DAN SIEGEL

RESOLUTION

Independent Label

Dan Siegel, piano/keyboards/producer/composer/arranger;

This contemporary jazz album opens up with the title tune “Resolution” that sets the mood for what is to follow.  The album’s pianist, composer and producer, Dan Siegel, offers us his 11^th project. It may be one of his more freedom-inspired and improvised efforts to date.

Siegel admits to being a perfectionist.  But during the creation of this project, he let go of the reins a bit to allow his imagination and the talents of his fellow musicians to run more freely than in other productions. The title tune begins with a John Coltrane influence to the chords and groove, but soon melts into a smooth jazz production featuring Siegel’s piano and the wonderful prompting of drummer/percussionist Jay Bellerose. When Siegel heard a quality in Bellerose’s playing, unlike anyone he had worked with before, he was impressed and sent him a set of his piano demos to check out.

“His style is really subtle. He came up with different grooves.  I thought, wow, this guy could be really great for the music,” Dan Siegel expressed after hearing what the drummer played to his tracks. He decided he wanted him in this project. Clearly, it was a great decision.

Siegel and ensemble recorded from January of this year through April 19, 2026 at various studios in California. The original second song by Dan Siegel is titled “Factotum.” It quickly becomes one of my favorites. I enjoy this laid-back but energy-driven tune with it’s infectious bass line and Lenny Castro’s percussion that pushes the piece forward.

“Room to Move” is another mover and shaker in an easy-listening way. The mellow moderate tempo establishes the groove. Brian Bromberg’s bass is brightly featured on this arrangement. He always brings his best to every project. They follow this tune with another compelling original composition called “Easy Does it” that offers a catchy melody. It too is a moderate tempo composition, on which Patrick Warren brings his accordion to the party.

Although friends and fellow musicians encouraged him to infuse a couple of his compositions with strong back-beats and more up-tempo arrangements, Siegel resisted. Consequently, here is an easy-listening, contemporary jazz album that features the laid-back, talented composer and pianist, Dan Siegel.

DAN SIEGEL’S BAND: Dan Siegel, piano/keyboards/producer/composer/arranger; Brian Bromberg, bass; Jay Bellerose, drums/percussion; Jimmy Branly, drums. Lenny Castro, percussion; Matt Hornbeck, Allen Hinds, Dean Parks, guitar; Greg Liesz, steel guitar; Patrick Warren, accordion; Craig Fundyga, vibraphone; Patrick Warren, accordion; Alex Hahn & Chris Sullivan, alto saxophones; Tristan Cappel & Jacob Scesney, tenor saxophones; Rogerio Jardin, vocal.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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