Smoothjazz Saxophonist Dee Lucas Upclose and Personal at The Downbeat

National recording artist and smooth jazz top-charting saxophonist Dee Lucas comes to Portland for an intimate performance at The Downbeat. Dee Lucas – Official Biography Contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas has established himself as one of the most consistent and respected independent artists in smooth jazz. Celebrating more than two decades as a recording artist, Lucas has built an impressive international career through exceptional musicianship, entrepreneurial vision, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. As founder of ODL Music, he has successfully navigated the music industry as an independent artist while earning critical acclaim, multiple Billboard appearances, and numerous chart-topping singles worldwide. A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, Lucas released his debut album Remembrance in 2004, introducing audiences to his soulful, melodic style. He followed with Something to Ride 2 (2007), Standing Room Only (2010), Rebirth of the Smooth (2012), The Smooth Factor (2014), and Going Deeper (2016). In 2017, Lucas launched ODL Music and released The EP Collection, Vol. 1: The Sweet Spot, followed by Going Left (2018). His breakthrough release The Time Is Now (2020) featured the hit “Full Tilt” and earned an Indie Soul Award nomination for Smooth Jazz Album of the Year. No Boundaries (2023) produced multiple #1 smooth jazz singles including “Hot Ice,” “Sir Dee,” and “On the Verge,” while “Love Is Enough” featuring Selina Albright received an Indie Soul Award nomination for Jazz Vocal Single of the Year. In 2024, Lucas celebrated his 20th anniversary with Twenty, producing the #1 hits “Twenty” and “Tighten Up.” His newest release, Heart & Soul, Volume 1, produced primarily by Caleb Middleton with additional production by Marcus Anderson, features the heartfelt single “Never Go Away,” marking Lucas’ debut on tenor saxophone. The album reflects his continued artistic growth through soulful melodies and contemporary jazz excellence. Throughout his career, Dee Lucas has earned recognition as a three-time Billboard-charting artist, Central Standard Time for Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year, an Indie Soul Award nominee, and a Capital Jazz Festival Competition Runner-Up. His catalog has produced multiple #1 singles on smooth jazz charts throughout the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and other international markets. He has shared the stage with Roy Ayers, Hugh Masekela, Boney James, Peter White, Michael Franks, Gerald Albright, and Najee. Today, with twelve acclaimed albums, an expanding international audience, and a reputation as one of contemporary jazz's premier independent recording artists, Dee Lucas continues to elevate the genre through passionate performances, memorable compositions, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence