The PUB Report

By Alicia Sanders

Victor Fields is a new voice on the block and what a voice! His debut CD, 52nd Street showcases Fields’ phenomenal talent. If you’re looking to hear one of the most distinctive musical voices of our time…you must listen to Victor Fields! This artist has studied the masters and innately knows what makes them great! Victor Fields offers mesmerizing, lush and sensual vocals. He aptly displays musical integrity delivered through a pristine voice of true artistry. Fields simply captivates! This CD offers a tribute to one of his greatest musical influences, the legendary Joe Williams and to the music that blared up and down the famous New York’s 52nd street…a time of Swing and Bebop…Duke Ellington and Ella…Dizzy and Count Basie…Joe Williams and Miles Davis.

52nd Street brings to it’s listeners jazz standards…A Night Tunisia…Bluesette and Broadway Show Tunes…Send In The Clowns and Maria…with the smash remake…Walk On By…and the magic keeps flowing with a sensual and romantic version of…The Look of Love…along with two original songs penned by Fields’…Five-Two Blues and Open Your Heart featuring the Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir…with a stellar cast of musicians…Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, and Christ Botti. 52nd Street soothes and soars!

During our phone interview, Victor took me on an engaging journey of his musical experience. He’s been singing most of his life, coming from a musical household, his mother Julliard-trained helped to make it a sure thing that Victor Fields would take center stage. A constant crowd pleaser at San Francisco/Bay area clubs, Fields’ stunning and fresh vocals warm and astonish audiences. With a distinct sound all his own…Victor Fields is taking the music world head on!

What was your inspiration in making 52nd street…

“I didn’t start out to make a jazz CD… I wanted to bring back the music from that time…tell the story of these artists.” A time when jazz was the king with plenty of jazz royalty…Bird (Charlie Parker), Lester Young and Carmen McCrae…Fields pays tribute to Joe Williams… “Joe Williams was incredible!”  The opening track written by Fields …Five-Two Blues weaves a beautiful story… lyrics that tell how Joe Williams was known for singing ballads and he changed to the blues once he sang with Count Basie. Fields considered doing one of Joe Williams’ signature songs…Everyday I Have The Blues…perhaps, he will on a future project, we’ll be waiting! Flawless phasing and delivery, Victor Fields is remarkable! Musically, we’ve come a long way and Fields reminds us just how far with 52nd Street!

I asked Victor Fields to describe his music…he says, “I’m a song stylist with many musical influences”…his Brazilian inspired duet of the standard, Bluesette with Claudia Villela ….is spicy, smooth and intimate!

On this fabulous CD is a remake of the classic Walk On By…this song alone makes 52nd Street outstanding! when asked why this song…Fields says, “I listened to both versions…Dionne Warwick and Issac Hayes, I wanted to do something different and give it a different take…because men experience heartbreak!”…you’ll be spellbound by this rich rendition with phrasing and arrangements that makes this a sure winner!

Fields studied voice with the renowned vocal coach David Tigner. I asked Victor Fields…

What are some of the advantages for a singer in studying with a vocal coach?

“You learn about your voice and you learn endurance”…many artists get hoarse after doing back to back shows and with voice training you’re able to better perform.”

Victor Fields is under the management of the legendary John Levy.
He’s managed such greats as Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery, George Shearing, Joe Williams, Randy Crawford, Arsenio Hall, and today Vanessa Rubin, Nancy Wilson and other notables. Levy is an artist in his own right as once a bass player for musical great Billie Holliday.

“without a John Levy there would be no me. He’s the total manager!” - Arsenio Hall comedian

How did you meet John Levy?

“I read his autobiographical and musical history book (Men, Women, and Girl Singers: My Life As a Musician Turned Talent Manager) and was blown away! We met and at the end of our meeting I received his proverbial handshake.” Victory Fields was welcomed aboard to John Levy’s Management and together his star is truly rising. He speaks with such affection for this living legend and says “if we had 10 managers like John Levy it would be a better music industry. John Levy has integrity and really cares about his artists, it’s like a family!”

Victor Fields formed his own Record Label, Regina Records and the company is named after his wife. I asked Fields…

What are some of the benefits of running your own record Label?

“The great thing is owning your masters! We’re just putting out our music right now and seeing what happens”…when asked about future plans to possibly sign with a major record company…Field says,
“we’re most definitely open to those options.”

In Fields’ spare time, he and his family are avid tennis players. A previously successful businessman with signature vocals the world was just waiting on…a man of so many textures…a strong musical influence in the jazz and pop world with his feet grounded while his career skyrockets…I asked this family man…

How is it being a working Dad in this business?

“My daughter and wife travel with me as often as possible, she’s 10 years old and know this is business…right now I’m in good standing…she recently met B2K at an industry event and had them all to herself…so dad is pretty cool!”

What advice would you give to new artists, especially in the jazz genre?

“Develop your craft…experiment…learn!”

With a voice like Victors Fields, I just imagine seeing him on Broadway or lending his voice to soundtracks. I asked if he had any plans for television, films or Broadway…”not at this time, we’re certainly open to this.”…no doubt with such lush vocals, exquisite phrasing and brilliant performances there will be knocks at the door!

Victor Fields is an extraordinary singer and 52nd Street is labor of true love, reverence and musical magic. You’re sure to get caught up in the phenomenal sounds of Victor Fields. There’s no doubt that this fabulous Song Stylist will be around for some time for our listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Visit Victor’s website at www.victorfields.com