"The sizzling sounds of pure, undiluted soul" - American Songwriter
Seminal figure of classic American soul Lee Fields will make his Opera House debut this November with special guests Surprise Chef.
With a recording career spanning five decades and more than twenty albums under his belt, Fields’ prolific influence across the contemporary music landscape is unwavering. His music has been sampled by powerhouse artists including J. Cole, Travis Scott, Rick Ross, and A$AP Rocky, and his collaboration with French DJ/ producer Martin Solveig produced the worldwide dance hit Jealousy.
Fields will be joined by his band The Expressions, led by producer Leon Michels, who represent the who’s who of soul musicianship. From their first offering together, The Many Moods Of<, the band’s virtuosity and passion paired with Field’s iconic voice has earned applause from such outlets as NPR for their “groove-filled performances with fiery energy and toe-tapping swagger.” Fields and The Expressions have collaborated on seven LPs and toured globally almost nonstop, playing sold-out houses and to huge audiences on the festival circuit, from Carnegie Hall and L’Olympia to Coachella, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk and Roskilde.
“Releasing his first single in 1969, I am overjoyed legendary American soul singer Lee Fields finally makes his Opera House debut in November. Fields is no funk-soul revivalist, he’s the genuine article still at his peak with collaborators like Dr John, BB King, Bobby Womack, Kool & the Gang and Sharon Jones having all sought his immense talents. Backed by his incredible band the Expressions, Fields is a powerhouse live performer who puts it all on the line – you’ll feel it down to the bone. Joining this mighty double bill are Melbourne’s masters of forward-thinking jazz-funk and neo-soul, Surprise Chef," said Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall.
Joining this electrifying double bill is Melbourne's Surprise Chef, renowned for their vintage funk and groove-infused jazz mastery. Their 2020 albums All News Is Good News and Daylight Savings propelled the Coburg-based group to cult status, captivating funk and soul enthusiasts worldwide. In 2022, the band signed with Brooklyn’s Big Crown Records, considered to be at the cutting edge of the genre. This one-night-only performance will see them skillfully traverse synthesizers, energetic percussion, atmospheric layers, and, above all, entrancing, groovy tunes.
WHO: Lee Fields with special guests Surprise Chef
WHEN: 8pm Monday 27 November 2023
WHERE: The Studio, Sydney Opera House
TICKETS: From $65 + booking fee // sydneyoperahouse.com // +61 2 9250 7777
Insiders pre-sale: 9am AEST, Tuesday 19 September
What’s On pre-sale: 9am AEST, Wednesday 20 September
General Public On sale: 9am AEST, Thursday 21 September
Image credit Simon Ertler
“Lee Fields & the Expressions play like the stakes have never been higher: they lay it all out there, put it on the line, and make damn well sure you feel it.” – Pitchfork
