Good vibrations.

Joseph “Amp” Fiddler must wish Air Miles had been invented in the 70s. Throughout that decade he was circumnavigating America, firstly as a member of the hit-making doo-wop group Enchantment, then as part of George Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic. More than 20 years on – and with record company backing for the first time – he’s pushing the sweet, seductive, soulful tones of Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly, his first “proper” album following 1990’s prototype, With Respect.

Steeped in the grand tradition of soul’s heyday, Fiddler’s LP carries meaning in its grooves, its electric piano and languid vocals furnished with bright, playful, skilful lyrics. It also enlists the help of friends and family - Raphael Sadeeq and Moodymann share co-credits with Amp’s brother and son. His relationship with 13-year-old Dorian, a fledgling band member, is understandably significant. “I came off the road after he was born,” says Amp. “I decided I wanted to be more responsible in his life. I didn’t wanna spend time helping people who weren’t serious about music. I needed to concentrate on my own career, as opposed to supporting people who were getting large based on my help.”

Amp Fiddler intends to stay in Detroit - his “place in the sun” - crafting records built to soothe and survive. Asked if he has an angry side that’s kept hidden on Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly, he replies in firm, sea-deep tones; “I don’t let things bother me. Anger turns into stress, and stress turns into bad vibrations. Bad vibrations turn into bad energy, and bad energy turns into stomach aches. I don’t let anything mean anything anymore.” So despite giving up punishing tours, this most grounded of artists is determined to keep on moving. And this time, as he says himself, he’ll be “taking the route of least resistance and keeping the soul intact”. Nick Doherty 05 March 04

Amp Fiddler – I Believe In You, released 08 March 03 on Pias. The album, Amp Fiddler – Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly is out now.

useful link: www.ampfiddler.com