AMP FIDDLER Vinyl & CDs

Review: On its initial release on Black Riot five years ago, Amp Fiddler's long-delated comeback album - produced in cahoots with London scene mainstay Andy Williams AKA Yam Who-- Motor City Booty was rightly praised for showcasing the Detroiter's P-funk, boogie and deep house roots. This fifth anniversary reissue on South Street, pressed on blue and yellow vinyl, serves as a reminder of the album's undoubted quality. Fiddler's soulful vocals and dusty keys provide the sonic glue that holds everything together, with the plentiful highlights including the two-part, Dames Brown-sporting Motown soul tribute 'Soul Fly', the squelchy, gospel-tinged P-funk house brilliance of '1960 What?' (featuring the London House Cats Choir) and the hazy, head-nodding electronic soul brilliance of 'Send a Message To Me').

Review: Get ready for a rush-inducing dose of proper soulful vocal house from the mighty Dames Brown. On this record for Defected, Detroit's foremost trio of Athena Johnson, Lisa Cunningham and Teresa Marbury linked up with the mighty Amp Fiddler and Andres for a rip through house music as real as it gets. The original 12" mix of 'What Would You Do?' is hard to beat for raw, heavy-hitting groove and production, but there are some choice remixes included here for those who have different needs, whether it's the bouncy jazz funk of Two Soul Fusion's version or the smoother sound of Folamour creating a sleek disco house variation for the peak time crowd.

Review: Before he passed away earlier this year, Detroit legend Amp Fiddler completed a number of recordings. This, a collaboration with Australian DJ/producer and all-round 21st century dancefloor soul don Inkswel, is one of the first to land in stores. Inkswel places his own 'Broken Soul' mixes on the A-side, with the full vocal version - featuring Fiddler in full flight as well as the legend's mazy electric piano, organ and Clavinet licks to the fore - being our pick of the pair. This is organic dancefloor soul with a ubbery 'broken house' groove and plenty of quality organic instrumentation. The newcomer Leonard Charles Ponsonby provides vocal and instrumental 'funk' mixes on the flip, both of which retain Inskwel's warm, organic-sounding groove while adding colourful electrofunk and P-funk style synths.

Review: Theo Parrish's Gentrified Love series seems to be a collaborative affair. Part two, available separately, contained hook-ups with fellow Detroiters Wajeed and Duminie Deporres. "Ghetto Proposal", which is available in Vocal and Instrumental versions, features sublime contributions from another Motor City legend, veteran modern soul man Amp Fiddler. It's something of a deliciously trippy affair, underpinned by a freaky, delay-heavy groove, fireside-warm Rhodes keys, meandering trumpet lines and - on the vocal version, at least, drowsy female vocals. Both artists jazz influence is clear, particularly in the crunchy percussion hits that begin to dominate as the track progresses. Interestingly, the instrumental moves a little further towards jazzy broken beat territory.

Review: The One by Will Sessions is a masterful blend of late 70s progressive funk, soul and boogie, brought to life with the help of Detroit legend Amp Fiddler and the dynamic vocal trio Dames Brown. The album tells a compelling story of love and its challenges in the heart of Detroit, with each track exuding authenticity and groove. The opening track, 'What It Is,' immediately sets the tone with its infectious rhythm, destined to become a dancefloor staple. Amp Fiddler's gritty vocals shine on 'Lost Without You,' perfectly matched by the growling bass and warm groove. 'Belle Isle Drive' offers a laid-back, Sly Stone-esque vibe, while 'Rendezvous' and 'Reminiscin' pure boogie, designed to get you moving. The expansive 'Seven Mile' brings a spacey, relaxed energy, and 'Who Am I' stands out as a soulful gem, with Dames Brown delivering impeccable harmonies. The album closes with the angular and uptempo 'Reconcile,' rounding off a flawless set. The One is an essential listen for fans of boogie and Roy Ayers, showcasing Will Sessions at their creative peak.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks, record slightly warped***


Soul Clap have always dealt in their own brand of funk no matter whether they are serving up house or disco. They of course call it e-funk - a nod to their heroes George Clinton's p-funk - and it also provides their label with its name. This second volume of Detroit leaning e-funk is a faultless four tracker. Rick Wilhite's signature lo-fi sounds define 'Cheetah', the vital Ladymonix then brings the party, Soul Clap themselves join up with funk master Amp Fiddler and Jon Dixon completes the quartet with '4ever Searchin.'