Crazy That Way
Accordant, 2024
8/10
The esteemed vocalist Steve Sieck pens 12 original tunes, where a large cast helps him steer through diverse influences for a timeless affair.
“The Mystery Of Love” opens with Sieck’s emotive voice alongside Rene Camacho’s warm bass and Gene Coye’s agile drumming, and “Crazy That Way” follows with Dave Richards’ bright trumpet and Eric Jorgenson’s soulful trombone that complements the expressive singing.
Further along, “You Are Everything To Me” welcomes Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim’s gorgeous pipes to the romantic spirit, while “Only Human” benefits much from Dori Amarillo’s light guitar amid Sieck’s matter of fact lyrics.
Close to the end, the coziness of “I Still Want You So” puts Nicolas Beade on lead vocals via the intimate and touching album highlight, and “We Can Get Together Again” exits with Kevin Axt’s frisky bass and Ray Brinker’s meticulous drums that illuminate Sieck’s humble voice and charming scatting.
Influences from Donald Fagen, Stevie Wonder Bob Dorough and Kurt Weill are present, as Sieck and company bring us through pop, R&B, swing and Bossa Nova traces that will stand the test of time.
Travels well with: Chad Edwards- Wyoming Roads; Ricky Alexander- Just Found Joy