Amp Fiddler- 'Afro Strut'

It's been four funkless years since Amp dropped his debut 'Waltz of a Ghetto Fly'. In that time he's toured and collaborated extensively and found the time to produce his sensational follow-up 'Afro Strut'. What's clearly evident this time out is that our back-up musician turned solo artist is more focused on being a band leader. Joseph takes the reigns and trims the fat on the songs. The funk is still there but where 'Ghetto Fly' was a loose- jam oriented album this one consolidates the jams into tightly structured songs. Most of the ditties average four minutes. This is not a complaint since the musicians that he's recruited are choice players and friends from both sides of the Atlantic ranging from Detroit's Paul Randolph and Stephanie McKay, Raphael Saadiq to UK vocalists Eska and Corinne Bailey Rae, Incognito leader-guitarist Bluey Maunick and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen. That's quite an entourage to have listed as personnel. Now imagine them jammin'!!! Gone are the Kenny Dixon Jr. meanderings (which I had no complaints about) but one listen to opener 'Faith' and it's bottle clink percussion, wobbly guitar licks and Amp's moody keys it's apparent that his singing and playing is more confident. The juke joint sounds of 'If I Don't' is a great duet with Bailey Rae and serves as one of many reference points for his jazz/funk fusions. 'Hustle' features syrupy strings from Philly's own Larry Gold. Gold weaves his arrangements in and out of Amp's account of the struggle. Elsewhere there is a nice remake of 'Hey Joe' (yes, the one Hendrix made famous) that rocks as much as it funks. Later he cements the funk travels with some afro beat featuring Tony Allen on the kit (Wishing this one was longer instead of an interlude) which may be a hint of what lies ahead. It's precursor is the afrochant, horn-laden grind of 'Scared'. A well crafted LP. Side Note: Nothing!!! But nothing compares to seeing him live- which, if you have the pleasure of doing make sure you hold on to your drink!