Dave Fields is no stranger to the JSJBF, having been part of the Roxy Perry Band in 2006, when they represented the Foundation, winning the Best Self-Produced CD category for “Back in Bluesville.” Since then, as a New York Blues HOF member, Dave went on his own and has played all over the NYC metro area with many of the best blues musicians, releasing a number of well received CDs along the way.
On this crisp fall night, we saw what I believe was the best power trio he has played with, augmented by special guests, Philly based vocalist Laura Kate Marshall and Grammy award winner Burt Conrad Szerlip. The members of the trio included, one of the finest drummers in the area, Don Guinta and Berklee grad James Rosocha on bass.
The trio eased into the set with B.B. Kings classic “Rock Me Baby,” and sound man/promoter, and JSJBF board member Joseph Vincent Riggio, had them dialed in as Dave’s slide guitar and keyboard were at the right levels, and along with an outstanding bass solo from James, they took this tune to blues heaven. From there, they turned up the heat with one of Dave’s originals, “Ain’t No Crime,” an all-out rocker that kicked the night into high gear. On another original, “Why Can’t You Ever Treat Me Right,” Dave made his signature quilted maple Fodera guitar ring out the emotion of this tune, with the rhythm section providing the perfect accompaniment.
At this point, Laura stepped on the stage to take over the vocals on a 1955 jazz standard made famous by Peggy Lee, “Alright You Win.” Dave moved over to the keyboard and sung backing vocals, and with Laura’s heartfelt delivery, they made this song a winner. Next up was George Gershwin’s classic from “Porgy and Bess,” “Summertime,” and again Laura delivered a beautiful rendition to the delight of those in attendance. She concluded this portion of the set with a fun version of the Bob Marley reggae anthem, “3 Little Birds.”
The next tune, a grammy nominated Johnny Winter gem, “Illustrated Man,” was dedicated to our own illustrated man, Joseph Vincent Riggio. In all the years I have known Don, this was the first time I had seen him sing, and his vocals were as fierce as his driving beat on this terrific number. I must mention that Dave matched his intensity on guitar and keyboards, while James, who is endorsed by Spector bass guitars, treated us to a solo that demonstrated why they chose him as the face of their brand.
From there, the trio went on to another stellar take on Dave’s song, “Pocket Full of Dust.” The first set ended with another original, “Train To My Heart,” which Dave noted, was recorded by the “Father of British Blues,” John Mayall. This number was highlighted by Don’s drums, which sounded like a freight train coming down the tracks, and Dave’s master class in guitar soloing, which include a classical interlude. What an ending to a wonderful set that covered several genres of music in just over an hour.
The second set began with Burt Conrad Szerlip joining the trio to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of B.B. King, with his interpretation of what is B.B.’s most famous song, “The Thrill is Gone.” A slight change in tempo and Burt’s emotive playing, gave this much covered blues nugget a fresh sound that was showered by appreciation from the crowd.
The trio then ripped into another rocker from Dave’s catalog, “Addicted to Your Fire,” followed by his tune “Big Block.” It’s not to be confused the instrumental by Jeff Beck, which simmers, while Dave’s version started off sounding like me flooring my Corvette Grand Sport, with matching lyrics to follow!
Laura then returned to the stage for another threesome of tunes, beginning with a song made famous by the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Irma Thomas, “Don’t Mess With My Man.” Done in her own Philly style, it lacked some of the down and dirty grit of the original, but was a pleasure to hear. Most famously attributed to Etta James, “At Last,” was next, and Laura’s powerful vocal brought this tune to life, with Dave supplying restrained guitar and keyboards to complement this version. That was followed by a spirited duet with Dave for their take on the Inez and Charlie Fox classic “Mocking Bird,” a song that has been covered by some of the best duos in the business.
The trio returned with an instrumental “tour de force” of Dave’s self-penned number, “Blue Wind,” which featured all three members show casing their considerable skills. Another of Dave’s driving rockers, “Changes In My Life,” was followed by the original tune “Got A Hold On Me,” and the band was cooking for both.
What was slated to be the final number, and dedicated to the Veterans in the audience, the Jimi Hendrix version of “Hey Joe,” was a powerful rendition, with some great drum fills by Don, and included Dave’s version of Jimi’s “Star Spangled Banner” within the song.
Since there was still some time left, the band did a awesome version of the Don Nix blues staple, “Going Down,” followed by the closer, a hyper-speed version of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” The audience roared its approval, and this “Blues Rock Experience” was one that few who were there will ever forget.
You can find out more about Dave and his music by visiting him at https://www.davefields.com.