Victor by Victor Fields

The recording made the Billboard Chart and the singles "Walk On By", "Five-Two Blues", "Round Midnight", and "Bluesette" received international radio airplay on Urban A/C, Smooth Jazz, and NPR stations.

Now with his third release he raises the bar once again. His pleading falsetto and background vocalizing on Cole Porter's "Night & Day" belies the influence of the legenday Marvin Gaye. He admittedly is a student of the classic voices like Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Ingram and Luther Vandross. But yet he brings his own style and unique, contemporary interpretations that have won him increasing popularity among die-hard fans.

Selecting songs for a CD is never an easy process because falling in love with a song is a prerequisite. Victor adds, "If I can't connect emotionally to a song and bring something fresh to it then we won't record it". His choices are truly eclectic, that is, the best from various musical genres. But one can't help but admire his vocal talent as he moves seamlessly from traditional jazz standards like "Lush Life" to uptempo jazz-imbued R&B offerings "Paradise", "Love Will Save The Day" and Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady".

Getting to where he is today has not been easy. Music and singing have alway been his first love but not his first career choice. His mother was a Juiliard-trained pianist and, as a young boy, his house was always filled with music. Realizing the financial hardships of a musician's life, Victor's mother encouraged Victor and his sister to go to college and build solid careers. But even as he earned his degree from Bowdoin College and embarked on a career in the insurance industry, he couldn't get the music out of his blood. He performed with choirs and ensembles after working hours and on the weekends.

One night in San Francisco he got an offer that he couldn't refuse. After sitting in with the house trio for a couple of songs, the club owner hired him. "I had to find some musicians and learn a bunch of songs in a hurry." As he began performing, music started becoming more a part of his life and he was enjoying it.

Of all the tracks on his current release "It's Never Too Late In Life" was the most challenging to sing. "The dynamics and the range were similar to an 18th century song I love, 'Caro Mio Ben'". The song's lyric "it's never too late /to reach for a childhood dream/and find that dream still waiting" also had special meaning. After deferring his childhood dream until later in life, his dream waited for him again when a family tragedy put his recording hopes on hold for six more years.

In 1999, while visiting a college classmate in Los Angeles, he was introduced to Grammy-winning artist, Kashif, and his recording career and his dreams were back on track. His story is one of perserverance and courage. His songs are about love and inspiration. His fans are passionate and loyal. Once you hear his voice you'll begin to understand why. You will hear what we all hear. The sound of a spirit that has endured and that speaks directly to our hearts. The spirit of a man who tirelessly pursues his dream against all odds. What you will hear is "Victor".

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