(Review from bad cat)

As a trio, Fields’ (not to be mixed with the UK band with the same name) initial break came when they found a mentor in the form of Mark Slotkin. Slotikin (heir to the Abbey Rents fortune), quickly signed on as the group’s manager and used his connections to help the group get signed to Uni Records.

1969′s cleverly-titled “Fields” is kind of an oddity; especially for a record label that’s best known for a more pop-oriented catalog. With Fortunanto writing most of the six selections (although Burke and Langana contributed material), the album’s overall feel is very blues-rockish.

Comparisons to Cream are most evident in tracks such as the leadoff rocker ‘Elysian Fields’, ‘Take You Home’ and ‘Jump On It’ baring more than a passing resemblance to Clapton and company. Exemplified by tracks such as ‘Bide My Time’, the performances are quite raw.

The bizarre closer ‘Love Is the Word’ takes up the whole second side of the original vinyl. The song offers up a weird blend of rock, psych and soul influences with backing from Motown singer Brenda Holloway (and the Raylettes). Stretched out over nearly 20 minutes, it has to be heard to be believed.

The band apparently toured quite a bit, serving as an opening act for John Mayall and other name groups, but never broke to a wider audience and collapsed within a year.

Line-up:
- Patrick Burke – vocals, bass
- Richard Fortunato – vocals, lead guitar
- Steve Langana – vocals, drums
with
- Brenda Holloway / back vocals (6)

Track List:
01. Elysian Fields – 3:44
02. Bide My Time – 4:39
03. Take You Home – 3:04
04. Jump On You – 3:25
05. Sun Would Set – 5:22
06. Love Is The Word – 18:41

Link in comments.