When Lee Fields’ career was just beginning in the early 70’s, he was often called “Little JB” for his visual and vocal similarities to James Brown. But anyone who’s heard his recent work with the Expressions knows that over the course of a 40-plus year career, Fields has carved out a space in the soul pantheon all for himself.

Indeed, his most recent album, 2012’s Faithful Man, earned praise as his strongest effort to date, and his frenetic and emotionally-charged performances with the Expressions have sold out venues around the world since the album’s release. 

Fields’ recent success is no reason to forget some of his early-career gems, though: in fact, Truth and Soul Records has just reissued his 1979 classic Lets Talk It Over, the slow-burning title track of which probably owes more to Otis Redding than it does to the Godfather of Soul. Either way, the song serves as a perfect introduction to the talent and range of a man whose voice can be somehow both growling and tender at the same time.  

Lee Fields and the Expressions hit the road in support of both albums, and their first stop is here in Portland, at the Aladdin Theater. Lets hope the Aladdin will let you dance in the aisle.

Enter to win tickets to Lee Field and the Expressions on Monday, September 16.