Dee Lucas: Press

Rich & Classy!
Wow, what a stunning follow-up to Dee’s outstanding George Howard tribute disc of a couple of years ago! When I reviewed “Remembrance,” I mentioned what an impressive job Dee had done in re-creating the distinctive George Howard style while putting his own unique signature on each tune. I was thinking to myself at the time that as good as that album was, I couldn’t wait to hear the next Dee Lucas project, when he performed music that he could truly make his own. SOMETHING TO RIDE 2 is that project, and my expectations have been exceeded. This album is rich, tasty, classy, and I could just keep adding positives! This truly is a first-rate collection of soprano sax-driven music, and it should indeed be a breakout release for Mr. Lucas. There’s not one throwaway track on this disc, with the hits “Bayou” and the cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” (including a bonus mix) in the forefront. Speaking of covers, Dee’s takes on Kem’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and Brian McKnight’s “Never Felt This Way” are exceptional. This is just a quality outing from first note to last… smooth and mellow, with an understated urban funk groove as a foundation. I told you that “Remembrance” was a “must have.” Dee Lucas’ new one, SOMETHING TO RIDE 2, is absolutely in the same category, and I expect it to propel him to the forefront of the Smooth Jazz format. You will fall in love with this album! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

April 22, 2007
Dee Lucas - Something To Ride 2

‘Something To Ride 2’ is the brand new CD from Atlanta born and based saxophonist Dee Lucas. Available from April 16 through the independent label Mo Better Recordings it is a superb example of some of the best urban smooth jazz you will hear all year and follows his 2004 debut ‘Remembrance’. This homage to the great George Howard was greeted with stunning reviews, garnered extensive airplay and laid the foundation for prominent engagements to open for artists such as Roy Ayers, Hugh Masakela, The Gap Band and Lalah Hathaway. All the more remarkable is the fact that this 40-year-old self-taught musician did not pick up the sax until the age of 28.

With six original compositions and three classy covers the album is all about the smoky direction in which smooth jazz is currently moving. At times Lucas deliciously edges the genre into the long grass of top notch R & B but with the catchy title track and the radio friendly ‘Bayou’ he is firmly in smooth jazz territory. Equally silky, and with that certain Dee Lucas vibe, is ‘Into The Night’. Mellow and right in the pocket the track is an absolute joy and although Dee keeps it smooth for the edgy ‘Reconcile’ the mid tempo ‘Method To The Madness’ proves that he can get funky too. It benefits hugely from his own warm playing and the keys of Karey Davis who also produces and remains excellent throughout.

When Lucas turns to the much covered Herbie Hancock classic ‘Chameleon’ he delivers a six minute plus epic that is moody in the extreme and when later in the album he reprises it as a bonus remix the featured bass of Joel Powell gives the tune a whole new dynamic. Dee’s interpretation of the Brian McKnight number ‘Never Felt This Way’ results in a slice of romantic smooth jazz for lovers while just as tender is Kem’s ‘I Cant Stop Loving You’. Velvety and sensuous with subtle horns from Cedric Young the song is guided by picture perfect vocals from Jason Sylvain. It’s a personal favorite but just as good is the original composition ‘Nothing That I Do’. Fashioned around a cool vocal from Terri Carroll and built on a sultry vibe that is straight from the street this is where urban jazz meets quiet storm to sensational effect.

‘Something To Ride 2’ is a real delight and without doubt will find its way into the Smooth Jazz Therapy top twenty of 2007. For more information go to www.mobetterrecordings.com

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