by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Steve Butler‘s brief is to deliver polished music under his moniker of Abel, for which this is his second album.

To do it, he has enlisted a team of live musicians, who are well worth name-checking as they are some of the best in the business. Lloyd Wright, who plays regularly with Smoove and Turrell, plays guitar and bass, while extra bass is added by Stan Woodward a member of Knats along with trumpeter Ferg Kilsby. Meanwhile Ross Hillard (Magic Number) gives out bass on Traveller. Vocals are supplied by Rona Ray and Sabrina Chyld.

What’s the music like?

This is an excellent and classy dance music album, and the live musicianship is the cherry on the top, right from the sultry introduction with Kilsby’s muted trumpet before the beat drops on Traveller. The instrument also takes the lead in the smooth grooves of In My Dreams.

The vocals are excellent, both Chyld and Ray complementing the hot weather grooves with effortless ease. Ray’s regretful vocal on Can’t Let You Go is an emotive one, while Sabrina Chyld’s pair I Just Can’t Wait and Come And Save Me are very nicely done.

The instrumental numbers are great, too – Glasshouse, Jazz In The Room and the percussion-rich Latin Love are all very nicely done.

Does it all work?

It does. Whether chilling by the pool in Mediterranean heat or ready to hit the floor in a sultry club, Abel’s music is more than fit for the job.

Is it recommended?

It is. Cosmic Love offers up sunny vibes from Abel to brighten up the dreariest of days.

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Published post no.1,993 – Sunday 29 October 2023