ATLANTA, GA. (Top40 Charts/ Mo Better Recordings) -
Soprano saxophonist Dee Lucas' newest CD Something To Ride 2 is a smooth jazz classic in the making. With the breakout hits Bayou and Chameleon leading the way, Something To Ride 2 lends to a perfect musical getaway, with a refreshing selection of songs that are smooth and mellow, yet tinged with an urban, funky flavor. Lucas' second CD is set for release April 16, 2007, on the independent label Mo Better Recordings.
'I am pleased with Something To Ride 2, said Lucas. 'I wanted a CD that people could groove to and have fun listening to and Something To Ride 2 fits the bill. It's a departure from what I did on my first CD, Remembrance. With this record I wanted to further develop my own distinctive sound as a solo artist. My style, from a horn perspective, is different from that of many traditional smooth jazz artists in terms of timbre and tone. My music tends to speak more than sing with the horn, allowing me to indulge in notes that are more staccato. I like taking off on an uncharted path in music and Something To Ride 2 is a representation of the journey that I take each time I pick up the sax.'
Something To Ride 2 Highlights:
* The first track on the CD is Method to the Madness. The bass-driven song is a collaboration between Lucas, keyboardist Karey Davis (Kirk Whalum, George Duke, Branford Marsalis) and drummer Keith Ledbetter (Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples). It's a high-energy song enveloped in a pure urban sound.
* The second/title track on the CD is Something to Ride 2. The song was produced by bass player Jon Roberts (Patti Austin, Cherrelle, 112). It brings plenty of funk to the fore with a steady groove backdrop.
* The third track on the CD, Nothing That I Do, was written with bass player Jon Roberts. Essentially, the smooth jam delves into the depths of a relationship that is on the verge of ending or succeeding, weaving in the honeyed vocals of Terri Carroll, a two-time Stellar Award nominee.
* The fourth track is a fresh remake of the ballad I Can't Stop Loving You originally recorded by singer/songwriter Kem. Lucas puts his creative twist on the hit's unique melody, blending R&B and jazz transitions with finesse. The song features talented vocalists Jason Sylvain (Terry Lewis III, Organized Noize, Pebbles) and Cherrie Swann.
* The fifth track Bayou was written by guitarist Vic Smiley (Gloria Gaynor, Gerald Levert). The up-tempo song, inspired by Smiley's travels through the Louisiana bayou, is reminiscent of Norman Brown. Lucas' sax and Smiley's guitar construct clever interplay on this recording.
* The sixth track Chameleon, a mellow remake of the Herbie Hancock 1973 classic. This song was arranged by producer Antoine Hollis and produced by keyboardist Karey Davis. From the beginning to end of Chameleon, Lucas' sensual sax interpretation glides along on a sweet musical ride.
* The seventh track is a remake of the popular Brian McKnight ballad, Never Felt This Way. With a hint of Spanish flavor underlying the melody, Lucas' contemporary remake takes the song to new heights.
* The eighth track, Reconcile, was another creative collaboration with producer/keyboardist Karey Davis that's grounded in a strong bass line that supports Lucas' dips and dives with the sax into melodious territory.
* The ninth track, Chameleon, is a bonus club mix version of the Herbie Hancock classic with an emphasis on funk. Lucas' club mix version of Chameleon is a hard driving tour de force with Lucas accompanied by Joel Powell ((India.Arie, Russell Gunn) on bass.
* The tenth track, Into the Night, was written with keyboardist Karey Davis and rests on a fluid groove that gives the song its signature sound.
Lucas has been an in-demand musician for the past 12 years and has steadily expanded his fan base since the release of his well-received 2004 debut solo CD Remembrance, a tribute to legendary saxophonist George Howard. Lucas has had the pleasure of opening for an impressive roster of artists including Roy Ayers, Gerald Albright, Warren Hill, Boney James, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Chris Botti, Nneena Freelon and Pieces of a Dream. He has headlined at the Arts Council Theatre in Winston Salem, N.C.; Jazz-N-June and the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Ala.; Ritz Theatre in Jacksonville, Fla; and the Crowe's Nest and Cafe 290 in Atlanta, Ga.
