News & Notes

Below are links to some of the commercial releases I am very proud to have been involved with. On all of these projects, I played a major role in producing, arranging and engineering (recording and/or mixing) in addition to handling all of the guitar work.

Overbrook Avenue (iTunes) - Tom Alexander (released: December 2016)

My Man Loves Me (CDBaby) - Beverly Lewis (released: June 2012)

It Is What It Is... (iTunes) - John Fifield (CD release: September 2009 / digital release: July 2010)

All Shades of Blues (iTunes) - Beverly Lewis (released: May 2010)

To purchase a copy of the It Is What It Is CD from me directly (PayPal only), click here: IIWII - CD


2018 - WHAT'S IN THE WORKS

In The Studio...

In addition to regular session work for clients of www.gorangrooves.com, I am continuing work on the first volume of a guitar loops library that will be available for purchase through the gorangrooves.com online store.

I have finally started work on a new solo album project that will feature my own original compositions and several pieces written by my close musical compatriot, Tom Alexander. In fact, the first track of this as yet unnamed project is a Tom Alexander piece that I fell in love with when I first heard it a few years ago. The track, titled Looks Like Home, features the talents of Lee Levin (drums), Gabriel Vivas (bass), Tom Alexander (composer/keys) and the amazing Gary Husband (keys)! For this project, I'll be releasing individual tracks as they're completed and ultimately, assembling all of the material into album form later on down the road.

Also in the works is a recording of Duke Ellington's Just a Lucky So and So by vocalist, Beverly Lewis. This one again features Lee Levin and Gabriel Vivas on drums and bass, respectively. Also joining Beverly are her long-time musical brethren, Paul Banman (keys) and David Fernandez (sax).

Also on the agenda for 2018 (and already in the works), is the launch of my dedicated session platform www.yoursessionguitarist.com.

Live & Plugged In...

Although less frequent these days, you can still catch up with me live a few times a month with Beverly Lewis & The Mixx at venues in and around the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. The Mixx has a broad repertoire that ranges from classic rock to jazz standards and covers plenty of ground in between. Check out the Beverly Lewis & The Mixx sampler video. For booking info, contact John at TMBProductions dot com or Beverly at BeverlyLewis dot net.

Tom Alexander and I have been toying with the idea of doing some duo gigs on the more acoustic end of the spectrum (a la Overbrook Avenue) and the possibility of some potential guest appearances with his fusion group, Earth Code. Stay tuned for more on these collaborations...


PRESS - IT IS WHAT IT IS...

Excerpt from review by Mathew Warnock at All About Jazz:

"It is What It Is is an entertaining and exciting modern-jazz album from Florida based guitarist John Fifield. The album mixes modern harmony and feel with Latin and rock grooves in a manner that is a nod to those who have come before, while still keeping one eye firmly on the forward horizon. Overall, Fifield's It Is What It Is is a noteworthy release: the tunes are craftily arranged; the improvisations range from sultry to blistering and everything in between..."

You can check out the entire album review here: All About Jazz Review

* * * * * *

Excerpt from review by Robert Silverstein at mwe3.com:

"Based down in Hollywood, Florida, Fifield is coming from a quite unique space in 21st century guitar based instrumental sounds. Combining white hot instrumental fusion, straight ahead jazz, funk and even rap/bass stylings, Fifield’s guitar approach is really eclectic and for a good taste of his unique guitar sounds take a spin inside the 2010 CD release of It Is What It Is... For fans of daredevil fusion guitar pyrotechnics, John Fifield’s It Is What It Is... is a pick to click."

You can check out the review along with a lengthy interview here: mwe3.com Review and Interview


PRESS - ALL SHADES OF BLUES

Excerpt from review by Robert Silverstein at mwe3.com:

"Offering up a mix of bluesy jazz vocals covering some well known song standards, All Shades Of Blues is a fine introduction to the art of singer Beverly Lewis. Recording in South Florida, Beverly gets fine support from some gifted musicians... Covers highlighted on the ten track, 38 minute CD include fine renditions of the Cannonball Adderly classic, written by Joe Zawinal, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and the B.B. King favorite “Everyday I Have the Blues”, here blending in the Billie Holiday standard “Fine And Mellow.” That uptempo, rockin’ groove is what Ms. Lewis excels at..."

You can check out the review along with an interview here: mwe3.com Review and Interview

* * * * * *

Excerpt from review by C. Michael Bailey at All About Jazz:

"Lewis, however, has but one agenda: stepping up to the microphone and belting out whatever song she is singing con brio and in full command. Couple this inhibition with a very fine band... and a brush fire is sure to start and spread. All Shades of Blues should bring Lewis some much deserved attention: her forceful singing and robust delivery have genuine soul; her band is tight; and her repertoire solid.

You can check out the entire album review here: All About Jazz Review


 

© 2006 - Present John Fifield