Love poured out onto the corner of 7 Mile and Revere Street on Friday, May 16, as the city of Detroit honored one of its most gifted, generous and influential musical sons: Joseph “Amp” Fiddler.

In a ceremony filled with rhythm, reverence and raw emotion, the city officially unveiled Amp Fiddler Avenue, permanently inscribing his name on the very block where so much of his magic was made.

It was the centerpiece of the second annual Amp Fiddler Day, a now-official recognition established by the Detroit City Council to commemorate a life lived in the service of music, community and connection.

I stood there on that familiar street, not just as the event’s host, but also as someone deeply connected to the man we honored. Amp was my friend. We were both raised in Conant Gardens, a neighborhood that has quietly birthed giants.

“To be part of this day wasn’t just professional. It was personal. It was a full-circle moment.”

–Chris Campbell, host, The Progressive Underground

He appeared on The Progressive Underground more than any other guest I’ve hosted in the show’s 13-year history — his spirit, warmth and fearless creativity made him not just a friend of the show, but by extension, a friend of WDET. To be part of this day wasn’t just professional. It was personal. It was a full-circle moment.

Amp was more than a master musician. He was a musical architect and a connector of generations. His fingerprints are on the sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, Maxwell, Seal and Tony Allen. He infused Detroit soul into every synth line and groove he touched, creating an unmistakable sonic signature that made him a legend’s legend. But his true genius may have been the space he created for others.

It was in his modest home studio on Revere Street where countless artists gathered — where conversations turned into collaborations, and where a young James Yancey, better known as J Dilla, was handed his first MPC and a passport to change the future of hip-hop and neo-soul.

On this day, dignitaries, artists, family members, community elders and students came together to lift up Amp’s name and legacy. Councilmember Scott Benson opened the ceremony by reading the formal city resolution that first established Amp Fiddler Day and affirmed the renaming of Revere Street to Amp Fiddler Avenue.

He was joined by Councilmember Coleman A. Young II, who offered personal reflections, and Detroit Entertainment Commission Chair John Collins, who honored Amp’s influence on the city’s creative economy.

Poetic tributes came from internationally-renowned poet/activist/actor Mike-E (Mike Ellison), while Michigan State University faculty members Julian Chambliss, Mark Sullivan, Terra Goforth, Natasha T. Miller and John Collins offered insight into Amp’s cultural legacy.

Written words were shared from T3 of Slum Village, Ma Dukes, the mother of J Dilla and RJ Rice of RJ’s Latest Arrival, acknowledging Amp’s impact on their personal and professional journeys, and how he helped nurture a global movement through music.

But it was Amp’s wife and creative partner, Tombi Stewart Fiddler, who delivered the day’s most powerful remarks. Through tears and deep composure, she spoke of Amp not only as a world-renowned musician, but as a man who led with love, whose humility and compassion uplifted everyone he encountered. She announced the continuation of his legacy through the Camp Amp Foundation and stewardship of his estate, ensuring his work and vision will continue to nurture the next generation.

The program ended with nationally-renowned songstress Monica Blaire leading the crowd in a joyful countdown as the veil was lifted from the new street sign, officially renaming Revere as Amp Fiddler Avenue. Cheers erupted, and Amp’s music floated through the air as a soundtrack to a moment long overdue.

In a city known for birthing genius and too often letting that genius go uncelebrated, Friday’s ceremony stood as a righteous act of recognition.

Amp Fiddler was more than a sound. He was a force. A neighbor. A mentor. A beacon. Detroit showed up to say: We see you. We remember you. We honor you.

And now, every time someone turns onto Amp Fiddler Avenue, they’ll be reminded that love, art and community live on, in the city Amp helped shape, and in all the souls he helped set free.

Hey whatupdoe Detroit. Chris Campbell from the Progressive Underground here for my Pick of the Week. This week’s pick is a celebration, a meditation, and a tribute all in one — honoring the late and legendary Amp Fiddler as Detroit prepares to rename a street in his honor on May 16 in Conant Gardens, the neighborhood that raised him.

We’re spotlighting a soulful, soaring track from his 2003 album, “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly” — a record that blurred lines between soul, funk, electronica and cosmic jazz — and proved Amp was never just one thing. He was all things: keyboardist, composer, vocalist, visionary.

The track is “Possibilities,” and is exactly what it sounds like — a sonic reminder of what can happen when you let the groove lead and the spirit follow. Anchored by Amp’s signature Fender Rhodes textures, the song pulses with hope, elasticity, and Detroit soul grit. It’s aspirational without being naive. Funky without forcing it.

On this cut, Amp sings like a man channeling the future. His vocal phrasing is breezy but assertive, gliding over a broken-beat rhythm and elastic bassline that recall his time with George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic and his collaborations with Moodymann and Theo Parrish. The track manages to feel vintage and futuristic all at once — just like the city that made him. 

Amp Fiddler didn’t just play keys. He opened doors. For artists. For neighborhoods. For young talent like the late J Dilla, whom he mentored. And “Possibilities” is an anthem for that mission: to stretch boundaries, amplify joy, and believe in what comes next. 

Let’s dive in — here’s “Possibilities” from the late Amp Fiddler, and its my Pick of the Week. 

Once again, that’s “Possibilities” by the late, great Amp Fiddler, from his 2003 album “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly” — our Pick of the Week here on The Progressive Underground. 

May 16 is Amp Fiddler Day in the city of Detroit, which this year comes with a street renaming in his honor. So from now on, when you turn onto Revere in Conant Gardens, just know the possibilities are still endless. Rest in rhythm, Amp.

“Flower Moon” – Durand Jones & The Indications

What’s good family — Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, and it’s time for our Pick of the Week.

This week, we’re giving flowers to Durand Jones & The Indications — a group that’s been steadily defining the sound of modern soul for over a decade.

Their new single “Flower Moon” is a soulful, slow-burning cut off their upcoming album “Flowers,” which drops June 27.

Now if you’ve been following these cats — Durand, Aaron Frazer and Blake Rhein — you already know the vibe. They came up digging into Southern soul and gritty funk in a Bloomington, Indiana basement, and now they’re selling out shows worldwide — from Japan to the West Coast lowrider scene.

This new track pulls from everything they’ve built — solo projects, vintage grooves, modern polish — and delivers a mellow groove full of harmony, maturity, and deep-feeling soul.

Let’s get into it. Here’s “Flower Moon” by Durand Jones & The Indications — this week’s Progressive Underground Pick of the Week.

That was “Flower Moon” from Durand Jones & The Indications. If you dig deeply soulful tracks like this one, tune into The Progressive Underground — Saturday nights at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We serve up soulful cuts and choice selects hand-curated just for you. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and until next time, stay soulful and stay tuned.

What’s up family? Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, and it’s time for this week’s Pick of the Week. We’re shining the spotlight on Irene Renee — a vocalist, songwriter, and Detroit native whose journey through music is as rich as her voice.

She’s been singing since childhood, coming up in church choirs at Northwest and Glad Tidings COGIC in Detroit. She later took that love for music to Michigan State, where she danced, performed and eventually toured with MCM and the Hype Crew. After moving to New York, she hit the Apollo stage, sang at Café Wha?, and even plaudits and props from the New York music community.

Life took a few turns — motherhood, detours, comebacks — but the music never left her. Irene Renee re-emerged on NYC’s open mic scene, claimed wins in karaoke battles, and became a featured performer at the Sugar Shack and Zuppa Lounge. All of that led to the release of her independently produced debut album, “Serendipitous Experience.”

Her sound? Think Jill Scott meets Anita Baker with a twist of Cassandra Wilson — sultry, grounded, lyrical and real. We’ll dip into her musical vault and check out one of her signature singles. Here’s Irene Renee with “Smooth Step,” and its my Pick of the Week.

That was “Smooth Step” by Detroit native and soul songstress Irene Renee. If you’re feeling music like this, don’t miss The Progressive Underground — Saturday nights at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We serve up soul, nu-jazz, rare grooves, and b-side magic just for you. For the Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and until next time, stay soulful and stay tuned.

What’s up family? Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, and it’s time for this week’s Pick of the Week. We’re shining the spotlight on Al Lindsey — a Detroit soul singer with a voice as smooth as velvet.

Born in Virginia and raised in Michigan, Lindsey first hit the stage while serving in the military, opening up shows for none other than Jimmy “J.J.” Walker from “Good Times.”

After his service, he came back to Detroit and broke out on his own, dropping solo projects since the late ‘80s, always keeping that classic soul vibe alive.

His latest single is called “It’s Gonna Be Alright” — and its my Pick of the Week. 

That was Al Lindsey with “It’s Gonna Be Alright” — pure grown folks soul for your spirit.

If you’re feeling music like this, don’t miss The Progressive Underground — Saturday nights at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We serve up soul, nu-jazz, rare grooves, and b-side magic just for you! I’m Chris Campbell. Stay tuned, stay soulful.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Pick of the Week (April 8): ‘Touching Toes’ by Olivia Dean
• Zo!, Tall Black Guy transcend genres with synergetic ‘Abstractions’
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 29): ‘2 Step in the Living Room’ by Terrace Martin & Alex Isley

This week on The Progressive Underground, we’re tuning in to rising UK powerhouse Olivia Dean.

With a voice that’s pure and expressive, and a songwriting style that cuts deep, she’s been making waves in the global R&B and soul scenes. Her live performances are the stuff of legend, and her debut album “Messy” is filled with gems. One of them is this beautiful acoustic-driven number “Touching Toes” which is my Pick of the Week.

“Touching Toes” proves why Olivia Dean is one of the most exciting new voices in music. If you love discovering fresh, forward-thinking artists, tune into The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Keep your ears open and your soul tuned in!  Peace.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Zo!, Tall Black Guy transcend genres with synergetic ‘Abstractions’
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 29): ‘2 Step in the Living Room’ by Terrace Martin & Alex Isley
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 22): ‘Good Vibes’ by The Pocket Queen ft. Duckwrth

On the latest edition of The Progressive Underground‘s Liner Notes, we explore “Abstractions,” a collaboration between two of the most revered producers in modern soul, funk, and hip-hop: Zo! and Tall Black Guy.

Metro Detroit-born Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson and Tall Black Guy, aka Terrel Wallace, took different paths to arrive at their shared groove-centric vision. Zo!, a multi-instrumentalist, came up playing jazz and classical before transitioning into the vibrant world of progressive soul and funk, producing for The Foreign Exchange and spearheading several solo projects. Tall Black Guy, known for his masterful beat-making, honed his skills through crate-digging and sampling, becoming a staple in the underground hip-hop and soul circuit.

Though they had admired each other’s work from afar, their creative paths finally converged through the Foreign Exchange Music family, an independent label founded by Phonte and Nicolay. Their shared love for deeply rooted soul, lush arrangements, and head-nodding rhythms made their collaboration inevitable.

“Abstractions,” released in 2021, is the product of this synergy — a sonic journey through jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, infused with their mutual respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. Let’s explore the album track by track.

Track: “Talkin’ To Myself” feat. BeMyFiasco

The album opens with a warm, contemplative groove featuring BeMyFiasco, the rising singer-songwriter from Dallas. With dreamy chords and a hypnotic rhythm, “Talkin’ To Myself” captures the feeling of self-reflection and inner dialogue. BeMyFiasco’s ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s plush instrumentation, setting the tone for the album’s deeply introspective yet groove-heavy vibe.

Track: “Sightseeing” feat. Diviniti & Pirahnahead

We next step into a short but mesmerizing interlude featuring Detroit’s own Diviniti and producer Pirahnahead. The track showcases the duo’s ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes with minimal elements. It’s jazz-infused, dreamy, and transports the listener into a meditative headspace. 

Track: “The Ride” feat. Sy Smith, Black Milk & Elzhi

“The Ride” features vocals from longtime Zo! collaborator Sy Smith, who delivers silky, jazz-inflected vocals, while Black Milk and Elzhi drop in to spout razor-sharp verses over an intoxicatingly rich instrumental. This track is a testament to the album’s seamless fusion of live instrumentation and hip-hop aesthetics. 

Track: “Blackout”

“Blackout” is short instrumental interlude that acts as a sonic reset, which finds Zo! and Tall Black Guy leaning into their experimental side. Layers of synthesizers and deep bass tones create an otherworldly atmosphere, demonstrating their knack for crafting interludes that feel just as essential as full-length tracks. Throughout their career both have cultivated relationships with artists of varying iconographies. 

Track: “I Love The Way” feat. Omar

On this cut, British soul legend Omar graces the mic, on a breezy, feel-good anthem that exudes warmth and sophistication. With Omar’s unmistakable voice riding over a buttery-smooth bassline, this track recalls classic ‘90s acid jazz while remaining firmly in the present. Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s production shines here, highlighting their ability to craft infectious grooves that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Track: “Hold My Hand” feat. Darien Brockington, Muhsinah & Phonte

“Hold my Hand” features an all-star lineup of Darien Brockington, Muhsinah, and Phonte, where the harmonies are lush, the instrumentation pristine and the chemistry between the vocalists undeniable. The whole arrangement feels like a Foreign Exchange family reunion with its spotlight of TFE artists and affiliated/adjacent artists on the track. This tune exemplifies the power of collaboration, as each artist brings their unique touch while staying true to the album’s cohesive sonic palette. 

Track: “Northland” feat. DJ Dez

With their strong Detroit musical roots, Zo! And Tall Black Guy continue to rep their hometown. Representing the heartbeat of Detroit, “Northland” features turntablist DJ Dez, a legend in the Motor City’s hip-hop and funk scenes. The track blends chopped jazz samples with raw, dusty drums, evoking the spirit of crate-digging culture. It’s a reminder of the album’s deep roots in hip-hop’s production techniques, seamlessly merged with live musicianship. 

Abstractions is more than just an album; it’s a masterclass in modern soul production. Zo! and Tall Black Guy, both virtuosos in their own right, have crafted a project that transcends genre boundaries while maintaining a deeply personal touch. With its seamless blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the album embodies the spirit of collaboration and artistic evolution.

This record also highlights the importance of independent artistry in today’s music landscape. As key members of The Foreign Exchange Music stable, Zo! and Tall Black Guy have built a movement that champions authenticity, musicality, and innovation. Their work on “Abstractions” reinforces their reputation as architects of a new wave of soul music—one that respects tradition while fearlessly pushing forward.

We’ll close with a track that highlights the album’s versatility, and features some house music vibes from music luminary Josh Milan, who drifts into soulful house territory, radiating warmth and positive vibrations. Milan’s unmistakable vocals soar over an intricately woven backdrop of lush keys, subtle percussion, and hypnotic bass. It’s a track that feels equally at home on a dancefloor as it does during a late-night drive. Let’s check out “Connected.”

Track: “Connected” feat. Josh Milan

That was “Connected” from Zo! & Tall Black Guy’s “Abstractions”, an album that stands as a shining example of what happens when two visionary producers come together with a shared purpose.

If you love deep musical dives, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET. This has been Liner Notes, and I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time!

This week’s pick comes off of the album “I Left My Heart in Ladera” by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Terrace Martin and songstress and music royalty Alex Isley, daughter of Ernie Isley of R&B funk pioneers The Isley Brothers.

The album is considered a modern soul classic in various circles of soul pundits, and with each listen there’s a new layer of lush R&B and soul to be discovered.

We’ll sample a track that has the hallmarks of classic soul groovers — an infectious rhythm and bassline, angelic vocals and that nostalgic “Blue Lights in the Basement,” roller skating vibe from back in the day.

It’s grown folks’ music at its finest. Let’s check out the track “2 Step in the Living Room,” my Pick of the Week.

If you dig artists at the apex of the future soul music movement, be sure to check out The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org, where we take you through soul, nu-jazz, nu-funk and everything else in between. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and we’ll see you next time.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Pick of the Week (Mar. 22): ‘Good Vibes’ by The Pocket Queen ft. Duckwrth
• Snoh Aalegra, the cinematic songstress who feels every note
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 15): ‘Society’s Man’ by Spiral Deluxe