68-year-old Godfather of New York soul Lee Fields is ramping up anticipation for his upcoming album - It Rains Love - with a new video for his single ‘You’re What’s Needed In My Life’. A feast for your eyes and ears, you can watch the video first on Gigwise below.

The video, which mixtures performance with atmospheric cutaways, captures a special moment in a New York art studio where Lee Fields came in to be a model for a painting session.

The studio is owned by bespectacled Emmy-award winning artist Mike Perry and the cast in the video are a mix of professional and amateur artists who are connected because of their involvement with the label Fields is signed to, Big Crown Records. Creating a video to go with such a top-rate tune with immense production from Leon Michels (Dr John, Texas, Ludacris, Eminem, Charles Bradley) is no easy feat. but this has been pulled off gracefully.

Curious to hear from the man himself about his intentions with the song, which any fan of James Brown or Charles Bradley (the latter he helped get a first break for by taking him on tour with him) will likely find a strong connection, Fields responded to us.

This song is for anyone that has someone special in their life and truly appreciate them!” he says. “Also if they are in search of words to tell that special person how they feel, all they have to do is play the song. (You’re what’s needed in my life)”

What a great sentiment from the man who is this year celebrating 50 years since his first single release.

His album It Rains Love is out 5 April and Lee Fields & The Expressions UK headline tour dates are below.

May
02 – Cambridge, Junction
03 – Manchester, Academy
04 – London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire (tickets)