Lawrence Fields Trio „Supersonic“ im Jazzclub Bix Stuttgart 2026
Young Lawrence Fields almost became a “computer nerd,” as his interests in his youth lay more in the world of computers, sports, and other leisure activities.
After experiencing a certain frustration with this world, he turned to music and gained a foothold in the local jazz scene.
He founded a piano trio in 2002 and studied at Berkeley College of Music in Boston until 2008.
Instead of computer nerd, piano talent
He subsequently toured with jazz greats such as Christian McBride and Branford Marsalis. Early on, he developed a highly expressive personal sound based on his experiences. Right from the start of the evening at Bix, he dominated the stage with his lightning-fast piano technique before his fellow musicians joined him a few minutes later.
Kyle Miles on bass is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and has long been involved with leading New York musicians of his generation. These include Marcus Strickland, Keyon Harrold, and Meshell Ndegeocello.
California native Ele Howell on drums has made a name for himself in the New York jazz scene as a promising young drummer and has performed with bass legend Stanley Clarke and John Coltrane’s son, Ravi.
Stories at the piano and about the “German Rail adventure
Fields isn’t just a storyteller at the piano; even during the breaks between pieces, the now 43-year-old speaks at length about his musical journey and how wonderful it is to be on stage with his friends Kyle and Ele, presenting their modern take on jazz, infused with folk, hip-hop, and improvisation. To return to his stories, he was particularly impressed by “The Adventure of the German Rail” on his last tour in Germany, which naturally elicited much laughter and agreement.
However, this year the railway was more lenient, and another difference he highlights is that the BIX venue is significantly better attended compared to his last performance a few years ago.
He also mentions Herbie Hancock as one of his role models, and this is unmistakable when he plays his electric piano. The music becomes funky, fast-paced, and, in progressive musical arcs, maintains a high level of concentration until the end of the piece.
Initially, Fields’ playing clearly dominates the scene; the bass and drums provide a more dreamlike, assured accompaniment, but after a while, the trio’s virtuoso interplay becomes increasingly apparent.
Groove-Based Sounds from Past and Present
The Supersonic Trio blends R&B elements from the past with modern sounds from the present, which is certainly appealing, but lacks any real sonic edge.
The trio’s playing comes across as somewhat too polished, musical pleasantries that don’t leave a lasting impression. Only Howell’s two virtuoso drum solos truly captivate the audience and stand out from the rest of the performance. Miles’ bass solo is technically quite good, but like much of the evening, it’s too tame.
Gentle sounds and groove-based sounds alternate, subtly presented, but lacking any real impact. Towards the end, the concert picks up speed again, almost rocking with a driving rhythm and Fields’ lightning-fast piano technique, which we’ve described earlier. It all comes together seamlessly.
… And so a good, and ultimately outstanding, concert ends with a powerful encore.
Lawrence Fields (p)
Kyle Miles (b)
Ele Howell (dr)
