Legendary sax player from Baltimore Wilfred ‘Mickey’ Fields. In 1949 at the age of 16 he toured for six months as a member of Lionel Hampton’s road band. He played with the Tilters in the mid-’50s who released recordings on Atlantic Records, and later played for the Flink Johnson Orchestra., the Pinky Owens Quartet, and the Claude Grant Trio.
Fronting his own Mickey Fields Orchestra in the 1960s, he secured house band stints at Chick’s, Minnick’s, Hilander, and also performed at Keystone, Left Bank Jazz Society, Club Tijuana, Bird Cage, Royal Theater, and Carnival Club with the Tilters featuring his sister Shirley Fields on vocals. The ‘60s assemblage of the Tilters consisted of Kenny Fields (bass), Ray Montague (guitar ex-Cardinals, Big Toppers), and Calvin Vaughn (drums). Calvin was later replaced with Marty Fischer (ex-Delmonicos).
In the 1960s the Mickey Fields Band consisted of John Fields, Kenneth, Mickey, Alvin, Lanette, and Shirley. Later in the ‘60s Fields worked with Don Cavey as a duo at Buck’s Bar. He also provided sax for ‘Tiny Tim’ Harris backup band which also included Calvin Vaughn.
Throughout the years Mickey traveled on the road with superstars such as Lionel Hampton, Bill Doggett, Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Heath, and others. He recorded with musicians such as Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Heath, and Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes.
In the ‘60s and ‘70s Mickey & his Mice released some quality R&B records on the Marti label. “Crackerjack” received steady local airplay in the spring and early summer of 1970. The mid-’70s saw Mickey performing as house band at the Kimberly Lounge on Holabird Avenue. The Mickey Fields Quintet also played jazz regularly at O’Henry’s Tavern on East Centre Street and became a fixture at the Sportsmen’s Lounge. Although the members fluctuated throughout the years, they played on and off together in many incarnations of the group. A mid-‘70s all-star lineup included Mickey (sax), with Shirley (vocals), Jimmy Wells (vibes), Donald Bailey (bass), and Hugh Walker (drums). Vocalist Debbie Jacobs sang with the group in the mid-‘70s. In April 1978 Mickey and his group consisting of Johnny Polite (drums), and Dennis Fisher (organ ex-Chaumonts) performed a benefit concert for Jimmy Johnsun at the Sportsmen’s Lounge along with other local groups. Fields also led a trio that included Marshall Booze (guitar), and Ralph Fisher (drums)…
Mickey was seen at the Jazz Heritage Festival in November 1984 backed by Andy Ennis (sax ex-Esquires), Charlie Covington (B-3 organ), and Willie Barber (drums ex-Soul Brothers). He continued to perform into the ‘90s. Mickey passed away in January 1995 at the age of 62.
Records released by Mickey Fields: With the Tilters:
1952 Atlantic 979 Ee-Til-Ya-Dee / La Cumbanchero
As Mickey & His Mice:
19** Samar 004 Much Right Man / Amen
19** Samar 121 Little Green Apples (Part 1) /(Part 2)
1970 Marti 402 Doin’ the Crackerjack / Abraham, Martin & John
Mickey Fields with Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes:
19**(LP) Edmar 1075 The Astonishing Mickey Fields
Discography note: Mickey & His Mice singles were arranged by Eddie Drennon.
