For over 30 years, Ann Arbor's Dick Siegel has been one of the leading lights of Michigan's roots music scene — and one of its most distinctive and acclaimed songwriters.

And one would think that, after so many years of music-making, a songwriter-musician would be comfortably nestled into a certain style and approach to creating that music. But, instead, in his 4th decade of writing and performing, Siegel feels like he's discovered a new sound — and he's pursuing it with a passion.

He says this new sound is due in large part to the collaborative effort between him and the other 2 members of his relatively new ensemble, Dick Siegel and the Brandos — namely, guitarist Brian Delaney and bassist Dave Roof.

Roof has actually been playing with Siegel for about 10 years, but the addition of Delaney, says Siegel, has created a new musical synergy between the three.

“I’d been getting together with Brian, casually, for a few years, just hanging out and playing guitar,” says Siegel, who comes to The Ark with the Brandos for a concert on Saturday. “But we got serious as a trio about a year and a half ago.

“I feel like, with these guys, I’m able to do things, by using a variety of sounds, that creates a really potent kind of acoustic music, without the use of drums — essentially, a string trio that can really rock,” says Siegel, who mainly plays acoustic guitar. “Part of that is because Dave is a very percussive bassist, and it’s also because Brian is willing to try a lot of different things, on many different guitars and other stringed instruments.

“As we’re developing the new songs, and as they begin to take shape, the music is sounding to me like something I’ve never heard before — the tenor of the instruments sounds new to me. I really do feel like, as a string trio, we’re breaking some new ground, although it’s certainly related to the roots styles we’ve each explored in the past.”

Roof studied classical music at the University of Michigan, but then made a left turn into blues, country, jazz and pop. He’s toured with Tom Maxwell of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and also did a stint in the local rockabilly/swing band The Starlight Drifters. He’s accomplished in “that Willie Dixon school of the slapping upright bass,” says Siegel, and also sings and plays trumpet, guitar and piano.

Delaney, meanwhile, is a serious student of early acoustic blues and jazz. (Eddie Lang, the hot jazz and blues guitarist of the ‘20s-‘30s, is an influence). But he also took some cues from the rock n' roll guitarists he grew up listening to, most notably George Harrison. He’s versatile, having played brawny rock n’ roll with The Scott Morgan Band, Gypsy jazz with Joe Summers and vintage jazz with The Royal Garden Trio.

Prior to forming the Brandos, Siegel had spent several years either performing solo or gigging with Roof and Paul Kovac, a “a great mandolin player from Ohio,” says Siegel.

Siegel began building his local reputation as a songwriter and performer even before his 1980 debut album, “Snap!,” which featured songs that have long since become local classics, like the comfy, affectionate “Angelo’s,” the witty and prescient “Downsize Blues” and the deadpan-retro-hip “What Would Brando Do?” — the latter of which, as you might guess, inspired the name of his current trio.

Siegel and the Brandos are in the process of recording an album, with plans to go back into the studio in February for some more sessions. Siegel provided me with some rough mixes of some of the new songs, and they do indeed have a unique flavor. One track, the uptempo, exotic “Hello,” incorporates a couple of different world-music styles, exuding a prominent Spanish-guitar vibe.

“That song has a really nice movement, because of the rhythm and the chord changes,” says Siegel. “I like the way Brian moves up a half-step, and the way he gives the song a Flamenco or Middle Eastern sound. On that one, Brian’s playing a 12-string Shorty guitar, which is about the size of a mandolin.”

Another track, “Up from Hollywood,” has a pensive feel, and recalls one of Paul Simon’s more introspective efforts, right down to the sound of Siegel's vocals. And “Hummin’ of the Holiday” is a bluesy effort inspired in part by John Lee Hooker’s eccentric but insistent guitar grooves.

Such is Siegel’s commitment to his new ensemble that he quit his previous day job to devote himself full-time to music — either playing or teaching: He recently began teaching a class in songwriting at the University of Michigan.

But, to return to the “Brando theme” for a moment: Some younger fans may not remember that Siegel’s song “What Would Brando Do?” was released many years before the “What Would Jesus Do?” expression entered the vernacular.

“I remember that expression just coming to me, while having a conversation with a friend, back in the ‘70s,” recalls Siegel. “Because I was a big fan of Brando as an actor. “The song was pretty popular for a while, and there was a DJ on WRIF for a while, Jay Brando, that used it as his theme song, and a lot of people heard it there. Then it began to spread beyond Michigan. So, years later, when I heard the expression ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ I felt like maybe my song inspired that in some way,” says Siegel with a sly laugh.

But, back to the present: Siegel absolutely exudes enthusiasm when discussing the possibilities of his new ensemble.

“I’ve always been a big believer, when playing with other people, that it’s important to nurture a feeling of ‘let’s be creative all the time.’ Every time we play a song, I’ve wanted there to be an atmosphere of openness that would allow any of the musicians to play whatever they felt at the moment — which has allowed for some improvisational jazz elements to make their way into the music.

“That approach allows for the song to keep growing and moving, and for us to experiment with the melody, and even the vocal performance,” he stresses. “Whether we’re onstage or recording, I always like for everyone to be right in the moment. That’s a great feeling to nurture, and with this group, I think we’ve definitely been able to do that.”

PREVIEW Dick Siegel and the Brandos Who: Veteran, acclaimed Ann Arbor singer-songwriter fronts a trio that includes Dave Roof on bass, trumpet and piano and Brian Delaney on guitar. What: Incisive, witty and/or wistful songs, backed by music that’s a spirited synergy of folk, blues, jazz, country and roots rock. Where: The Ark, 316 South Main Street. When: Saturday, January 9, 8 p.m. How much: $15. Details: 734-761-1451 / The Ark web site.

Kevin Ransom, a free-lance writer who covers music for AnnArbor.com, first interviewed Dick Siegel in 1991 for The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at KevinRansom10@aol.com.