The Tender Trap, arranged by pianist Fred Hersch, is a wide-ranging, diverse program that exposes the many facets of Siegel. The recording also features cameos by Michael Brecker, Hank Crawford, and Russell Malone. Siegel kicks things off with “That Old Black Magic” and flows seamlessly into “My Ship.” Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” is a sultry blues and her lyricism found it’s fullest expression in a soaring “Too Darn Hot.” By contrast, “How Deep Is the Ocean” possesses a different allure. Hersch adds evocative textures to Siegel’s soulfully soft lyricism.
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