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Ghost Canyon

Victor Fields Victor Fields

'Welcome to The Sophisticated and Elegant World of Victor'

Victor Fields has been a performer most of his life. As a young boy, he inherited the gift of song from his Julliard-trained mother. Today, he is an artist who brings a fresh and distinct sound to the music world.

At the same time he was making a name for himself as a well-respected businessman in the San Francisco area, Fields was also pursuing a music career. After studying voice with the renowned vocal coach, David Tigner, he began "sitting in" at San Francisco/ Bay Area clubs. It wasn't long before he became popular on the private party circuit in San Francisco and Napa Valley.

Victor is also an accomplished writer. Coming to grips with a family crisis was the inspiration for writing "Promise", the title track from his debut CD. On his release, 52nd Street, he offered his listeners a collection of classic songs and two originals, "Five-Two Blues" and "Open Your Heart." The first song was dedicated to the legendary Joe Williams and the golden age of swing. The latter was dedicated to the victims of September 11, 2001.

With his new release, the self-titled CD, 'Victor' on Regina Records, singer and songwriter Victor Fields' star is higher and brighter than ever. Once again he takes us on a soulful journey and demonstrates that he has what it takes to deliver a song whether it's R&B, Jazz or Pop. Produced by Chris Camozzi with special guests Dave Ellis (Charlie Hunter Trio), Scott Mayo (Earth, Wind & Fire), Bill Ortiz (Santana), JP DeLaire (Prince), and Nelson Braxton (Braxton Brothers), each track is a musical experience full of lush arrangements and an urban feel that wonderfully compliment one of today's most distinctive voices.

Chatting recently with Victor, and taking it from the top, I took him back to those days when he began "sitting in" at San Francisco/ Bay Area clubs. From there it wasn't too long before he became popular on the private party circuit in San Francisco and Napa Valley. So, and based on his proximity to that wine area, all these years later was he now a wine connoisseur also?! "I wouldn't consider myself a wine connoisseur, but some of my best friends are. Does that count?"

Not really but we'll carry on! This new album truly feels like the perfect collection for the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day! Was it created with that day in mind, perhaps? "Thank you for a wonderful compliment. We didn't plan it like that, but it's become a "must have" for those romantic evenings with that special someone, especially Valentine's Day."

Your album title 'Victor' tells it like it is, but what other titles were you toying with prior to self-titling it? "When I finished "52nd Street," I knew that I would self-title the next CD. I just felt that the next time in the studio I wanted to challenge myself and take more risks. It was either win or lose, victor or victim. Of course I wanted to come out the victor."

If there was one track on this new album that truly encapsulated Victor Fields at his musical and lyrical finest, which one would it be? "I'd have to pick Cole Porter's "Night and Day." I love the challenge of breathing new life into American classics and "Night and Day" is definitely one of my best vocal performances. Cole Porter fans tell me that it felt like they were hearing the song for the first time. I think that's because we really captured the emotion and the intent of the song while maintaining its integrity as a standard."

Why choose this third album to cover these certain songs in this 10-song set? "We really took our time choosing the songs for "Victor." I listened to a lot of songs and (producer) Chris Camozzi and I really talked about the direction we wanted this project to take. I picked some pretty challenging songs like "It's Never Too Late In Life" and Strayhorn's "Lush Life." But in addition to entertaining my listeners, I really felt the need to stretch out and challenge myself as a vocalist."

What made you choose, and then give a slower treatment to the Whitney Houston song 'Love Will Save The Day'? "The lyrics and the melody grabbed me first. Second, I love Whitney Houston. When you slow everything down, you pay more attention to the lyric. What you’ll discover is that "Love Will Save The Day" contains a powerful message. It states that faith in the power of love will make the world a better place, a more peaceful place."

Since you debuted in 2002 with 'Promise,' I'm wondering how you have changed as a musician in terms of this new album? "'Promise' was produced by Kashif and released in 1998. It was my first recording and I didn't know what to expect. I was operating on adrenaline and learning everything on the fly. I'm much more comfortable in the recording studio now. I'm more comfortable with my preparation so my vocal delivery is more relaxed and natural. I also think that I hear better and that my voice is richer and has more color."

On 2002's collaboration '52nd Street,' you were amongst a plethora of stars to be heard, including Chris Botti and Gerald Albright. Do you see yourself recording with them again at any stage in the future? "You can’t forget Jeff Lorber. I would love to work with them again so stay tuned …"

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop song would you love to cover today if asked ... and why?! "I can't think of anything off the top of my head. I probably would like to cover another Diane Warren song. We recorded "Show Me The Way Back To Your Heart" for the new album. She's an amazing writer. Hopefully that will happen, but we only have ten slots and only the ten best songs make the cut. We'll have to see."

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "Penguins are cool, but here in the San Francisco/Bay Area sea lions rule!"

Thanx again for doing this for us today, and we wish you all the best for the future "Any time. It's been fun. Ciao!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Victor's brand new CD, just answer this easy question: To what level was Victors mother a trained pianist?

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great new and AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before May 15th with your answer and the subject title 'VICTOR FIELDS SIGNED CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

www.VictorFields.com

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