All about this artist
Biography:
Born Joseph Anthony, Detroit, Michigan, USA. Veteran session musician Amp Fiddler has worked with soul and funk artists such as Lucy Pearl, the Brand New Heavies, Prince, Maxwell, Seal and George Clinton (he became a member of the P-Funk All-Stars after being invited as lead keyboard player, replacing Bernie Worrell).
Anthony studied music at Oakland University, Wayne State University and also under the tutelage of jazz musician Harold McKinney. His varied and peripatetic musical career has also included stints in Detroit-based R&B group Enchantment, numerous Moodyman productions, contributions to Only Child's Solitaire and Carl Craig's Detroit Experiment project, as well as an album by John Arnold prior to his decade playing in the P-Funk All-Stars.
Anthony made his solo debut under the alias of Mr. Fiddler, releasing the funk-based With Respect in 1990. His next solo outings did not occur until the new millennium, releasing two acclaimed EPs under the Amp Fiddler moniker, Basementality (2002) and Love And War EP (2003).
The EPs laid the groundwork for Amp Fiddler's Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly. He recorded the album at Camp Amp, his own home studio at Conant Gardens, Detroit. Featuring guest vocal, writing and production slots from Raphael Saadiq, Anetria Wright, J-Dilla, Courtney Jackson, George Clinton and Amp Fiddler's son, Dorian, Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly juxtaposed soul, jazz, funk and velveteen electronics (and subtle house influences), adding a contemporary sheen to a genre that often seems inherently retrogressive.
Anthony established a seven-piece band, including Ron Wright and Lorenzo "Spoonz" Brown, for live appearances coinciding with the album's release.
