On Tuesday, January 3rd, Lee Fields performed for a packed house at Irving Plaza in New York City. Mr. Fields was backed by the Expressions, his stellar 11-piece band which includes bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, percussion, two female backing singers and a four-piece horn section, all of whom wore matching sparkly paisley suits and provided a full, vintage sound. The effect was as if the spectator were transported to a soul review circa 1972.
Mr. Fields commands the stage with a powerful presence and a vocal style reminiscent of the greats who came before him. In his delivery one can hear traces of Sam Cooke, Little Anthony and the Imperials and James Brown. He performed tunes from his recent release Special Night and previous albums. The highlight was “Make The World Better,” an urgent call to positive activism. The band’s punchy horn arrangements perfectly accentuated the simple but uplifting message.
We can, make the world better
If we, get together.
Good God y’all!
Lee and the band worked the crowd with friendly banter, “Are y’all having a good time?!” He strutted, danced, twirled and rocked the mic stand as well as any who came before and left no doubt he stands on equal footing with his predecessors. He left the stage after about an hour and returned shortly rocking a white leather vest for an encore. Lee Fields and the Expressions maintain a busy tour schedule performing worldwide. For fans of high energy, classic soul, this is an experience not to be missed. Make sure to catch Lee Fields and the Expressions the next time they roll through your town!
-Mike Cobb
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