Staff Blog
Amp Fiddler/Tortured Soul, March 24, World Cafe Live
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| Photo l Deesha Dyer |
When I heard that Brooklyn house and soul band Tortured Soul was joining Amp Fiddler on a U.S. tour, I was prepared to go anywhere within a three-hour radius to check them out. But I didn’t have to go that far: Just in my backyard to World Café Live. Even better! And although the show was on Easter, I made it point to be there. Rushing to WCL after Easter dinner, we pulled into the area, immediately noticing a sea of available parking, which meant it was empty inside the venue. But that was OK. I was going to have a good time regardless. And that I did.
I got inside in time to see Tortured Soul on their third song. In total, there were between 50-75 people there, including those up on the balcony. I didn’t care. Lead singer and drummer John-Christian set the energetic vibe for the night as he kept the constant tempo without flinching (seriously). Bandmates JKriv (keys), Jason (bass) and guitarist Tewar (anew tour addition) were also on stage sweating it out, as they turned out songs like “Fall In Love," “Epic” and “Special Lady” from their new In Transit Advanced EP.
There were a few people up dancing, and as I looked around, most were nodding their head and enjoying the musicianship of the band. What makes me really dig Tortured Soul is the fact that the sounds they make with instruments otherse artists make with computers. Their lyrics are purely sweet and when combined with the heart-pounding beat and keyboard additions, TS creates an atmosphere not only for dancers, but for those who just like to sit back, chill and vibe out.
After a 20-minute break and stage change, Detroit native Amp Fiddler came out. He was joined by a drummer, bassist and two fierce backup singers. Amp’s outfit was, well … different. Whether backing someone like Prince or George Clinton or showcasing his own material, Amp has always had a flare for the eccentric – the left side of fashion and music. (He commented that his black-and-white checkered suit was his Easter outfit.) One thing about Amp I immediately noticed was his personality; he laughed off the empty room and made the best of it. He made a few jokes and immediately got down on his multiple keyboards. Forgive me that I’m not that familiar with the equipment, but the pictures should help if you’re interested.
As he started to run through a cuts from his two albums — "Faith," "If You Can’t Get Me Off Your Mind," "I Believe In You," "Not" and "If I Don’t" (the album version is a cute duet with Corinne Bailey Rae) — he proved just how funky and different his music was. At one point, he laid down on the floor while playing his keys; at another, he played with his elbows. While you could clearly hear the soul influence in his rich lyrics and vocals, there was a heavy dose of other related genres, like house, dance and electronica, in the mix, as well. But none of them took over his overall sound. They blended together to create a spring/summer type feel.
The man is just funky — from his dress to his sound to his perfectly groomed afro. He played for around 45 minutes to an hour total. We had to dip out, so I’m not sure if he did an encore or not, but I do know the few heads left were clapping for more.
This entire show was enjoyable.
The music that Amp and Tortured Soul brought to Philly is something that we don’t experience here often at concerts or in the clubs. It was just an overall vibe of energy and a heavy dose of feel-good. I wish more heads were there to witness what they both bring to music, but that’s OK – I’m pretty sure both acts made new fans that night. I also have a feeling this past weekend won’t be their last stop in Philly. At least I hope not.
