New Orleans and world audiences have been listening to and watching the remarkable rise of drummer Joe Dyson for almost three decades. At age two, he began playing in church, an element that remains in his often emotional approach to music. He received greater visibility and instruction under the wing of master saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., and Dyson has been heard regularly and recorded with the legendary organist Dr. Lonnie Smith and trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah.

Look Within stands as Dyson’s debut release under his own name and reveals his huge talents as a composer. While many tunes feature ensemble work with his strong band, pianist Oscar Rossignoli, saxophonist Stephen Gladney, trumpeter Stephen Lands, bassist Jasen Weaver and percussionist Daniel Sadownick, it is not difficult to grasp that the brilliant Dyson is at the helm.

Dyson often brings the unexpected to a tune—like adding strong statements to a delicate ballad such as “Forever Changed” and how he rips up the opening of the burner “Forward.” Everyone is in on this high-velocity ride, an album fav, with the trumpet, sax and piano trading bars and eventually coming together as one until Dyson’s drums have the final say.

The spiritually and musically beautiful “Come to Thee” holds a certain perfection of passion and free-jazz improvisation. At the end, Dyson’s father, Reverend Dr. J.C. Dyson, boldly preaches to a congregation as the instrumental ensemble quietly calms. Earlier, Joe’s sister, vocalist Joel Dyson, known as L.E., warmly sings the album’s title cut, “Look Within”

Thelonious Monk’s “Rhythm-A-Ning,” the only tune here not penned by Dyson, takes things out with a New Orleans second line beat. It feels like just the right jump for Look Within, an album with an abundance of diversity, spirituality and musicality led by a great New Orleans talent.