Adult contemporary pianist Dan Siegel has been helping to shape the smooth jazz genre since his recording debut in 1980. Having released several chart-topping records, Siegel now returns with Inside Out, his first all-new studio release in over six years. Inside Out is a collection of ten original tracks featuring special guests Boney James, Jeff Kashiwa, and Brian Bromberg. The recording is characterized by smooth urban grooves, insightful melodies, and mood-setting atmosphere. The recording opens with “Just Like That,” a melodic distillation of piano finesse, ambient electronic instruments, and inventive programming. “Inside Out” is ripe with the beauty of percussive syncopation and the sonority one hears from an array of castanets, congas, and other percussion. Siegel’s piano grace is surrounded by elaborate string complements that sway the listener into a state of relaxation. On “In Your Eyes,” Siegel’s exquisite piano playing sets the scene for love with natural and expressive resonance. The addition of flute to this lovely piece provides another layer of romanticism to its musical structure. Each song on this CD tells its own little story with style and believability. Overall, Dan Siegel emerges from the “inside out” to offer his fans a true glimpse of what is perhaps his most essential recording to date. – Paula Edelstein