If you want the "regular" with a side of cookie-cutter smooth jazz sorry, that’s one thing bassist David Dyson won’t serve you! The main ingredient this young talent pours in all of his work is a large dose of musical integrity. Sure integrity might feel good to the soul, but does it pay the rent? Well, it has been for over a decade as Dyson has worked with a range of artists including the legendary Chico Freeman, Walter Beasley, Pieces of a Dream, Me’shell N’degeocello and The New Kids on the Block.

1999 marked the release of Dyson’s debut CD entitled Soulmates, on the guitarist’s independent Lo’hand Funk label. Releasing Soulmates on his own label enabled Dyson to create the kind of music that was uniquely his own upbeat and richly funky tunes like 95 North, which take the listener on a jazz-centered, rhythm and blues-laced journey. Reflective songs such as Lena’s Lullaby, coined in anticipation of his newly born daughter, were songs plucked out of the very fabric of the man. The ambitious CD caught the attention of pianist Marcus Johnson and was later released through his Marimelj Entertainment label with a major distributing deal through Warner Brothers.

Family, music, business and integrity in tow, Dyson moves toward his next release. His sophomore effort promises special guest appearances by some of the heavy hitters in jazz. A true slugger, David, is one to watch in the years to come.

JazzReview.com:Hello David Dyson. How are you?

David Dyson: I’m fine thank you.

JazzReview.com:David you are an extraordinary bass guitarist. You play with a lot of passion and fire. Where does it come from?

David Dyson: Thanks for your kind words. I think that passion and fire comes from my love of music in general.

JazzReview.com:I imagine there’s nothing, musically, you like doing more than performing live. Have I guessed right?

David Dyson: Almost. Actually, I think composing songs edges out performing for me. It’s very rewarding to complete a piece and be happy with it. But performing is a very close second.

JazzReview.com:You have done very well for yourself with the release of the "Soulmates" CD, what’s next for you?

David Dyson: I’m doing demos of my songs for the next CD. And I’m close to finishing all the potential tunes that will be considered for it. I wont be going into the studio with live musicians until spring, though. But I will have several special guests on the next one. I’m also possibly going out with Me’shell N’degeocello in February to help promote her new release. And of course I’m still doing occasional dates with "Pieces of A Dream."

JazzReview.com:What does your music represent to you? In other words, if you were to define your music what would it be?

David Dyson: "Feel good music! It’s music that grooves. Technically, it contains strong elements of R&B, funk jazz and fusion, though."

JazzReview.com:If you could make up a word to describe your music what would it be?

David Dyson: "Groovemotional."

JazzReview.com :I’m feeling that answer, and I agree. How have you grown in the two years since your release of Soulmates?

David Dyson: "Not only have I learned a lot, but I also realize what I would have done differently to improve Soulmates sonically. Also, I have a greater appreciation for fans. It truly is a blessing to have people enjoy what you’ve composed and it’s rewarding to realize that you were successful in conveying your emotions through the music."

JazzReview.com:You are on keyboardist Marcus Johnson’s Marimelj Label with distribution through Warner Brothers. Is that the best of both worlds when you take a small record label and combine it with a huge distributor?

David Dyson: "Sure, especially if you have the creative-control, which is extremely important to me. My CD was completed and I was selling it myself when I ran into Marcus. So, he knew where I was coming from. Integrity is most important to me. I’d rather not do a CD if I can’t have the creative control over my own tunes. No one tells an artist what to paint because it’s his personal vision and it’s coming from within. So, why do so many (most) labels try to control a musical artist’s vision? Numbers (sales) which equals money!!! But, most of them know little about music, just sales. So, the quality of music in the industry on a whole has really declined because it’s not about music first and foremost anymore."

JazzReview.com:Who do you write for, yourself, fans, radio hits?

David Dyson: "Me. I think that’s what the fans appreciate and want. That’s what I respect in other artists that write from their hearts. I mean don’t get me wrong, I have and do write radio ready material, but for other people, generally, and even that still has integrity. And, if fans want to hear more of a particular previous vibe that I’ve put out I’m down for accommodating that. Ultimately, if I convey my emotions effectively, the fans feel me and can relate overall."

JazzReview.com: Would you consider yourself as working toward creating a musical legacy?

David Dyson: "Definitely."

JazzReview.com: You just finished working with Pieces of a Dream, one of the legendary groups in contemporary jazz music. You are up there on the CD. Are you now working as a part of the group?

David Dyson: "We have a great business relationship, but they understand that I’m doing a lot of other projects as well. Plus, Gerald Veasley does the majority of their gigs. He has had a relationship with them before Grover Washington passed, so it was only natural that he should play with them. I do occasional dates."

JazzReview.com:How fun is that? I mean, talk about high energy!

David Dyson: "It’s always fun to work with those cats. It has been for about 3 to 4 years now."

JazzReview.com:Something a lot of people might not know about you is that you’ve been around for a minute. David is it true that you were the musical coordinator for New Kids on the Block?

David Dyson: "Yep! I was with them for three and a half years and it was a great experience. Actually, my title was "Musical Director/bassist." I also worked with them personally to put the music to their steps and switched up grooves every couple of weeks to keep it interesting. I enjoyed the experience."

JazzReview.com: An amazing experience!

David Dyson: "Definitely, I saw most of the world and got a lot of experience while making money. I could tell you some stories "

JazzReview.com:Was that your introduction to the music industry?

David Dyson: "No. I had some experience with Walter Beasley first two videos and my first appearance out of town."

JazzReview.com:For those who are looking to gather some of the experiences that you have gathered and make it as a musician, what is your advice to them?

David Dyson: "Keep on trying and don’t give yourself a limit. You’ll never make it if you do that. How many times have you heard people say, ‘I used to play (fill in the blank).’ If your heart is truly in it, keep striving and network all you can to gain a positive reputation. That is extremely important."

JazzReview.com:David, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

David Dyson: "Thank you."