Bumbershoot 2012: Lee Fields & The Expressions

Lee Fields & The Expressions kicked off the final day of Bumbershoot at the KEXP Music Lounge in style. The packed venue was dimly lit and made sure everyone’s focus was on the group, which Fields’ charisma had upon gracing the stage. The six-piece band along with Fields commanded the stage with their casual attire of mainly Chuck Taylors, loose-fitting shirts and an abundance of talent. The soulful singer jumped around while members of The Expressions tooted their trumpets, blasted their saxophones and simply got down on the keys. He exclaimed that “We’re not used to being up this early in the mornin’, but we didn’t realize we’d be having this much fun!” to which the crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Fields beamed of swagger despite his age and swayed alongside the stage flirting with various women in the crowd; winking and shining his pearly whites to them. During “You’re The Kind Of Girl”, Fields was pulling his shirt right above his heart while singing “My heart beats for you” while locking eyes with female audience members. The intensity that Fields sings with is jaw-dropping, literally. The robust frontman was often screaming and exuding so much emotion into a song that his veins were popping out of his forehead and throat, while emitting such feelings that he almost brought himself to his knees. Fields slowed it down after the second song and told the crowd that his next song was about losing someone, then The Expressions started into “How Long.” Lee Fields & The Expressions have been recording since the early 2000s but recently blew up the blogosphere with their latest release, Faithful Man. The set was hosted by KEXP’s own Cheryl Waters, who was broadcasting the show live on-air. The five-song set included their hit single and title track “Faithful Man”, “Wish You Were Here”, and “Ladies” from their 2009 My World.