Search - Corinne Bailey Rae, Neco Washington :: Afro Strut

A retro rare-groover?

gizgoogmai | London, England UK | 11/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For over a decade, Brit-rock has proclaimed its green credentials by recycling at least 50% of its material and repackaging it as if it were completely original.

By contrast, contemporary Afro-American music's sample culture fetishises reconditioned old licks and beats, while offering much more genuine novelty.

Joseph "Amp" Fiddler is the exception who proves the rule.

A Detroit veteran of George Clinton's p-funk unit, his second solo album, but for a cod-ragga toast on "I Need You", could well have teleported in from the mid-1970s.

Referencing Gil Scott-Heron in the jazz-funk meditation "Right Where You Are", August Darnell in the zoot-suited "If I Don't", Marvin Gaye in "Hustle", Sly Stone in the bone-dry click-track drums, p-funk in the rubber bass and synths, and Shuggie Otis in the spare, stoned melodiousness, Amp also boasts a fine, smoky singing voice and a way-cool pimp hat.

If Jamiroquai could concoct a hit career out of a lot less, why not this retro rare-groover?"

Strut Afro Strut

Music Mama | New Jersey | 12/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent CD. I didn't realize Amp Fiddler had a 2nd release...I had the pleasure of meeting him at SOB's for the JDilla memorial concert....His is serious. A must have.."

Amp Fiddler pushes Musical Boundries

Vivian | San Francisco Bay Area | 05/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, Amp Fiddler really delves into a variety of musical genres in this CD. I hadn't heard his music and my Brother discovered him and decided that we had to interview him for our site www.progressivepulse.com

I sampled his music and was hooked. In "You can be Mine" he collaborates with Neco Washington and creates a sound like an updated Chaka/Rufus collaboration. And then just when you think you have him pinned downed to a particular niche, he surprises you with his rendition Hendrix' "Hey Joe" And finally, his original "Right Where you Are" transports you to that special place with that special someone.......take a look at our interview with Amp: http://www.progressivepulse.com/news.htm#ampfiddler"