by Martin Patmos, Modern Drummer
A drummer-led group with a fresh take on a classic sound.
Jeff “Siege” Siegel has worked with his quartet for some time, but now, after developing a bond with South African trumpeter Feya Faku, he’s added a fresh dimension. With that beautiful trumpet voice intertwining with sax and a driving rhythm section, King of Xhosa took shape. Siegel’s drumming supports, prods, and moves the group expertly—clean ride cymbals shimmer, while crisp snare accents push the soloists to the next level. It’s that ability to build levels of energy that makes Siegel’s playing stand out. And on the tunes where he opens into a drum break or short solo, his execution is inventive and to the point. A solid and well-played album. (Artists Recording Collective).