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Amp Fiddler
@ Big Chill House, London, 26 September 2006
4 stars
Due to a tragic shooting in the venue the previous weekend, Amp Fiddler's scheduled appearance at the Scala had to be postponed. There was however, rich consolation in the form of an invitation-only gig at the swanky new Big Chill House a few doors down the road, with donations on the door going to the charity Mothers Against Guns.

Such gigs can unfortunately be a double-edged sword. On the one hand it's a huge privilege to see an artist such as Amp Fiddler up close and personal in the company of little more than a hundred people, his music perfectly suited to such a scenario. On the other, when a good number of those people are constantly yakking during the music, mounting hostility has to be kept at bay.

So it was at the start here, with a whole bunch of people catching up with each other at the back, but as it became apparent Amp Fiddler was giving a storming performance the chat abated and the crowd moved towards the makeshift stage.

The set was essentially a showcase for second album Afro Strut, with the Afroludes recurring on two occasions to punctuate the show. This was done with a nice touch of humour and a huge amount of funk, as Fiddler stood up from his keyboards to a considerable height, though when he sang, "she's got an afro strut" he seemed to look into the middle distance as if imagining a particular woman.

His stage presence served to show just how tall he is, with an arm span that would make him the albatross of funk! Several times he exhorted the crowd with an expansive wave, playing off the now enthusiastic reaction with an easy banter. The band also seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, with a tight knit sound secured through a rock solid yet flexible rhythm section.

Fiddler judged the opening If I Don't to perfection, starting with just hi-hat accompaniment but gradually adding more texture to raise the song into an out and out funk number. Luv + War respectfully included references to Edwin Starr's War and John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, both given with his characteristically smooth delivery, effortlessly soulful and never taxed.

The voice was the star for sure, with a richness that carried the soulful tracks easily, making Right Where You Are a tender love song and Find My Way Back an ultra cool piece of funk. But his whole demeanour was most endearing as he threw himself into the music, his intention always to please.

With the right blend of polish and improvisation the band were on their mettle the whole way through, fully earning the twelve bottles of water put onstage beforehand! With solos for each to end raucous bass, syncopated drum fills, riotous guitar and keyboards their night was complete, and Amp Fiddler's music had left a warm glow in the heart.

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related articles
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Amp Fiddler

ALBUM:
Amp Fiddler - Afro Strut

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Amp Fiddler @ Big Chill House

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TRACK:
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external
Amp Fiddler



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