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
Invert
The Strange Parade
DUKE ROBILLARD & SUNNY CROWNOVER
TALES FROM THE TIKI LOUNGE
UCF JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz Town
LONNIE SMITH
Jungle Soul
FOUR80EAST
Enroute
Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal
Buena Vista Social Club presents...
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.