INTERESTED IN THE POPULISTS?
ARTIST BIO
The Populists are a duo composed of Peter Fields on nylon string guitar and Claude Arthur on upright bass – two musicians with decades of professional experience at the highest levels. They bring their superb command of their instruments and their love of popular music from diverse times and places together to create a sound that is energetic, artful and entertaining. Their style is best described as impressive and inviting – the listener is drawn to the familiar song and also can appreciate the creativity of the unique interpretation being offered. From the Jazz and Latin Standards to Classic Rock and Motown to contemporary songs, they have the depth of repertoire and facility of style to take their audience on a memorable musical voyage.
They have been performing for decades for private events of every type and size from the most elegant and formal society events, to relaxed gatherings in private homes and public venues. Their artistry and professionalism guarantee a perfect event every time.
Peter Fields has captivated audiences in the U.S. and Europe with his mastery of diverse musical styles and unique approach to guitar techniques. In addition to his sophisticated original compositions, his repertoire ranges from classical guitar, Jazz, and Latin music masterpieces, to extraordinary arrangements of R&B classics, and interpretations of ethnic music from various parts of the world. He can be heard on numerous recording projects for Polygram and various independent labels and on television programs for Fox, National Geographic, Discovery Channels, and others. His performances as finalist in the American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival and the National Guitar Championships, and the winning of first prize in the Mid - Atlantic Song Contest, established his position as a fresh, new voice in the world of virtuoso guitar music.
Washington DC based upright and electric bassist Claude Arthur has performed with Keller Williams, Rounder Records artist Slaid Cleaves, former Commander Cody guitarist Bill Kirchen, The DC Roots Quartet/Swinging Daves/Dave Chapell and Friends, Pete Fields and the World Jam Club, saxophonist Scott Ramminger, the Grandsons and guitarist Andy Poxon.
A professional musician for over 30 years and a graduate of the Music Department of The University of Mary Washington, Claude Arthur has played electric or acoustic bass, guitar or mandolin, flute, drums or banjo everywhere from symphony orchestras to honky tonks, street corners to coliseums, from Europe to San Francisco, the Kennedy Center and Philadelphia Folk Festival.
PHOTO GALLERY
SONG LIST
Jazz, Swing & Standards
Frank Sinatra- Fly Me to the Moon
Frank Sinatra- It Had to Be You
Frank Sinatra- My Romance
Frank Sinatra- On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Traditional- Days of Wine & Roses
Traditional- Isn't it Romantic
Traditional- Poco Pelo
Traditional- Poinciana
Django Reinhart- Minor Swing
Nuages- Sweet Georgia Brown
Duke Ellington- Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Duke Ellington- In a Sentimental Mood
Duke Ellington- The Nearness of You
Cole Porter- Night and Day
Cole Porter- Our Love is Here to Stay
Andrew Lloyd Weber- Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Antonio Carlos Jobim- Girl From Ipanema
Bill Evans- Autumn Leaves
Billie Holiday- All Of Me
Burt Bacharach- What the World Needs Now
Charlie Parker- All The Things You Are
Chet Atkins- Manha De Carnaval
Dean Martin- Sway
Harold Arlen- Over the Rainbow
John Coltrane & Johnny Bennett- My One and Only Love
Norah Jones- Don't Know Why
Classic Rock
Bread- I'd Like to Make it With You
Bread- If
James Taylor- Something In the Way She Moves
Carole King- You've Got A Friend
Cat Stevens- Wild World
Cream- White Room
The Eagles- Hotel California
Elton John- Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Elvis Costello- Alison
John Lennon- Imagine
The Moody Blues- Nights In White Satin
The Police- Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Santana- Europa
Todd Rundgren- Hello It's Me
Young Rascals- Groovin'
50s-60s Oldies & Rock ‘n’ Roll
Beatles- Blackbird
Beatles- Come Together
Beatles- Here Comes the Sun
Beatles- If I Fell
Beatles- Something
Beatles- While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Beatles- With a Little Help From My Friends
Bobbie Gentry- Ode to Billy Joe
Latin
Jobim- Besame Mucho
Brazil- Capullito de Aleji
Compadre Pedro Juan- Samba De Orfeu
Siboney- Solamente Una Vez
80s Pop & Retro
Boston- More Than a Feeling
Crowded House- Don't Dream It's Over
Cyndi Lauper- Time After Time
Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes
Sade- Smooth Operator
Sting- La Belle Dame Sans Regrets
Motown, Soul, R&B, Beach
Al Green- Let's Stay Together
Al Green- Love and Happiness
Ray Charles- Georgia On My Mind
The Temptations- Just My Imagination
70s Disco & Funk
Stevie Wonder- Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder- I Wish
Four Seasons- Goin' Out of My Head
Ballads & Slow Songs
The Chilites- Oh Girl
Louis Armstrong- What a Wonderful World
Otis Redding- Dock of the Bay
The Beatles- I Will
Reggae & Caribbean
Bob Marley- I Shot the Sheriff