St. Louis’ own Lawrence Fields, a prospective August 2008 grad of Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music, will be back in town July 27 to join saxophonist Jeffrey Anderson, trumpeter/fluegle hornist Danny Campbell, a bassist to be announced, and favorite vocalist Anita Jackson in drummer Jerome “Scrooge” Harris’ quintet for another swinging Sunday afternoon.
The youthful piano prodigy is alleged to have been somewhat of a computer whiz prior to his commitment to music, but he quickly amazed audiences with his initial work in St. Louis clubs. He thrilled patrons of Spruill’s long running Saturday matinee for more than a year as a member of saxophonist Willie Akins’ ensemble, before venturing off to New England to pursue his studies.
He turned heads among novice and seasoned jazz lovers alike with his insightful phrasing and comp’ing and exciting, yet contained, solos. One old head (barfly Howard Battle), marveling at his depth of ideas and facility, even commented that “he’s been here before.”
His reserved, gracious temperament is translated into an arresting piano repertoire and ascends to daring peaks with occasional opulent flourishes – like friendly fire – through his uncommonly long fingers.
Ironically, he began his musical quest on snare drum in high school, but soon gravitated toward the piano. When he arrived at Berklee, he was almost entirely self-taught. In only his second semester, he was the first ever recipient of Berklee’s James Williams Award – a singular achievement to be so honored in the name of the late keyboard master, who was also a gentle soul.
The late pianist John Hicks (another St. Louis – and ultimately international – treasure) once deferred to Fields when fans at a local club called for him to sit in, saying that he would rather hear the young potential genius. “Genius” is an overused tag, but one which will certainly seem appropriate to anyone who witnesses Fields’ ease and maturity on his instrument – delivering timely commentary to embellish his band mates’ playing and lofty personal statements, filled with surprising plums and evoking widespread acclaim.
His early recorded efforts were showcased on saxophonist John Norment’s posthumously released CD, Just For John, where his understated backing and luminous solo work shine throughout the project. More recently, he recorded with clarinetist Alvin Batiste and saxophonist Branford Marsalis for a CD released in May 2007 on Marsalis Music. He appears on vibraphonist Warren Wolfe’s 2008 new release as well.
Lawrence’s resume includes performances with Roy Haynes, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Terri Lynne Carrington, Nicholas Payton, Rodney Green, Lage Lund, and the gifted Dianne Reeves – a clear sign of his exceptional versatility and compatibility.
Rapport seems automatic for this future giant; and his special temperament combined with magnanimous facility on keyboard are the perfect blend for an organization like Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH), whose mission in this its 20th year is all about sharing, caring and empowering the underserved.
As CWAH Executive Director Gloria Taylor expresses it, “Lawrence epitomizes what CWAH strives to instill in youth – dream (he was self-taught entering Berklee School of Music), persevere, stay focused, seek multi-career options, and, above all, remain spiritual!” She stated that “he returns to St. Louis to help raise funds to sponsor and energize interested students – the future of this remarkable art form.”
This event offers a win-win-win scenario: delicious cuisine, great music and a golden opportunity to support and further America’s only original musical genre through its youth.
Join CWAH for its 5th Annual Jazz Brunch @ Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave, Sunday, July 27. Buffet: 2 -3 p.m. Concert: 3-5 p.m. For more info, call CWAH at (314) 289-7523.
