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When Larry Met Rachel
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when larry met rachel
posted on August 31, 2012 by Tonya McCoy in entertainment
@story TONYA MCC...when larry met rachel
posted on August 31, 2012 by Tonya McCoy in entertainment
@story TONYA MCCOY
@images BRICK FIELDS MUSIC
It’s nighttime at New Delhi Café in Eureka Springs, and a storm has just rumbled past. Rachel Fields fills the room with her bluesy voice. Her eyes are closed, her face skyward, as she sings "Storms of wonder, rains that fall/Thunder heard never seen yet called./Must it all be so purposeless?" Her voice is Joss Stone and Janice Joplin.
She opens her eyes and a stranger walks through the door carrying a guitar. Rachel notices his smile. Her drummer knows this guitar player and invites him on stage to play. It’s kismet. The marriage of Larry Brick’s blues-folk acoustic licks combined with Rachel’s soulful tones is meant to be.
“When he started strumming and picking the songs came alive. After that evening Larry gave me his number and said I should call him the next time I needed a guitar player. I lost the number. It was a few months before I ran into him again, got his number again, and lost it AGAIN! Time went by and finally one day we crossed paths at the post office. This time I grabbed a-hold of him and didn't let go.”
And it’s a good thing. Larry was on his way to Canada. He’d taken a trip there a couple of years before on a creative hiatus, spending time with friends, writing and composing music. But after talking to Rachel, he decided to stay home.
“We immediately began writing songs together, making plans to tour, playing music every day. Sometimes Larry will be playing something on the guitar, and I’ll put some words to that. Or sometimes I’ll get to going on my guitar and write a song that needs some adjustment and he’ll come in and add the really nice chorus to it. And I’ll play and we’ll put a bridge on it, or chorus. We pretty much write all the songs together I’d say.”
Larry had learned to play music by ear from front porch picking in the Delta of Arkansas, where he grew up. He went to college at the U of A for business, but dropped out in 1975, deciding to follow his love for music instead. He’s performed on and off in bands and by himself since then, playing in the Florida Keys, Nashville, and also with a gospel group in the ‘mega-churches’ of California.
Rachel played the flute in her high school band in Pine Bluff, which she still incorporates into some of her music today. She left her small town for the Big Apple and took voice lessons and studied music and theater at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Her band, “Big Folk” even toured with the Jerry Garcia Band (a tribute group) in 1998.
But the performance life for the newly formed duo in 2007, wasn’t easy. At first they were playing whenever the stage was free at the New Delhi Café. Sometimes they’d play from noon ‘til midnight for tips and food. Soon the owner saw they were drawing a steady crowd, and that’s how they landed their first gig. Before long the two were playing shows all over Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
“After we started spending time together I noticed that he made me laugh. He was and is very peaceful, wonderful to be around and I found myself wanting to be with him all of the time and missing him when he was away.”
One night after a show, Larry leaned over and kissed Rachel. Somewhere between singing soul and writing love songs, the two had fallen for each other.
“He just took my breath away. I was surprised. I didn’t see it coming.” In a few months they said “I do,” in a front porch cabin wedding in Eureka.
As soon as their wedding was over they packed up their guitars and headed to California. There they spent three months playing street corners, subway stations, coffee houses, wineries and resorts, before returning to Arkansas.
“It's like Rachel and I just fit together. Like we've been together our whole lives. We are compatible… I first noticed that we played music together really well; this does not happen to just anyone. The music part has always been easy for us,” says Larry.
But it has NOT been easy for listeners to classify their music. It’s been called blues, gospel, jazz, folk and roots. The guitar provides both the blues and folk chords. Then there’s Rachel’s soulful, roots vocals. Add a saxophone player for a touch of jazz. Some gospel references in the lyrics. Stir in the fact they’ve played everywhere from bars to churches, and you end up with a lot of confused music critics. Confused but happy.
In fact, this genre-transcending duo has been praised for their projects which include a blues band, a gospel group, their duo, and a quartet. The common force behind them all: Rachel and Larry. The Brick Fields Blues Band won first place in the Ozark Blues Society Challenge in 2010, Brick Fields Folk music placed in the Ozark Folk Songwriters contest in 2011, and the Nashville Blues Society says Brick Fields has "unleashed cleansing for the soul."
Right now Brick Fields is a regional winner in the King of the Roots competition. They are vying for a chance to play at the ‘Roots N Blues N BBQ’ festival this month in Columbia, Missouri, which will headline soul legend Al Green.
And they’ve just moved to Fayetteville, where they continue to work from one project to another, song by song. They love their life. They are a marriage of sound, working on a sound marriage.
Curious about Brick Fields’ unique sound? Visit www.brickfieldsmusic.com and listen to continuous streaming music from their various projects. Plus there you’ll find all the show times and dates. And if you’re interested in booking Brick Fields call Teresa Herrell at 501-693-6271.
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The Power Of A Voice
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Brick Fields are comparable to neo-singer Joss Stone and retro-soul Adele. Rooted deeply in blues, t...Brick Fields are comparable to neo-singer Joss Stone and retro-soul Adele. Rooted deeply in blues, the band's music combines the smooth rhythms of R&B with the upbeat vibe of jazz. Their album, titled Gospel Blue, is striking less for the classic blues songs than for lead singer Rachel Brick's voice: a voluptuous alto powerful enough to short out the on-stage speakers. Her raw vocal skills are impressive, fluttering in soft, flute-like expression that soars up and burns with passion as she gains momentum. Written by Christi Styer.
Sometimes taking a different step in life can lead you right where you want to be. That’s just what happened for vocalist and guitarist, Rachel Brick, of the award winning blues band, Brick Fields, based out of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
After moving to Eureka Springs, the only thing Rachel knew to do was sing. "So I just started singing,” says this dynamic vocalist. The Brick Fields Band was formed when Rachel Fields met her now husband, guitar player and back up vocalist, Larry Brick, back in 2007. With their love for music, Rachel and Larry began writing songs. This fusion created an afternoon music scene at the New Delhi Restaurant in downtown Eureka.
As the band started growing so did the audience. Randy Fairbanks joined in on the piano and has never looked back. Johnny Ray plays the bass with an unforgettable smoothness, while Caleb Bomar keeps you moving to the beat on the drums. Casey Terry, a huge fan of Brick Fields, was eager to join in and now adds those sweet notes from the saxophone.
"Everybody just kind of showed up", says Larry.
The band quickly formed and was invited to compete for the Ozarks Blues Society Challenge in September 2010. Only being a complete band for two to three weeks, Brick Fields came home as the winners and headed straight for Memphis to the International Blues Society Challenge. There they were awarded Pick of Club 152.
"The fascinating part about this band is how it’s all played out,” says drummer Caleb Bomar. We hadn’t really been playing but for two to three weeks, went and won the competition, jumped in the studio and made a CD, went to Memphis and did five or six days in Memphis all as a band and really got a good bonding time there and now we’re back. Now we’re ready for step one.”
A sense of family is felt on and off the stage with this group. "If you went out and tried to put it together, it wouldn’t have been this good,” says co-founder Larry Brick. “You couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to work with."
Heavily lead by their faith, Brick Fields follow their hearts during their shows, booking their gigs and even writing their songs. "We just pray over it and we pray the Lord will lead us and guide us,” says Rachel when asked about the focus of the band. “We pray we will be wise enough to hear it and see and just go with wherever He wants us to go, to take on every opportunity.”
With the spirit of love in mind, the Gospel Brunch Sundays were created. Every Sunday from 11am-3pm at the New Delhi in downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Brick Fields plays for anyone listening.
"This Gospel Sunday Brunch has been a ministry for people who have been to church who don’t want to go back to church,” says Terry, “and we have people who come here every Sunday who sit and listen. There have been people prayed for and people blessed here. They go away with a peacefulness and they will come back. We have been told this is their church, so it’s a ministry.”
“It’s entertainment,” says Bomar, “but beyond that: inspiring people, helping them, ministry... Overall its kind of a little beyond just entertainment with music, like letting music be a tool for doing what it can do."
"Over 200 years of experience surrounds this band,” says Fairbanks. Larry on the guitar and Fairbanks on the piano have fifty years under their belts, while Terry, having played saxophone in a Marine Corp band, has played well over that.
"I started out working on Phantom jets and they had an opening for a sax player in the Marine Corp Band,” says Terry. “I went and auditioned and made it. My unit went to Vietnam the next day and I went overnight to the Marine band. So the music has saved me more than once, and it’s saving me again right now."
Larry, being a self taught guitarist, has always sketched the music out on his own. "I never took guitar lessons, everything I have learned, I have kind of figured it out on my own, the same way with song writing or arranging or whatever I hear."
Bomar is a seasoned drummer and Ray recalls playing the bass guitar while the Vietnam War was in full swing.
Rachel has been singing for thirty years and some of her first musical memories stem from listening to her mother’s favorite, Barbara Streisand. The powerful voices of Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton led Rachel into experiencing Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. As a teenager, the rock side of Rachel made its way out; Warrant, Poison, Motley Crue, Slaughter and Europe were just a few playing on her radio.
"I just wanted to sing those rock songs, I wanted to rock out,” laughs Rachel.
Along the way she ended up picking up the guitar with two or three songs and the ideas kept flowing.
Incorporating gospel music in the mix came from Larry. Rachel had never sung a gospel song in her life. "I’d never sung in church, I mean I did, but not like that, so I’d say its Holy Ghost inspired,” she says.
Many influences are heard throughout this power band’s set. This is definitely not your ordinary gospel music! Blues, folk and gospel are just a few influences, while even a little jazz works its way through the scene. Rachel’s sweet and salty voice satisfies your musical cravings as the lyrics move through her lips. With her sultry voice and the lasting musical arrangements each song moves each band member as much as it does the audience. As the music plays, the band creates that perfect sound that can get you up on your feet dancing and then snuggling just a little closer to your loved one.
"Rachel is transparent and people are drawn to her, her openness, her pure spirit,” says Larry. “I think that’s it, I think that’s the icing on the cake. Beyond her being a great vocalist, they identify with her spirit."
Bomar feels it is engaging music. "Its not like we’re up there trying to show what we can do, as much as we are trying to perform.”
The band feels the music has a purpose and hopes to give their audience something to take home.
"I just hope to heal people’s hearts, the world is in such turmoil, you know,” says Rachel. “Every time we get up there, I want to sing, I want it to be medicine for those who hear it, I want it to truly reach inside and just heal.”
The song writing and arranging of the music comes from Larry and Rachel. As husband and wife, they are able to add both past and present experiences that give their music a very raw feeling.
"I think it is the spirit of love, you know,” says Rachel. “Everybody in the world wants to be loved, that’s all anybody wants. They think they want something else, but really when you get down to the nitty-gritty, that’s what people want. It’s the most ultimate thing in the universe, so most all the music is written from the spirit of love."
Just a simple word or an experience can awaken song writing for Rachel. After a song is composed, Larry will arrange and add his flair to help create the song.
"I would call him the producer, the master manipulator of the music, in a positive manner,” says Rachel. “He is gifted and anointed. He just really can take something plain and turn it into a beautiful thing. It goes both ways. Larry will have a song and some words and a lot of times I’ll go in and get the words just right. Then we bring it to the band and the band adds their touch on it."
The other band members enjoy the compositions most of all.
"It’s not boring,” says Fairbanks.
As the band’s drummer, the deal was sealed when Bomar first heard the song writing. "Beyond the people and the singing and everything else, the singing is just like bar none,” he says. “Rachel gives Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin a run for their money.”
As the band works diligently on creating music and finding their way through the music scene, they feel they are right where they need to be.
"God gives you a gift and he puts the desire in your heart for a reason. If you just trust Him and surrender all other nonsense, it will pave that path out for you. Sometimes it might look like it's not going in the direction you want it to. That’s because it’s not!" laughs Rachel. "It is going in the direction it's supposed to, so surrender that and keep moving forward."
The band insists on not giving up and doing it for the love of music as their motivation for success. "If you’re hoping to make it rich in this scene, you might be hoping for a long time,” says Bomar.
Brick Fields continues to play music. Very seldom do they turn down an opportunity to perform. "If somebody says, ‘Hey, come and sing,’ a lot of times we don’t even ask about money. We just go ahead and do it,” says Larry. “If I would have thought I could have made a living doing what I want, where I wanted… We created our own job here. We saw the opportunity and talked to John at the New Delhi, he encouraged us to come and play. It’s something we are supposed to do and love to do, and the great thing about it is we don’t have to travel. We can stay right here and make a living in Eureka Springs. Of course, we want to expand. We are ready as a band to go out and conquer the world.”
Beginning from only tips and CD sales, the Brick Fields Band, is creating a scene not only in Eureka Springs, but contacts are being made from around the world.
"It’s because we stepped out in faith and just decided to do it,” says Rachel. “If we
had a been out looking for a job to make money, ain’t no telling where I’d gone. It’s playing for the love of music."
This truly unique force is not only inspiring people with their music but they also deliver an unforgettable performance. Their new album, Gospel Blue, exposes each member’s passion for music on a silver platter. From their version of “Amazing Grace” to my personal favorite, “On the Vine,” this album is definitely one to play for your friends.
Visit their website, www.brickfieldsmusic.com or stay up to date with their touring calendar on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BrickFieldsMusic . The CD is now available for download from CD Baby and iTunes. Listen and let yourself unwind.
All contents property of Deitra Mag Publications
Reproduction prohibited
Copyright 2011, all rights reserved
Photos property of Brick Fields Band
Copyright 2011, all rights reserved
Posted by Deitra Mag at 2:16 PM
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Labels: arkansas gospel, blues, brick fields, eureka springs, live local music, neo-singer, New Delhi, Rachel Brick
3 comments:
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New Classic Music For Tomorrow / Brick Fields - Shambhala
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Oct
23Pristine – Detoxing
Posted on October 23, 2012 by newclassicmusicfortomorrowPristine – Detox...Oct
23Pristine – Detoxing
Posted on October 23, 2012 by newclassicmusicfortomorrowPristine – Detoxing
Not since the days of the early seventies have I heard a band capture the sounds of that era as if they had recorded their music during that time period. But looking at the date of 2012 assures me it is only Pristine that is taking me on a journey that shows the influence of such rock bands as Savoy Brown, Bloodrock, The Allman Brothers Band (early period) as well a host of other blues rock bands of that era. Pristine is lead by a female singer and that uniqueness is makes it double enjoyable. When Zephyr released its first LP Candy Givens was a female blues rocker that took the music to the very edge. Pristine is a blues rock band that relies on Kim's vocals and the warm feel of the keyboards to propel the song along for the guitarist to lead the journey back into the halcyon days of such artist as mentioned earlier. Blues rock is what Pristine Detoxing is about. Soulful. painful and gut wrenching emotion. Few bands blend this sound with modern music but Pristine not only blends the blues rock of the late sixties and early seventies but they also create a new, ready for action 2012 sound that is as tight and as powerful as any other artist of this genre. Kim's vocals soar and fly into the face of the listener from all different emotional points. Down and dirty, wailing and pain filled. Desperate and lonely. This is the blues rock of Pristine. One of the most interesting points is this is a live studio recording that takes the listener through a journey of different emotional feelings without ever loosing a beat. Espen Jakobsen guitar soars and dives and through the emotion of the blues. Anders Oskal organ feels the CD with a powerful and warm soaring organ that reminds one of the days of Hammond B3 with a Leslie attachment that drove such bands as the Allman Brothers. The rhythm of Asmund Eriksson, bass guitar and Kim Karlsen, drums and percussion keep the music rock solid with their tight combination of bass and drums. Pristine is not for the feint of heart. They border on the edge of psychedelic blues rock much the way Zephyr did back in the late sixties and early seventies. Kim vocals are better than Candy Givens but you can still hear a similar edge they both brought to the band. All in all Detoxing is a very good album filled with some excellent tracks as well as a female vocal doing The Allman Brothers Band Whipping Post which drips with desperation, despair, that flat out rocks. Click on the picture to buy the CD:”>
.Filed under Uncategorized and tagged Blues, early 70's female, late 60's, rock, soaring, Zephyr | Leave a comment
Oct
23Brick Fields – Shambhala
Posted on October 23, 2012 by newclassicmusicfortomorrowBrick Fields – Shambhala
Brick Fields Shambhala CD is filled with Blues and Soul as well as traces of Gospel and Americana that permeate the deep roots that flow from through the sounds of Shambhala and meshed into what is The Brick Fields Band. Positive messages, heartfelt lyrics, music that is steeped in the traditions of the south. Once again an artist uniqueness is their very appeal. If the band had been singing in the sixties you can image they would have landed on one of the great small soul labels of that era. 77 Records, Silver Fox, Today Records. Betty LaVette, Ann Sexton, Debbie Taylor fans will probably love Brick Fields. In England the Northern Soul scene will probably go crazy over Brick Fields. As will modern day soul fans of early Josh Stone.
Music transcends style when the artist is making something new out of something old. The Brick Fields Band creates a new feel from the old tried and true sound of their roots. Big Maybelle and Betty Swann comes to mind as well when I hear the Brick Fields Band. With great musicians backing her Brick soars along like a bird in the sky free to turn the melody anyway she chooses. No doubt this is a sound from the past that has been made fresh and new by a group of like minded musicians. Just listen to Good People with its Staple Singers feel and its universal positive message of love and peace. If Mavis is not a favorite of Brick it would be a surprise. Dig the groove, hear the roots, no hip, no hop, no rap, no sampling, no just real music by a real artist that delivers on track after track. A powerful CD of excellent music that never leaves one in doubt as to the great power of the Brick Fields band. Arkansas Rain, is one such example of how this band is mixing a bit of Americana into the CD. Showing how deep their artistic river flow. Brick is by far one of the most soulful artist I have heard in many years. Arkansas Rain transcends the genre one would try to put her into. However track eight the title track Shambhala truly shows the deep roots of Brick Fields with its old time country feel. Combined with her soulful vocals the songs has similar feel as the great Jimmy Cliff track Many Rivers to Cross. Excellent music is common, great music is rare. Gems of gleaming light for all of us to play over and over, the songs never getting old even forty fifty years on. This is what Brick Fields Band brings to the music world with there excellent CD Shambhala.
Click on the Picture to buy the CD
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Have a little Faith In Brick Fields
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It didn’t take long for Rachel Fields to mesh with Larry Brick.
She calls the first time the two ...It didn’t take long for Rachel Fields to mesh with Larry Brick.
She calls the first time the two played music together “magical.”
They were bandmates immediately, friends quickly, and married about six months after they met.
Three years later, the duo, who perform as Brick Fields, is still making music together or with the Brick Fields Gospel Blue Band.
It’s the latter entity that won the recent band competition element of the Ozark Blues Challenge. That victory earned them a trip to represent Northwest Arkansas at the annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. and also a spot on the bill for the annual Blues in the Natural State concert at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville.
That show takes place at 9 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 27). Admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the door.
Fields chatted with me about the duo’s music, the immediate connection she had with her musical partner and the group’s plans for an upcoming recording. You can read the story that resulted from that interview in today’s What’s Up! section, either in print or online, if you are a subscriber to our newspaper’s products
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Music Beat
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Folksy gospel blues seems fair to describe Rachel Fields' translation of music. Growing up in Pine B...Folksy gospel blues seems fair to describe Rachel Fields' translation of music. Growing up in Pine Bluff, she cites her influences as The Eagles, Joe Cocker, Marvin Gaye and Carole King. However, she credits Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Aretha Franklin for teaching her to sing. "Dad was a rock'n roller and Mom was into musical theater," Rachel says. "I always knew that I wanted to sing since I was about three years old." She studied at the Academy of Music and Dramatic arts in New York City for two years. At 21, her uncle singer songwriter Mike "Berger" Scroggins hooked her up with a guitarist and she began playing clubs in Little Rock. Traveling with some friends on a national music tour presented an opportunity to open up for the likes of Gov't Mule, JGB and David Gilmore. Rachel made her way to Nashville where they wanted her talent. However, they wanted to change her image. She declined, wanting to keep it real and natural. In 2006 she came back to Arkansas making Eureka Springs her home and began carving out her musical niche playing different venues around town. Her new life in Eureka Springs also includes a new husband, a new band, a new CD and a new adventure. The band is Brick Fields, comprised of husband Larry Brick (guitar/back up vocals), Randy Fairbanks (keyboard), Johnny Ray (bass), Casey Terry (sax) and Caleb Bomar (drums). Brick Fields won the Ozark Blues Society challenge in September and qualified entry to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in Feburary (for more info www.blues.org) competing with 260 bands from all over the world. A release party for their new CD Gospel Blue is set for January 22, 6:30 p.m. @ New Delhi
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Blue-Swayed Tunes
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February 2, 2011 The 2011 International Blues Challenge is in Memphis through Saturday. Hundreds of ...February 2, 2011 The 2011 International Blues Challenge is in Memphis through Saturday. Hundreds of performers from around the globe have descended on the Blues City for the annual competition. On Wednesday afternoon The Brick Fields Gospel Blue Band from Eureka Springs, Arkansas has a prayer before their band meeting and rehearsal in their hotel room downtown prior to their performance Wednesday night. They are from left, Casey Terry, sax, Larry Brick, guitar, Rachel Fields, vocalist, and Johnny Ray, bass guitar. (The Commercial Appeal/Mike Maple
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EUREKA
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The night started with a joyous celebration of the
Brick Fields Gospel Blues Band CD Release at the...The night started with a joyous celebration of the
Brick Fields Gospel Blues Band CD Release at the New
Delhi. Rachel’s effervescent spirit bubbles out and fills
you up with happiness like champagne for the soul. The
rollicking rhythm, boisterous blues, and sensational soul
of BrickFields won the Ozark Blues Society challenge
last Fall, and in February they go to Memphis for the
International Blues Challenge. They were amazing at
the Nightflying 30th Anniversary Party at Chelsea’s in
December starting off the night’s entertainment like a
cannon! Brick Fields hosts Gospel Brunch at New Delhi
each Sunday, as well as appearing most Friday and
Saturday’s there.
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Rythmn and News (Local Band to compete in the International Blues challenge.)
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Local band to compete at
International Blues Challenge in Memphis!
The Brick Fields Band was...Local band to compete at
International Blues Challenge in Memphis!
The Brick Fields Band was formed in November 2006, when Rachel Fields and Larry Brick began making music together. The New Delhi Cafe is home venue for them with weekly performances. The band competed and won first place in The Ozark Blues Society Contest this past week-end in Fayetteville. Winners advance to the International Blues Challenge in February. The Arkansas natives have performed original music, covers and heart-felt blues all over the country, they are now getting some well-deserved recognition.
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"Rachel just simply stands in front of the mic and sings"
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Számos eloadó kísérelte meg már a vallásos és a világi zene ötvözését, de nagyon kevesen vannak, aki...Számos eloadó kísérelte meg már a vallásos és a világi zene ötvözését, de nagyon kevesen vannak, akiknek ez igazán sikerült. A Sister Rosetta Tharpe és Skip James nevével fémjelzett eredményes próbálkozások számát gyarapítja a Brick Fields nevu csapat.
Az arkansas-i együttes 2007-ben jött létre, mikor is az énekes Rachel Fields megismerkedett a gitáron játszó Larry Brick-kel. A hatfos formációnak tavaly sikerült megnyernie az Ozark Blues Society által szervezett tehetségkutatót, aminek köszönhetoen részt vehettek az idei International Blues Challenge-en. A blues, gospel és soul keverékét játszó zenekar bemutatkozó lemeze Gospel Blue címmel jelent meg. Az albumra a zárótételt, az Amazing Grace jazz-es feldolgozását leszámítva, csakis saját szerzemények kerültek, melyekrol elmondható, hogy hihetetlen erot és oszinteséget sugároznak, érzések és érzelmek sokaságát hozzák a felszínre. Valamennyi dal különleges a maga módján, mondanivalójuk mély vallási meggyozodésrol tesz tanúbizonyságot. Rachel ’Fields’ Brick, akinek énekhangja Joss Stone-t és Adele-t juttatja eszembe, nem szeretne sztárok módjára csillogni, hanem csak egyszeruen odaáll a mikrofon elé, és a lélek legmélyebb bugyraiba is behatoló hangon énekel.
Biztos vagyok abban, hogy sokan meg fogják szeretni ezt a remek együttest. A debütáló korongjuk simán lehet ennek a vonzalomnak az elso lépése.
Magánkiadás, 2011
hoati
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Brick Fields is a complete package – great songwriting, with meaningful lyrics, Rachel’s vocals and the music.
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Brick Fields
Gospel Blue
By Lady K
November 2011
It was with much trepidation that Lady K first...Brick Fields
Gospel Blue
By Lady K
November 2011
It was with much trepidation that Lady K first listened to “Gospel Blue.” Seriously? Gospel? Blues? So many potential pitfalls! If Lady K hated the music (or the lyrics, or the liner notes, or the pictures), would there be repercussions? It’s freakin’ God music – one should not hate God music!!!! And then more problems came to mind: What if Lady K liked the music (lyrics, etc., etc.), because Lady K loves the blues, and “Gospel Blue” meant it was the blues AND God music. Among other cool things, the blues is sexy; well, but this is God music – it can’t be sexy, can it? At this point, Lady K hadn’t looked at the names of the tunes, or the liner notes, or the promo-sheet that came with the CD, and yet already she was expecting a lightning-bolt from the sky. So much stress . . . .
As it happens, no bolt of lightning appeared. Gospel Blue is ‘like-able’ – very much so. Brick Fields is a cool adaptation of two band-member names: Rachel Fields (vocalist, rhythm guitar, flute) and Larry Brick (guitarist and songwriter) combined their professional and personal lives, based on a bond of music and Christian faith. The duo added Casey Terry (alto and tenor sax), Randy Fairbanks (keys), Johnny Ray (bass) and Caleb Bomar (drums), and Brick Fields, the band was born. And, oh yes, they are from Arkansas; Brick Fields represented the Ozark Blues Society in Memphis earlier this year – and, to Lady K’s relief, there is nary a twang to be heard on “Gospel Blue”; more like good, old-fashioned, but modern, homespun gospel music, combined with the blues. Confusing, huh?
Gospel Blue contains nine original tunes, plus Rachel’s kick-ass version of “Amazing Grace” (which would probably be worth the cost of the CD, in itself). Oh hell, can you say kick-ass about “Amazing Grace?” And did Lady K just say “hell?” Sorry. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the original “Amazing Grace” lyrics, but with completely different emphasis; almost as though you are hearing the tune for the first time. It’s a slow-ish rock-blues beat, with some sexy sax going on – very interesting.
“Cryin” is slow and conveys many emotions, featuring not only Rachel Fields’ powerful voice, but also her flute. The vocals, combined with Casey Terry’s sax and some serious guitar, make the pain and fear expressed in this tune even more poignant; as she begs to be saved from the fire of her sins, amid fears that she’s losing her mind. The slow, sexy (yes, sexy again) “How Long” (“until you come to take me home, how many days must I roam – my love, I dream of you each day”) – could be a tune sung for the Lord or for a love more of this earth.
“In the Light of Love” is an up-beat, up-lifting, rocking, jazzy blues tune with more amazing flute, which proclaims “when I’m walking with my Lord, all the sickness, all the misery, all the pain just seem to fade away” – walking “In the Light of Love”. “Talk About the Weather” is a funky, moral lesson on an old moral stand-by: if you can’t say something nice about whatever is going on, then talk about the weather.
“Hopelessly Addicted” brings more slow, sexy, sax-y blues, celebrating a higher love: “You bring me comfort when I’m lonely, joy when I’m blue, I’ll always be yours, because I know you’ll see me through – I’m hopelessly addicted to you”. Brick Fields is a complete package – great songwriting, with meaningful lyrics, Rachel’s vocals and the music. The band really did put together a blues-gospel album that can be enjoyed by people who, in the past, maybe thought they didn’t like gospel music, because now there’s Gospel Blue. Enjoy – it’ll make you feel good; because it’s good music – good blues, and because, just maybe, it’s meant to make you feel good.
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"Brick Fields build a worshipful House of Blues"
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NORMAN — Brick Fields is the multi-instrumental husband and wife team of Rachel Brick (vocals) and L...NORMAN — Brick Fields is the multi-instrumental husband and wife team of Rachel Brick (vocals) and Larry Brick (guitars). On this disc they’re also backed by a full band.
Brick Fields is based in Eureka Springs, Ark., one of the funkiest little burgs in America. Brick Fields’ sound combines gospel with the kind of gut bucket blues found in sin-soaked gin joints and reflects to a degree the contradictions in their town.
Overlooking Eureka Springs with its long-standing tolerance for homosexuality, rowdy saloons and assorted daily debauchery is the 67 foot tall Christ of the Ozarks statue. When Rachel “Fields” Brick sings “I’m hopelessly addicted to you/ God knows…” on track 4, it’s apparent she’s not referring to the temporary comfort of heroin but there’s still a measure of dissonance, especially with Casey Terry’s hot saxophone wailing lewdly behind her.
Brick’s vocals on “How Long” have a steamy lasciviousness that’s not cooled by lyrics that are ostensibly longing for the Rapture. It’s not difficult to imagine a more worldly rapture rocking through this song.
“Go On With The Soul” is another slow burner that combines a torrid sax solo and intricate guitar with the lady’s gently powerful pipes.
Brick Fields is a brick house of blues with a steeple on top.
— Doug Hill
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"Brick Fields are a welcome addition to the blues world."
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Brick Fields are an Eureka Springs, Arkansas-based band combining elements of blues, jazz and gospel...Brick Fields are an Eureka Springs, Arkansas-based band combining elements of blues, jazz and gospel into a remarkable roots music. The members are Rachel Fields Brick on vocals, acoustic guitar and flute; Larry Brick on guitar and backing vocals; Randy Fairbanks on keyboards; Johnny Ray on bass; Casey Terry on sax and Caleb Bomar on drums. Rachel and Larry met and started the duo in 2007, forming a partnership based around music and their Christian faith. The band was fleshed out in 2010 and won the Ozarks Blues Society of NWA Blues Challenge and competed in the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Gospel Blue contains nine original songs and a jazzy, bluesy cover of "Amazing Grace." Things open up with "On The Vine," which is a showcase for Fields' voice. She has a big but gloriously controlled alto, with a wide range, always deep in the pocket and wonderfully supported by the passion of Brick's guitar. Fields adds flute to the slow minor blues of "Cryin." "In The Light Of Love" is an up-tempo gospel number spotlighting Brick's jazzy guitar. "Hopelessly Addicted" is an old-school acoustic blues ballad, and probably Field's most effective vocal. Here her voice blends beautifully with Brick's guitar and Terry's sax to form a transcendent musical moment. "Talk About The Weather" features a sweet sax turn by Terry, along with good vocal interplay between Fields and backup singer Rain Equine. "How Long" is a sweet love ballad that could be addressed to a lover or the Creator. Again here Brick and Terry shine on guitar and sax. "These Are The Days" is an upbeat R&B number, and then the rest of the cd shifts towards bluesy gospel with "Go With The Soul," "Lord I'm Coming Home," and "Amazing Grace" wrapping things up.
Brick Fields are a welcome addition to the blues world, especially as a vehicle for the voice of Rachel Fields Brick. She stands out, worthy to be compared to Kris Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot. If you are a fan of female vocalists and good guitar work, (and who isn't?) you will like this cd. I like this cd. Good job Brick Fields!
This cd is self-produced. You can see Brick Fields live at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena Arkansas on October 8, 2011, and you can buy this cd at http://www.brickfieldsmusic.com/
Posted by Bruce at 9:24 AM
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"Rachel has a booming voice that can bring you in a multitude of directions, at times even coming close to bringing a tear to my eye."
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Admittedly, I am not the world's foremost expert on Gospel, but I popped this in curious about just ...Admittedly, I am not the world's foremost expert on Gospel, but I popped this in curious about just what Brick Fields had to offer. The team of Rachel Fields Brick and Larry Brick share not only a love of music and faith, but of each other, and this makes "Gospel Blue" an extremely personal endeavor for both I'm sure. Rachel and Larry wrote and arranged all the songs with the exception of "Amazing Grace" and there is definitely an outpouring of emotion on every track. They're joined by a talented group of musicians that give a richness to everything.
Rachel has a booming voice that can bring you in a multitude of directions, at times even coming close to bringing a tear to my eye. Normally that's reserved for songs that have a deeply personal meaning to me. There is no reedy, wispy singing on this; just a powerful alto voice that Rachel uses sublimely. Larry and his guitar, whether playing electric or acoustic, offer the perfect compliment to the rich vocals.
The disc starts strong with "On The Vine", a slightly funky song about letting love mature punctuated by sax. "Cryin" allows Rachel to show her skill with a flute as well as her voice. The harmonies in the beginning of "In The Light Of Love" are striking and give way to an uptempo song with the organ punctuating throughout. The cd continues to surprise with the depth of the sounds.
"Hopelessly Addicted" could be a lover's lament if it were on anything but a Gospel CD. "Talk About The Weather" is another upbeat song with lyrics that make you think "Amen!". "How Long" is a ballad that sounds deceptively simple, until you pick up on the nuances of sounds offered. "These Are The Days" gives the listener an R&B feel to groove on.
"Go On With The Soul" I imagine would give me goosebumps if I heard it live. It's that powerful. "Lord I'm Coming Home" is a very bluesy sounding song that will have even a hardened person feeling good. "Amazing Grace" closes the disc. It's jazz feeling, and honestly this is just one of those songs that I wish people would leave alone. There is nothing wrong with the arrangement, but it's not how I enjoy hearing it. Only my opinion, and I'm sure that there are scores of people that really enjoy the more modern feel.
All in all, a good CD. Strong vocals, strong guitar, and a great backing band. I don't know that this will replace my regular diet of Blues, Rock, and Metal; but this may be the disc I play the next time I need a lift.
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"Couched in soulful grooves and sung with a voice somewhere on the sweet side of Joplin, Rachel Field’s highly personalized songs of faith could likely tempt even the most secular set of ears."
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Couched in soulful grooves and sung with a voice somewhere on the sweet side of Joplin, Rachel Field...Couched in soulful grooves and sung with a voice somewhere on the sweet side of Joplin, Rachel Field’s highly personalized songs of faith could likely tempt even the most secular set of ears. Her potent, blues-laced delivery would sound just as at home on a bar room bandstand as in front of the choir. Guitarist/partner Larry Brick and band brew a fresh sounding blend of blues and soul with the occasional jazzy touch. Standout tracks include the breezy leadoff cut, “On The Vine”, a smoldering minor-keyed ballad, “Cryin’”, and the cautionary r&b raver, “These Are The Days”.
Reviewed By: Duane Verh
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"First Lady of the Gospel Blue"
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Many blues artists got their beginnings singing the gospel in church, and some, such as Sister Roset...Many blues artists got their beginnings singing the gospel in church, and some, such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ruthie Foster, and Robert Randolph, have been able to successfully mesh both the secular and the profane in their careers, not always the easiest thing to do. You can add another group to that list, with guitarist..composer Larry Brick and vocalist Rachel Fields, who formed Brick Fields in 2007, built around their Christian faith. They have just released "Gospel Blue," nine powerful originals and one fantastic cover, centered around Rachel's lilting alto and Brick's strong-yet-subtle guitar lines.
This set may remind some listeners of singers such as Joss Stone or Adele, but Rachel's deep religious convictions allow these songs to convey a powerful message. Check out "Talk About The Weather," instead of wasting one's time "on the gossip train," with its soulful backing horn section. The leadoff "On The Vine" takes a look at mature love, the kind that "makes the sweetest wine." "Hopelessly Addicted" is not about addiction to substances, but, rather, is a declaration of Rachel's undying love for her significant other. It features Brick's acoustic guitar and Casey Terry's sax as well. Rachel gets to unleash her vocal chords on "Go On With The Soul," done up herein as a slow-blues piece to accentuate her considerable abilities.
We had two favorites, too. The jazzy, high-stepping spirit of "Lord I'm Coming Home" is an unabashed cleansing of the soul, while Rachel's read on the set-closing "Amazing Grace" takes the venerable hymn to new heights.
This album ought to be required listening for all the powers that be in Washington, to remind them that finger-pointing and passing the blame rarely accomplishes anything, while a more positive message would bring better results. That said, we wholeheartedly champion Rachel Fields as First Lady of "Gospel Blue!" Until next time....Sheryl and Don Crow
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"Sweet Honey Voice"
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Brick Fields “Gospel Blue”. Self Production / BlindRaccoon 2011. Cantante de voz melosa, dulce, pero...Brick Fields “Gospel Blue”. Self Production / BlindRaccoon 2011. Cantante de voz melosa, dulce, pero al mismo tiempo exuberante y rocosa, con un timbre que atrapa y convence a las primeras de cambio, Brick Fields toca también la guitarra y la flauta con candor y un gusto exquisitos. Fields combina con gran acierto los blues con el gospel contemporáneo y algunos destellos jazzy, de manera apasionada e innovadora, pues aporta creatividad, viveza y emoción en todos y cada uno de los temas comprendidos en este “Gospel Blue”. El repertorio incluye asimismo alguna balada de corte folk como la canción “Cryin’”, compuesta por la propia Fields, al igual que el resto de de los temas del álbum, con la excepción de “Amazing Grace” escrita por John Newton. Junto a Rachel ‘Fields’ Brick voz, guitarra acústica y flauta se le añaden, Randy Fairbanks teclados, Johnny Ray bajo, Casey Terry saxo y Caleb Bomar batería. Un disco lleno de sensualidad, rico en armonías, melódico e interpretado con gusto, elegancia y mucho talento. Singer gifted with a sweet honey voice, but at the same time lush and rocky, with a tone that traps and immediately convinces listeners, Brick Fields also plays guitar and flute with a delicious naive taste. Fields successfully combines blues with contemporary gospel and some jazzy drops, on a passionate and innovative way, full of creativity, liveliness and great feeling in every one of the songs included in this "Blue Gospel". You will also find some folk song ballads like the song "Cryin'", written by Fields, as well as the rest the album songs, except "Amazing Grace" by John Newton. Besides Rachel 'Fields' Brick on acoustic guitar, flute, and vocals, the other musicians are Randy Fairbanks keyboards, Johnny Ray bass, Casey Terry sax and Caleb Bomar drums. An album full of sensuality, rich in melodic harmonies, performed with great taste, elegance and huge talent. GREAT.
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Gospel Blue
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We don’t get too much Gospel music in the pages of Blues Blast, yet in my mind the gen...
We don’t get too much Gospel music in the pages of Blues Blast, yet in my mind the genre is inextricably linked with blues. In the past, many blues men (and women) moved seamlessly from one type of music to another. To be sure, some of them became conscience stricken and either gave up playing altogether or stuck, like Thomas A, Dorsey with gospel, after years of living with the sobriquet Georgia Tom and playing and singing blues, sometimes of a very ‘adult’ nature. Rev. Gary Davis played wahy is sometime called “Holy Blues” and often asked people not to tell his wife when he played secular pieces.
Brick Fields are first and foremost, a gospel group. Fronted by Larry Brick and Rachel Fields, they hail from Eureka Springs, Arkansas and have, for some years, been performing in a variety of venues throughout NW Arkansas. They were the winners of the recent Ozark Blues Society Challenge and were headliners on the Gospel Blues Stage at the King Biscuit Blues Festival, October 8th 2011.
Let’s say right a way, that Rachel Fields has a fabulous voice, sometimes full on gospel, like many of the southern Baptist raised singers, sometimes laid back and jazzy with tinges of Billie Holiday or Sarah Vaughan. She is also a fine flute player with a terrific haunting, ‘singing’ tone. Larry Brick, Rachel’s partner – to use the current vernacular – is a fine guitarist and singer, matching Rachel’s, passion with six string skills and a honey and wine voice.
Gospel Blue contains nine originals many of which are delivered with deeply felt love verging on passion (sometimes of a very non-religious kind - check out On The Vine – which seems to be a declaration of personal one-to-one commitment). The CD ends with a thoughtful jazz inflected cover of “Amazing Grace.”
My favorite track, without a doubt is In “The Light Of Love” which starts with a delightful close harmony acapella introduction before morphing into a jazzy, up-tempo piece of gospel in the old tradition.
A 32 bar blues “Addicted To You” features Fields’ super alto voice in a statement of earthly passion, a tradition harking back to Georgia Tom.
The rest of the music is filled with passion, fervour and fine instrumentation and the production is – to my ears – flawless. It is the kind of music heard in many an Episcopal church throughout the USA on a Sunday, here delivered with skill, passion and commitment.
If you are one of those people who avoid gospel music like the plague, take a chance on this one. You will be very pleasantly surprised. .
Reviewer Ian McKenzie lives in England. He is the editor of Blues In The South (www.bluesinthesouth.com) a monthly flier providing news, reviews, a gig guide and all kinds of other good stuff, for people living and going to gigs along the south coast of England. Ian is also a blues performer (see www.myspace.com/ianmckenzieuk) and has two web-cast regular blues radio shows. One on www.phonic.FM in Exeter (Wednesdays: 1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central), the second on KCOR – Kansas City Online Radio (on Fridays at 1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central) www.kconlineradio.com.
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PBS FM Melbourne Austrailia
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BRICK FIELD
"GOSPEL BLUE'
As soon as l saw the group name l knew l had seen it before , b...BRICK FIELD
"GOSPEL BLUE'
As soon as l saw the group name l knew l had seen it before , but where was the question, wracked my brain and realised this was the group that repprosented Arkansas in Memphis earlier this year. Prior to this we here in Australia had not heard of Brick Field at all. Was this to be another "new' Blues sound from a "new" group, would l find it to be a ho-hum sound that had been done to death by many a new artist with that oh so new sound. The best thing was to dive head first into this cd without reading any of the accompanying linear notes. This way it was me and the album. The first thing l heard though was a very distinctive lead voice from Rachel Field singing lead on "On The Vine", a sassy strutting vocal that had the presence to demand my attention. Brick Field was more than just a new group, that was evident, at this stage l could not help myself l had to look at the make-up of this group. Rachel Field vox, rhythm guitar and flute, Larry Brick, song writer and guitarist, Casey Terry alto and tenor sax, Johnny Ray bass, drummer Caleb Bomar, topped off with Randy Fairbanks on keys. There was and is a quality that is hard to define but is unfaltering from track to track. Crying starts as a torch burner with sparseness to deliver a punchy message. Field's plaintive flute adds a Jazz feel as it intertwines with the Blues, all unfaltering in developing a charisma around the group. From the title you expect this album to be a contradiction of terms with "Gospel" and "Blue". Is it? Not really as this is a wonderful collaboration of the two. What has also became evident is the outstanding phrasing and an undeniable quality in the musicianship.
"The Light Of Love" starts off as a country field holler then develops into a slick Jazz inspired Gospel tinged ballad. Throughout Rachel Field amazes with her control and range. Again we may ask where does the jazz, Blues and Gospel start an finish. For me l don't care because it works for Brick Field.
"Hopelessly Addicted To You", another sultry ballad with Blues and Gospel overtones, subl sultry vocals and understated backing. All round standout track.
"Talk About The Weather" straight ahead down the line Blues shouter with Soul drenched vocal backing to a growling rachel Field with a brass lead backing. Following the old saying that if you can't say something nice then talk about the weather. Again a standout displaying all that is good about Brick Field.
"How Long" is a heavilly Jazz laden ballad that also oozes se appeal to the most fervant Blues lover who by their own admission is not into Jazz. This stunning song builds up the emossion to breathtaking heights that have you moving emotionally to the stunning guitar solo of Larry Brick. Understated as Brick maybe the playing sits side by side with Field in building the emotion to a stunning crescendo. One for the ages is this song.
"These Are The Days" Perfectly creditable song that again displays the interaction between a great singer, band, composition and backing singers. All married together for an outstanding addition to this album.
"Go On With The Soul" Beautifully understated song with phrasing to die for, sut and sublime interplay between band and singer.
"Lord I'm Coming Home" Gospel inflected rollicking rocker. Fields growling vocal sets the pace for the brass to lay down a very solid groove with Bomar's drums a very solid lead rhythm section. Field growls she is coming home and l for one believe her and so will you.
"Amazing Grace". Probably the most recognisable of Gospel songs and one that is best left alone by all but the best. Brick Field don't just play by the numbers in the belief that the safe way is the right way to perform this classic. The first impression on listening to this is that their has been a lot of understanding, emotion and thought put into this. One aspect l found delicious was the phrasing, (something that has struck me throughout this cd as being stunning), that instantly makes this a Brick Field song.
I have found this to be a revelation, one that l wholeheartedly recommend to any music lover. If this is what is on offer from Brick Field then l want some more.
regards peter merrett
PBS 106-7 FM
Melbourne Australia.
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"I'm completely addicted to Brick Fields "Amazing Grace". "
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We’ve received some incredible submissions to be considered for the Big Med Playlist for the Big One...We’ve received some incredible submissions to be considered for the Big Med Playlist for the Big One and this one belongs near the top of the stack. Wow. This is, without a bout, the most extraordinarily cool version of ‘Amazing Grace’ I have ever had the privilege of laying my ears on. Brick Fields is the real blues-meets-gospel deal. All of the music they produce is likely to cause a fair bit of involuntary grooving.
Every tune I’ve heard would make a worthy addition to the Playlist for the Big One however I am completely addicted to Brick Fields’ ‘Amazing Grace.’ It’s a seven-minute ethereal ride into a gospel-blues twilight zone. Close your eyes and listen to Rachel Brick channelling a smokin’ raw Adele inspired by Janis Joplin in a juke joint somewhere in time.
Rachel Fields traveled in the 90s singing improv jam at festivals and opening for some well known artists like Goverment Mule, and Merl Saunders. She toured with Melvin Seals, Jude Gold, Gloria Jones, Peter Harris, Elgin Seals, and Joel Smith as JGB (The Jerry Garcia Band). Larry Brick has worked with some of the top Christian artists in Nashville.
“We play blues with our band and have a popular gospel Sunday brunch as well as lead worship at a local church. So we play the smoky beer joints on Saturday night and play in the churches on Sunday. It’s a unique experience. On top of running our own music business, I also homeschool my three young girls. It is a full schedule,” Rachel writes in her note to Big Med.
Brick Fields released ‘Gospel Blue’ in 2011 and the roots, jazz, folk album ‘Shambhala’ in January 2012. They are currently working on a gospel album and a video.
You can find out more about Brick Fields at www.BrickFieldsMusic.com
supersonic
08 Shambhala
