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
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA
SONGS FROM LONELY AVENUE
Dan Costa
Suite Tres Rios
Greg Merritt Jazz Quartet
New York Sexy
BRIA SKONBERG
So Is the Day
JAMBALAYA BRASS BAND
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
DR. JOHN AND THE LOWER 911
TRIBAL
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