Reid Hoyson Project Featuring Don DePaolis and Mark Lucas: Natural Gifts

Natural Gifts, from Pittsburgh-based drummer/producer Reid Hoyson, offers eleven selections that deliver a very enjoyable jazz experience. The performers all emanate from Pittsburgh and the entire group shines. Like the Three-Rivers City, the session melds fine compositions, soloing and ensemble interplay.

"Bottom Without a Top" launches the session with a Latin-grooved head before it opens up into a swinging section with fire-breathing solos from Jeff Bush, Erik Lawrence and J.D. Chaisson. "Dinner at the Borgia's" is, as one might imagine, a rather surreal soprano sax-served buffet. "Indigo" is a laid-back, smoother statement a la Pat Metheny with composer/guitarist Mark Lucas's and Don DePaolis's fine solos. "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me," picks pocket with a tasty vocal from Lisa Klein-Bliel and a tasty solo from trumpeter James Moore.

Hoyson has been a well-respected mainstay in Pittsburgh's jazz scene for decades, both as a player and producer Richie Cole et al). The guy excels at both activities. He is a classic swinger of a time-keeper. If Irv Cottler was "Mr. Time," Hoyson, reminiscent of say, an Alan Dawson, Hoyson is "Mr. Taste." He is also a most magnanimous leader as he generously lets the spotlight shine on all.

"The Chalice" is a deeply reflective statement, slow and deep, with Eric DeFade's soprano sax doing the offering and Mark Lucas' guitar dreaming. "Natural Gifts" follows the slower, dreamy pace. "Tokens," a laid-back soundscape, features a fine Tony DePaolis bass solo. "The Romance of Death" is an energetic Chick Corea-like burner that ignites all. It's an album highlight. Klein-Bliel and Moore return for an azure-dark take on "You Don't Know What Love Is." She fronts a larger ensemble on a fine rendering of Thelonious Monk's balladic love letter, "Ruby, My Dear," as well.

The recording was done over a period of three years and the personnel changed somewhat across the recording period. Despite this there is fine consistency across the tracks. Natural Gifts may have been a longer-term project. Hopefully, its sequel will be here a lot sooner.