by SCOTT C

I had looked forward to talking to Soul Fire/Daptone recording artist Lee Fields for quite a while, but I had no idea that his man would be every bit as animated in real life as he is on record. The stepfather of that ol' dirty bastard funk, Lee has been busy ripping stages with Sugarman 3, promoting his new album Problems, and letting the people see firsthand what all the commotion is about. The Mirror spoke to Lee over the phone from NYC.

Mirror: I understand that you and the Sugarman 3 just got back from a mini-tour. I actually called you earlier in the week while you were taking a turn driving that big ol' station wagon.

Lee Fields: Yeah man, it was so sweet. I wish it had been a lot longer. Sometimes when we're working as a unit, we'll do a month on and a month off. Everybody has various projects and commitments, so it's hard sometimes.

M: I know. You guys got a whole slew of musicians that are all running crazy up there, and making some great music in the process.

LF: What really makes everything exciting is the magic of the Sugarman 3. They have an aura about them that is hard to explain. People have to see what's taking place.

M: Well, I've seen those guys before and you're right, but I'm sure you bring some of your own magic to the stage as well.

LF: Well, I don't know about that. They're just so energized. When I come up there with them, I just sit in the circle. They've already done 365 degrees, so when I get there, I just try to keep within the parameters, stay in the sweet spot. People that like sugar in their coffee or honey in their tea, they have all of those ingredients in there. All those confectionery people who really love that candy and all that kind of stuff, the music is so sweet, it's like walking into a candy shop! (laughs)

M: You're being very modest right now, Lee.

LF: For the people with cavities, that's where I walk in. I smooth the hurt out! (laughs) The music is so sweet it'll hurt ya! (laughing)

Talkin' Einstein

M: Trust me, people are waiting for it up here man. After Sharon Jones came here last year and wrecked the place, you've got some big shoes to fill.

LF: Sharon Jones! Man! Sharon Jones! When you say Sharon Jones, when you say that name I have to say that out of all the entertainers that I work with, I would rate her as the greatest of all. She does things from the pit of her soul. Just her name deserves a moment of silence… There! I've pulled myself back together! (laughs)

M: Listen, I don't think I've ever read an article or review about you that didn't have some comparison to James Brown in it. I've even done it myself. Does it ever get on your nerves?

LF: Everybody in the world knows that James is the Godfather of Soul. Man! James Brown, man! You can't get no higher than that. I'm talkin' Einstein to ya now. James takes it up to where the parameter has ended. There ain't no place to go after that. So in order for things to remain correct and be in the proper position, they have to come back in a straight line from the way it came. So James is up there where we wanna go, and even if we go in the opposite direction, he's there. If you change the parameters of your musical excursion, based on your solastic [Ed. note: "Solastic" remains, at press time, unconfirmed as a real word] positioning in the solar system… he gonna be there also! (cackles) Boy, you done got me so excited! This some deep stuff right here!

M: (laughing) Man, you know how to laugh!

LF: You gotta get that laugh out! If you hold a laugh inside too long, it'll hurt'cha. Gotta get them laughs out, man. A lot of people are sick in the world today because they don't laugh enough. Not that the laugh's gonna save us now, but laughing will make your life more robust with beautiful energy, and tranquil and relaxation. All of the words that a person can use to describe that feeling of Nirvana, a word they use in some religion, this is how you find it, through laughing - and of course music. :

At la Sala Rossa on Friday, March 21, 9pm

>> Music Listings