Amp Fiddler

Amp Fiddler's debut album has been described by many as a presentation of sophisticated, modern sounds for grown ups. An uplifting melange of soul, funk, jazz, hip hop and r 'n' b that unite perfectly together.

Review by Dirk Binsau of Jazz Not Jazz

P-Funk fans may recall an obscure and overlooked album from Joseph "Amp" Fiddler under the moniker Mr. Fiddler released in 1990 called With Respect, that also featured the 12" single So You Wanna Be A Gangsta.

Since then Amp has worked with a vast range of world-class artists including Lucy Pearl, The Brand New Heavies, Prince, Maxwell, and George Clinton. He's also featured on Carl Craig’s recent “Detroit Experiment” album and on numerous Moodyman productions.

He has toured with Jamiroquai, Fishbone and Tony Toni Tone to name but a few and has recently contributed to John Arnold’s album on Ubiquity, Only Child’s record on Grand Central and remixed Rima on Compost.

And as if that isn't busy enough Amp also found the time to write, play and produce his own music and the result Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly is now available.

Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly is a very good mixture of soul and funk songs and if 2006 will see more equally great albums like this one then we have a very good year ahead.

It's hard to pick a stand-out cut since all songs are fine and it's just a pleasure to listen to it from beginning to the end.

But personal favourites include the jazzy Love & War, that features Amp's son, Dorian Fiddler, on trumpet and was co-produced by Moodyman under his Jan moniker.

And of course Amp is one of the good guys who "don't believe in going to war" although this unfortunately happened in 2003.

There's also the beautiful down-tempo soul of Eye To Eye, that also appeared previously on the Basementality EP and on Electric Soul.

Apart from Amp's son, his brother Thomas "Bubz" Fiddler or Moodyman we also get contributions from George Clinton on the funky title track, Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly. Raphael Saadiq plays keys on the midtempo groover Dreamin' while Only Child did the drum programming on the disco-house influenced Superficial.

Besides good and catchy songs the magic of Amp's music obviously has its roots in his distinctive and versatile voice and the clever use of background vocalist (either Amp himself or Anetria Wright, Courtney Jackson, Kimberly Chatman and Ihnos Sivad).

All in all a highly recommendable album for lovers of quality soul music with an edge.

(For more information visit thegenuinearticle.net, ampfiddler.com and pias.com.)

Based in Germany, Dirk Binsau writes about Jazz and contemporary music. He blogs at Jazz Not Jazz

Feedback:

""Waltz of a Ghetto Fly", the album, is "fantastic". I know, because I helped create the "awesome" track "Superficial". Amp Fiddler, is an exceptional man, with great talent. He has a spiritual and peaceful vibe. He trully has a wonderful vision and good ear for "real" music. He cares deeply for others, and will continue to make music that touches hearts and heals souls. I'm excited to have him produce my album. Forever.” - Spooky Lu

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