My World

Lee Fields and The Expressions

Stones Throw

I usually give my opinions on hip hop music, but Bassline editor Stephanie Collier sent me a package with a note that said,”Write on any of these albums you like.”

With that in mind, I looked over the collage of fancy digital art and up-close shots of the newest talent that is trying to break.

What caught my eye and ear was an out-of-focus photo with the words “MY WORLD” scrolled across a fist like a soul music inmate.

I pressed play on Lee Fields and the Expressions.

The opening, “Instant Classic,” breakbeat with the smooth key line instantly caught my interest.

Then a voice out of the very heart of Memphis soul music kicks in.

Lee Fields voice is the truth, powerful and commanding of your attention. Pure soul music that took me back to my youth when my father, James Nebraska, would play his new 45’s while my five siblings and I would clean the house.

If my father were still here, he would be dancing to the Expressions breakbeat style rhythm section, funky guitar riffs, and super tight horn section, mellowed out by an amazing string section that makes you move, rock and groove.

Lee Field's voice is holdin'- your-lover, baby-makin', kickin'-back with-friends-and-enjoyin'-life music.

The group is an old school, veteran NYC musicians. You’ve heard them put their funky mark on tracks by The Dap Kings, TV On The Radio, Amy Winehouse, and others, with backing vocals by the legendary doo-wop group The Del-Larks.

In this day of vocorders and studios tricks, you can feel the raw energy and emotion exploding from this group of master artists and musicians.

“My World” showcases a rare talent that persevered in the underground while the likes of Bobby Womack, Al Green, The Pursuaders and others shine in their way over due spotlight.

Fields is a superstar in his own right. This album proves that soul music is not to be ignored. It can be a lucrative venture for anyone that has the guts to pursue its realness.

This album is a powerful blast of gut wrenching soul. The track “Loves Comes and Goes” covers the pain of relationships gone bad. While “Honey Dove” and “Ladies” let you know why you should love women as they are. In this day of over the top machismo, Lee Fields praises of the wonderful connection of woman to man.

Then “Money I$ King” and “My World” take you on a Marvin Gaye-like journey to the dark side of money and power.

"My World" is not a record to be played on old school r and b station. This album transcends all of society if it gets the attention it deserves.

I’m sure Stones Throw will take it farther than a stone's throw.