lee fields again

For years, I had a nasty habit of missing Lee Fields' concert appearances, especially in Montreal.

That unlucky streak broke in 2009 when I caught him perform at the Daptone Records CMJ Showcase along with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and future favorite Charles Bradley.




Fields triumphantly arrived on stage and got something of a hero's welcome from the crowd. His performance at the showcase coincided with the release of his My World album. His showmanship was slightly different from Bradley's but we knew they gave us 100% during their sets.



I was pleased to learn Lee Fields & The Expressions will be returning to Montreal on May 3 for a performance at L'Astral.

I saw it as a perfect opportunity to end my streak.



It was good to have a more Lee Fields focused concert this time as opposed to him sharing the bill with other artists. From what I saw, most everyone in attendance enjoyed the show. So much so that I had never seen people scoop merchandise so quickly after a performance. 

My streak is officially broken.  If you haven't seen Lee Fields live, do what you can to chalk up a show to your win column. 

I had already been happy with the Lee Fields performance at L’Astral in May. To learn Lee Fields was going to be in Montreal again before 2012’s end was even more of a delight

I have never caught a performance twice in one year of any artist before.  Lee Fields enters into a special league of his own.

There were many elements that made this Lee Fields night special. Good fortune once again allowed me to catch the soul singer’s second Montreal performance. The Cabaret Du Mile-End venue was also closer to home literally and figuratively.

History repeated itself when Lee Fields triumphantly took the stage after the opening act. It did not take long for the spectators to fill the dance floor area in the middle of the tables and chairs surrounding the stage.

Throughout the set, I was debating which Fields album I would want to bring home the most among them. Songs from Faithful Man became even more familiar to me without Fields having to announce where the songs could be found within his Truth & Soul discography.

My personal attachment is to My World. That was the album he released and promoted when I first saw him perform in 2009 after many missed opportunities.The album cover has a nostalgic element for me as well.

Connoisseurs know that Could Have Been can be found on the Daptone Gold collection.  From the moment the ballad began, I told my +1 the name of the song seconds before Fields belted the title.

Fields did a cover of a 1970s funk group classic at both L’Astral and Cabaret Du Mile-End.  For fear of messing with fate, I will not name the group or song now I will just hope that his rendition does appear on a subsequent album sooner rather than later.

History repeated itself at the merchandise table as well. Again, patrons packed vinyl copies under their arms and cleared the venue. With Lee Fields at the table, there was a great chance they were signed.

I was privy to information after the Astral performance.  Apparently, Fields was not well and that explained why he did not place himself at the front to sign autographs or take photos with fans.

The Lee Fields I saw in Cabaret Du Mile-End had the verve and sprite of an evangelist. He very well could have cured anyone that was ill that night. Not only did Fields spin, shimmy, shake and stroll but jump he did. He must have wanted to do whatever he may not have done on stage in May in October. As someone that can compare the two performances, I was able to identify the subtle difference. 

Perhaps the only clue to know which Lee Fields you’re dealing with is how high and often he leaps into the air. After having met him, the My World autographed and being photographed with him, I felt like soaring in the air that night. I was given further proof that a Lee Fields night is an uplifting experience. 

Thank you to the good people of Truth & Soul Records, Lee Fields and musicians, Evenko and Cult MTL for the soulful soiree.