Dean Fields Plays Iota

Sunday, October 22 at Iota

Recommended Beverage to go with this show:

something caffeinated; he’s kinda mellow

Amidst a crowd of young women ogling at the handsome quartet on stage and a few ladies talking obnoxiously loud throughout, a very talented folk-rock band from Richmond, Virginia struggled to be heard. Playing mostly soft ballads, Dean Fields was promoting his new release, Songs on the Mend, and played a handful of songs from his first disc, Imitations, during his hour-long set.

Fields recently played Jammin’ Java solo but at this show he brought out the band, including a bass player that alternated between the electric and upright bass. Fields played guitar and has a beautiful voice, somewhat reminiscent of John Androsik, lead singer for Five for Fighting. Of Fields’ listed influences, several jumped out at me as infusing his music and sound: Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, David Grey, and a bit of Paul Simon.

His set included two of the more rollicking songs from his debut album, “Charleston,” and “In and Out.” During another song from that disc, “Irish Bars,” the crowd became a bit more animated and sang along to the chorus.

It was a relaxing and fitting way to spend a Sunday night.