Live

Lee Fields + Eska: Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 4/5/19

Few music careers have followed the amazing trajectory of veteran soul man Lee Fields. Once one of the most promising artists on the scene, he worked with legends including Bobby Womack and OV Wright before the disco era forced him into the real estate game. But Fields is not one for giving up and is now enjoying the most successful period of his musical life.

The success and acclaim enjoyed by latest long player "It Rains Love" is testament to his longevity, with the 67-year-old still in fine voice.
And the large crowd packed into Shepherds Bush Empire showed the singer has an affectionate fanbase.

Support act Eska was a welcome addition to the affair, delivering a charismatic and eclectic set which rightly drew huge applause from the audience.

After a long instrumental build-up by band The Expressions - among the tightest acts doing the rounds at the moment - a beaming Fields took to the stage... Early versions of "Work To Do" and latest LP title track "It Rains Love" were fine showcases of his vocal range.

He may have half a century of music under his belt, but his enthusiasm hasn't faded, with Fields confidently bounding around the stage and striking poses throughout.

"Faithful Man" remains one of the top soul tracks of recent years, and his live version is astonishing each time he performs it. With a wail similar to that of the mighty James Brown - Fields provided vocals for 2014 movie "Get On Up" - he built the crowd up with his display of raw emotion.

Encore track "Honey Dove" was delivered with style, his pleading and uncompromising voice filling the iconic venue and sending the crowd home happy.

With five records under his belt in the last decade, Fields is enjoying a purple patch that fans will hope continues in coming years... Judging by this show, he's got the energy to carry on for a long time.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke