Press

SONGWRITER'S MONTHLY

November 2001

Judy Fields has a voice as sweet as lilacs yet as strong as iron.  Her thought-provoking songs can soar just given the support of her gift of voice.  Delivered with intimacy or sweeping majesty, Judy's melodies bring exquisite chills.  'What If' could dazzle Dion!  Nice work.

Judy Fields spent years putting together her album "Cloudless Sky": "I really wrote this for me," she says.

photo credit: Bob Larson/Times CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

THERE'S AN OLD, tattered adage that says if you want something done right, do it yourself.  It may not inspire the most charitable fellowship-building spirit, but it's a philosophy taken up by many artists these days, particularly musicians running up against corporate-think.

Antioch singer-songwriter Judy Fields embraced this maxim. Thanks to modern technology, Fields has recently released "Cloudless Sky." While the country-pop album was two years in production, Fields says it was worth the effort to have control over the entire album-recording journey, from the creative seedlings to the cellophane package.

The 48-year-old singer has been writing songs since she was a teen, and wrote for Reba McEntire's publishing company in Nashville during the early '90s.

Fields did have some help with the technical aspects of production, however. Her husband, Larry Cumings, is sound engineer and tour manager for the David Grisman Quintet. In fact, folk rocker Grisman surfaces on the album in the big-band track "I'll Meet You at the Moon."  

When did you discover your talent for music?

"When I was a wee lass, I would start humming and making up melodies. Then when I was 13 or 14, I picked up my brother's guitar. He left it after a couple of weeks. I got a book from the library and started writing a song. From there, I just went on."

What inspired you to make the album?

"I really wrote this for me. I've had some major label deals, but I had to record what they said. With this, I got to do what I wanted to do. It's something I enjoy listening to."

Do you see yourself as a performer or a writer?

"I was writing for different publishing companies, hoping to be able to be a songwriter and have other people cut them (my songs). I'd rather not be in the spotlight."

Are all the songs on the album love songs?

"It's not about romantic love. A lot of it's about different kinds of love and different aspects of love. I try to have something to say. I like substantial, lyrical songs. I like lyrics that paint a picture and have something to say, like a mini movie."

How does the lyric-writing process work for you?

"I'll sit down and just start playing and strike a really inspiring chord. Pretty soon I'll have a melody and a lyric will pop out. I don't write a melody on the keyboard or the guitar. I write melody on my voice. My real instrument is my voice."

What are you trying to impart with your lyrics?

"I like to make people think about things, almost like a short story. It takes them somewhere. I'll get in the car and put in 'Cloudless Sky' and I forget how nasty people are. I kind of hope people who are into themselves will think about what matters in life."

How did you get involved in the country music genre?

"At that point, country was really popular. You know, that 'Urban Cowboy' thing. I always played a little country and always loved Emmylou Harris. She had beautiful, angelic harmonies. I was drawn to that."

Have there been any other major musical influences in your life?

"I like intelligent lyrics, like those of Don Henley and Tracy Chapman. I listen to everything from Itzhak Perlman to Sting; a hodgepodge of stuff, kind of like my house."

Any plans for the future?

"I guess I don't dream big. But I would love to have a movie theme. I would love to hear my music as the credits roll."