DAN SIEGEL - Sphere (CD)

No artist captures this sense of heartfelt freewheeling joy and creativity than Dan Siegel, whose seminal 1987 album Northern Nights launched the keyboardist to instrumental stardom during the vibrant and ambitious early days of the contemporary jazz format. The multi-talented composer and keyboardist brilliantly blends the melodic and rhythmic pop sensibilities he’s famous for with traditional jazz roots on his new release Sphere, which features some top L.A. players: acoustic bassist Brian Bromberg (who also co-produces), saxophonist Bob Sheppard, percussionist Lenny Castro, electric bassist Alex Al, drummer Joel Taylor and electric guitarists Allen Hinds and Darrell Crooks.