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excerpt from The Baltimore Blues Rag - by Larry Benicewicz:

"The late horn player, Mickey Fields, was legendary (as was his sister Shirley) for having recorded for Atlantic records in the early 50s as a member of the Tilters and for anchoring many a jazz and blues show at now defunct Baltimore shrines as Tishomingo's (immortalized by pianist Sammy Price on Savoy 1505), the Bird Cage (both off North Ave.), and the Famous Ballroom on N. Charles St.

In the twilight of his career, the affable Mickey was stricken with severe arthritis to the extent that his fingers became gnarled. Yet, he gamely played on to the end seemingly oblivious to this crippling affliction. This soft-spoken gentleman was one of the most courageous individuals I have ever met and also, in his prime, one of the finest talents alive. Had he moved on to Los Angeles, New York, or Europe (like fellow native Gary Bartz), he probably would have become a household word in music circles. But he was always content to be just a large fish in the small pond of Baltimore."

P.S. There was also a live recording from the Left Bank Jazz Society featuring Mickey, Richard "Groove" Holmes, organ; George Freeman, guitar; Don Bowie, Drums.  It is unfortunately out of print. There also exists a live recording from the Left Bank Jazz Society with Sonny Stitt. That is also unfortunately unavailable.

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