Victor Fields: Thinking of You

San Francisco Bay Area vocalist Victor Fields is a rags-to-riches story in reverse. The successful businessman decided a few years ago to stake a claim as a singer and has now released four CDs on a record label named after his wife. She’s a lawyer, which no doubt helps Field continue his music career. Fields’ velvety smooth tenor and R&B grooves have so far met with critical success, but he hasn’t been able to make much headway on the radio or smooth charts.

On his fourth effort, Fields doesn’t run from his intention to crack the smooth-jazz clique. He rounds up experts in the genre for his cause, from producer Chris Camozzi to trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Richard Elliot, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and bassist Nelson Braxton. Lorber penned two serviceable tunes, but Fields’ strength remains in his ability to re-polish old chestnuts familiar to smooth-jazz audiences, from “Lovely Day,” “What’s Going On,” “Creepin'” and “Walking in Rhythm.”

The result is an effortlessly relaxed mood that will probably be ignored. There are simply too many others doing the same thing. Fields might consider re-appropriating some of his cash into reinventing himself with the help of a producer like Jermaine Dupri, but he’s obviously comfortable with the singer he is right now. That’s good news for R&B slow-jammers.

Originally Published January 1, 2007