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

By Nicholas F. Mondello
April 8, 2020
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Reid Hoyson Project Featuring Don DePaolis and Mark Lucas: Natural Gifts

Natural Gifts, from Pittsburgh-based drummer/producer

Reid Hoyson

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">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

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Bush,

Erik Lawrence

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Erik Lawrence and

J.D. Chaisson

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">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

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">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

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Lisa Klein-Bliel and a tasty solo from trumpeter

James Moore

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">James Moore.

Hoyson has been a well-respected mainstay in Pittsburgh's jazz scene for decades, both as a player and producer

Richie Cole

saxophone, alto
1948 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">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

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric DeFade's soprano sax doing the offering and

Mark Lucas

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Lucas' guitar dreaming. "Natural Gifts" follows the slower, dreamy pace. "Tokens," a laid-back soundscape, features a fine

Tony DePaolis

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony DePaolis bass solo. "The Romance of Death" is an energetic

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">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

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">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.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Bottom Without a Top, Dinner at the Borgia's, Indigo, Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me, The Chalice, Natural Gifts, Tokens, Romance of Death, Not What Walt Would Have Wanted, You don't Know What Love Is, Ruby, My Dear.

Personnel

Reid Hoyson

drums

Don DePaolis

piano

Victor Garzatto

piano

Antonio Croes

piano

Chris Capizzi

piano

Tony DePaolis

bass

Mark Lucas

guitar

J.D. Chaisson

trumpet

James Moore

trumpet

Eric DeFade

saxophone

Erik Lawrence

saxophone

Jeff Bush

trombone

Lucas Ashby

percussion

George Jones

percussion

Lisa Klein-Bleil

vocals

The Balcony Big Band

band / ensemble / orchestra

Album information

Title: Natural Gifts | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Reid Hoyson Productions

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