(May 4, 2023) Three years after Dee Lucas recorded his 2004 debut Remembrance, the saxophonist/composer was a runner up at the Capital Jazz Festival Competition. And Lucas’s string of Billboard and independent Smooth Jazz charting CDs proves his musical consistency, especially when transforming R&B/soul into the mix. For instance, Lucas’s first exposure on SoulTracks was via his cover of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s “The Morning After,” which he converted into a compelling quiet storm experience.
Lucas’s sophomore First Listen contribution comes from his ODL Records project and 10th release, No Boundaries. A song geared for hopeful romantics, “Love Is Enough,” echoes his keen brand of soprano saxophone skills that never overshadows any vocal performance. And his choice of lead vocalists, SoulTracks favorite Selina Albright, elevates “Love Is Enough” into a captivating smooth jazz and soul delight.
While David P. Stevens’ production provides a standard contemporary jazz rhythm section, he remains sensitive in freeing up the effortless interplay between Lucas and Albright. As for the storyline, the narrative on “Love Is Enough,” co-written by Stevens, Lucas and Donnell Spencer, Jr., confirms that serious romantic relationships must keep the faith through thick and thin. Just like “The Morning After,” Lucas knows how to navigate the R&B/soul waters with a smooth jazz touch.
By Peggy Oliver
Dee Lucas feat. Selina Albright
“Love Is Enough”
