Nick Lucas is a somewhat forgotten name in music. One of the first talented jazz guitar soloists, his guitar playing (with the exception of a couple solo pieces) always took a secondary role behind his high-pitched tenor voice.
Lucas introduced "Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me" in the 1920s and, although that decade was his heyday, he had a long career that did not end until his death in 1982.
Painting the Clouds features
Lucas radio transcriptions that probably date from the mid-'40s. The first 14 selections are solo numbers in which
Lucas is just accompanied by his guitar. His voice was still at its prime and his supportive guitar work is subtle and swinging. Among the songs given charming interpretations are "Tangerine," "In a Little Spanish Town," "Three Little Words," and "The Song Is Ended." The last two numbers, "Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me" and "Painting the Clouds With Sunshine," sound like they are from a soundtrack, since
Lucas is joined by a band, background singers, and a tap dancer or two. Fans of vintage vocalists would do themselves a favor by discovering
Nick Lucas, and this set is one of his few CDs currently in print. ~ Scott Yanow