRAZZA, HENRY LUGO
Playdate
FO/MO/DEEP
Eclecticism
WYNTON MARSALIS
SELECTIONS FROM SWINGING INTO THE 21'ST
HAPPY APPLE
The Peace Between Our Companies
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