For over two decades, Dee Lucas has built a reputation as one of the most distinctive soprano saxophonists in contemporary jazz. With a sound rooted in the smooth elegance of George Howard yet stamped with his own blend of jazz, R&B, and funk, Lucas has successfully navigated the independent music landscape with entrepreneurial drive, critical recognition, and consistent chart success.
Over the years, Althea built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and expressive flutists in contemporary jazz. Known for her fashionable style and energetic stage presence, she has often playfully called the “Chocolate Barbie from the Motor City.” Her nickname was inspired by her funk-driven sound and commanding performances. She credits her father, Dezie McCullers, one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers, for instilling her love of rhythm and soul.
Leesa Richards grew up in Detroit surrounded by the city’s rich musical culture, inspiring her passion for the arts at an early age. After earning a dance degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she performed with several dance companies and toured internationally, including as a dancer with Whitney Houston. Leesa later transitioned into a successful career as a singer and songwriter, performing with artists such as Oleta Adams, Faith Hill, Barry Gibb, Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan, and Julio Iglesias. Her debut album Mother’s Child blends soulful ballads, rock, and R&B, reflecting both personal stories and universal themes of love and loss. Today, The Leesa Richards Quartet delivers a captivating jazz experience featuring timeless standards, original compositions, and fresh interpretations of contemporary classics.
Phillip “Doc” Martin is both a board-certified dentist and an accomplished saxophonist with impressive musical credentials. Growing up in South Florida, he began playing saxophone at age nine and became first chair in the All-State Jazz Band during high school. He later earned a music scholarship to the University of Central Florida, studying under Jeff Rupert and George Weremchuk and performing as a sideman for Sam Rivers and Sisaundra Lewis. After pursuing dentistry at Howard University and becoming board-certified in 2008, he continued recording and touring, releasing albums on Marcus Johnson’s Three Keys Music label. Today, Doc Martin balances a successful dental practice in Bowie, Maryland while performing and collaborating with artists including Kirk Whalum, Walter Beasley, Paul Brown, and Steve Oliver.