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
Various Artists
European Jazz Stage (Radio Netherlands Worldwide)
Matt Flinner Quartet
Walking on the Moon
Raya Yarbrough
Raya Yarbrough
ELISABETH KONTOMANOU
Back to My Groove
KAHIL EL’ZABAR’S INFINITY ORCHESTRA
Transmigration
Jamie Cullum
twentysomething
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