Afro Strut
Released: Sept.2007
More info including where to buy: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1654
The latest slice of music by the multi-talented Amp Fiddler contains a healthy dose of funk, soul and dance. Aptly titled, Afro Strut, Fiddler mixes up styles, tempos and vibes to provide an overly satisfying listening experience.
The groove starts with opening track, 'Faith', and it never lets up. The song’s serious bass line lays the undertone for a solid offering. Saadiq’s contribution is definitely heard. The vibe then transitions when Fiddler teams up with breakout star Corinne Bailey Rae on up-tempo vintage track, 'If I Don’t.' The sections where they are singing in unison, like the second part of the chorus give the song an innocent and school crush feel. Some other standouts worth mentioning are 'Right Where You Are' (the beat that comes in around the 35 second mark fits perfectly), 'Ridin', which has both house and disco elements, and 'Come See Me', a track that has Fiddler showing off his falsetto over a laid-back beat - very slick and smooth.
Before getting to my favorite track, I gotta give props for the Jimi Hendrix cover of 'Hey Joe'. This is a dangerous move, afterall…it is Hendrix. Fiddler embodies the original with the vocals and even the rock sound. There are a bit of new millennium generated sounds thrown in, but they aren’t that bothersome truthfully.
I mentioned that I had a favorite and that would be, 'Heaven', featuring soulstress Stephanie McKay. The way the song opens gives me chills…it is haunting and uplifting. McKay and Fiddler make a beautiful combination. The song is soft and speaks of finding solace in tough times – something everyone can definitely relate to.
Afro Strut was released at the right time. Fiddler’s experience and talent with various instruments and with different bands show through the crisp clean sound and production. There are parts within songs where I am just surprised and touch by the adlibs, a hit of a key or stroke of a guitar.
The CD just feels good and I actually play it the entire way through. Can’t think of when the last time I said that about a male funk or soul release.
The groove starts with opening track, 'Faith', and it never lets up. The song’s serious bass line lays the undertone for a solid offering. Saadiq’s contribution is definitely heard. The vibe then transitions when Fiddler teams up with breakout star Corinne Bailey Rae on up-tempo vintage track, 'If I Don’t.' The sections where they are singing in unison, like the second part of the chorus give the song an innocent and school crush feel. Some other standouts worth mentioning are 'Right Where You Are' (the beat that comes in around the 35 second mark fits perfectly), 'Ridin', which has both house and disco elements, and 'Come See Me', a track that has Fiddler showing off his falsetto over a laid-back beat - very slick and smooth.
Before getting to my favorite track, I gotta give props for the Jimi Hendrix cover of 'Hey Joe'. This is a dangerous move, afterall…it is Hendrix. Fiddler embodies the original with the vocals and even the rock sound. There are a bit of new millennium generated sounds thrown in, but they aren’t that bothersome truthfully.
I mentioned that I had a favorite and that would be, 'Heaven', featuring soulstress Stephanie McKay. The way the song opens gives me chills…it is haunting and uplifting. McKay and Fiddler make a beautiful combination. The song is soft and speaks of finding solace in tough times – something everyone can definitely relate to.
Afro Strut was released at the right time. Fiddler’s experience and talent with various instruments and with different bands show through the crisp clean sound and production. There are parts within songs where I am just surprised and touch by the adlibs, a hit of a key or stroke of a guitar.
The CD just feels good and I actually play it the entire way through. Can’t think of when the last time I said that about a male funk or soul release.
2 comments:
Wow incredibly funky.. I love it..! thanx 4 this one.. I esp love "faith". lyrics and funky bass throughout it is soo lovely!
incredibly funky.. nice..nice.. esp love "faith".. very funky bass throughout and lyrics are pretty cool.. thanx..
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