Pianist Dan Siegel new album titled Departure is not a departure at all. Would you expect anything less from him?
Enlisting such notables as Brain Bromberg on bass whom himself has worked with Chris Botti and Stan Getz and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta from Sting and Zappa, Siegel has put together a great session to record his latest CD.
What really stands out is the saxophone of Bob Sheppard. He has a presence on all of the songs but never drowning out Siegel or the others. Siegel himself plays some good chords especially on the title track. "Street Talk" has a funky urban vibe to it but like the rest of the record it stays within the smooth jazz format with guitarist Norman Brown reminding us of that old George Benson feel.
Seigel gets a turn to shine with his version of "Castles in the Sand" which could be the best song on the album maybe save for ending track titled "Alone". You can tell the Dan Siegel has put together a strong team here. Along with Brown, you have guitarist Grant Geissman on "Shades of Gray" and the vocals of Bill Cantos on the first song called "Across the Sea" and Lenny Castro on percussion throughout the whole entire album.
This album is very accessible. Some may call is smooth jazz and others can see the funky vibe to it. Dan Siegel plays himself out with that Vince Guaraldi influence.
