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
CLAYTON CAMERON AND THE JAZZ EXPLOSION
Here's To The Messengers: A Tribute to Art Blakey
BLUE NEBULA
Relative Dimensions
MIKE LONGO TRIO + 2
To My Surprise
UCF JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz Town
DIZZY GILLESPIE ALL STAR BIG BAND
I'm BeBoppin' Too
The Yohimbe Brothers
The Tao of Yo
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