By Todd Thomas
Accomplished and versatile keyboardist Joseph “Amp” Fiddler moves through various styles of music like and eel through seaweed and his discography backs it up. Fiddler has recorded and toured with Maxwell, George Clinton, Lucy Pearl, Jamiroquai and The Brand New Heavies to name just a few of the stellar recording artists he has supplies with his smoky and sublime yet funky keyboard sounds.
Fiddler’s been working professionally in the music business for over twenty years and he’s released a few EP’s but only within the last few months was his first full-length CD Waltz of a Ghetto Fly released. The CD dropped in Europe first, then in the U.S. The response to Fiddler’s CD and live performances in Europe was very tight and he has experienced much of the same positivity stateside. The album has an unhurried quality to it and that might be credited to the fact that he recorded it in a basement-recording studio in his own home in Detroit.
Many people are probably familiar with Fiddler from his work with George Clinton. And despite the lack of hard driving funk Waltz of a Ghetto Fly is an exceptional first solo effort for Fiddler. Most of the tracks are very earthy and organic with a nice mix of Fiddlers keyboards complemented by his Sly Stone like vocal style -gravely, groovy and teetering on funky. But he also employs techno-type beats and jazzy riffs as well.
His music defies any real sort of classification and he’s hard pressed to put a name -tag on his sound.
“I would say it’s electronic soul,” Fiddler says, “I’m not just a typical funk player because I’ve done so many other things.” I think that’s what it takes to be a true artist in this game, you don’t want to be limited to just one thing…one genre you know.” He adds, “I’m always gonna be funky but there’s other elements too, there’s Hip-Hop, there’s soul, blues and jazz, just a lot of different elements that I love.”
Fiddler’s music does defy categorization but he does understand the need for people to label artists and their music.
“People call certain things what they need to at the time to put you in a certain box. But I’ve always stood outside the box. regardless of the fact that people might pick me up and put me in there…and that’s alright too.”
Amp Fiddler’s Detroit recording studio is known as “Camp Amp.” It’s a place to record without time limits and also a place where people he’s cool with can just come and hang out and share the vibe. He picked up this laid-back approach to recording while working with George Clinton and P-Funk.
“It was like a camp out [recording with P-Funk in California a few years back] and I’ve been carrying that with me since then…A place where cats who I’m down with can come and camp out and do that same type of thing.” He adds, “You don’t have to worry about an engineer telling you that your time is up…that’s for sure.”
Fiddler is a product of the strong musical environment of his native Detroit and has been building his skills since he was a little kid. There was a Baby Grand piano in his home, he went to music school, and he jammed all over Detroit long before he hit the “big time” and began working with notable artists. Dues must be paid to make it for real in the music business according to Fiddler.
“I’ve been patient with my career since I’ve been doing it,” Fiddler says. “Anybody in this business will find that it’s necessary to have patience, otherwise you’ll get no progress. Those that get it overnight are often in and out overnight.”
Album Preview
Amp Fiddler [Waltz of a Ghetto Fly] Pias America
Standout Tracks Include on Waltz of a Ghetto Fly include:
“I believe in you” Squiggly, funky synthesizers open this mellow cut. Guitars sprinkle the cut with flavor and Fiddler introduces his seductive singing style while singing about a special lady.
“Possibilities” Fiddler gives a taste of his musical range, mixing jazzy piano with a neo-soul groove and mellow super-positive lyrics. “Deep in my mind I believe everything is possible.” A beautiful laid-back tune that’s reminiscent of Herbie Hancock’s fusion of jazz and funk.
“Soul Divine” this track has the most aggressive keyboard work on the CD. Fiddler rocks on organ-type keyboards in an almost church like style. Very funky and soulful with Fiddler using his voice for maximum penetration
“Eye to Eye” Dreamy sound to this cut with a gulping bass effect with smooth vocals ands soaring spacey keyboards.
“Love and War” Trumpets wail and Fiddler croons in this atmospheric anti-war song. Bongos provide a native sound throughout as fiddler creeps in and out with powerful synthesizer rushes.
“Waltz of a Ghetto Fly” The title cut is straight out funky. Fiddler introduces us to the concept of the Ghetto Fly in a cool funked-up manner. “Deep in the black of ya mind lies the funky of another kind,” is the chant as fiddler comes at you with all manner of keyboard wizardry. Unusually natural rhythms truly display Fiddler’s innate talent.
Check out Amp Fiddler’s website www.ampfiddler.com for more info: PUB
