Category Archives: Let’s Dance!

Let’s Dance: Abel – Cosmic Law (Atjazz Record Company)

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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

Switched On: Sofia Kourtesis – Madres (Ninja Tune)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The story behind Sofia Kourtesis‘ debut album is an inspiring one. It is dedicated to neurosurgeon Peter Vajkoczy, for the life saving surgery he performed on the Peruvian DJ’s mother. Following the sad loss of her father, Sofia’s mother had become gravely ill, but she sought out Vajkoczy, dedicating a track to him, and rather wonderfully he agreed to treat her mother – who is now better and living in Berlin.

Madres, the Spanish word for mother, is a musical depiction of the emotions Sofia has gone through in the course of her own mother’s illness – but also represents Vajkoczy’s part in the album, for he joined Sofia on nights out in Berghain. As well as documenting her mother’s recovery, Madres is a document from Kourtesis to her home country, containing percussion and field recordings from her homeland, as well as documenting the pain of being ostracised for her queerness.

What’s the music like?

As uplifting as much of the story told above, but with deep emotional fluctuations. Kourtesis writes fluently, making richly expressive house music that has attractive twists and turns. The voice of Kourtesis complements her warm synth registrations. Only one track has guest vocals, but it’s a cracker, Estación Esperanza harnessing a strong percussion soundtrack while featuring the voice of Manu Chao. Lead single Si Te Portas Bonito is an absolute beauty, a hot weather treasure with full bodied synths and the voice of Kourtesis herself.

Vajkoczy – a tribute to the man himself – has a persuasive rhythmic lilt, while true euphoria is reached from the wonderful How Music Makes You Feel Better, an ode to the power of recovery at the hands of our favourite art form. Meanwhile Funkhaus goes more for the jugular, a propulsive dancefloor winner.

Does it all work?

It does. Madres is a beautifully executed album, its ebb and flow ideally managed so that Kourtesis hits all the right spots.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. A fine debut from a bona fide dance music talent.

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Published post no.1,992 – Saturday 28 October 2023

Switched On: X-Press 2: Thee (Acid Jazz)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Those who have been paying attention to the career of X-Press 2 will know there is a great deal more to them than Lazy, the David Byrne collaboration that has taken up residence on UK radio the last 20 years.

The trio – as they were then – always stood for high quality house music, as the likes of Muzikizum and London X-Press will testify. Now that Ashley Beedle has left, founder members Rocky (Darren Rock) and Diesel (Darren House) have set about securing the X-Press 2 reputation with their fifth album, their first in eight years.

What’s the music like?

Very, very fine. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention has been taken with this comeback, as there isn’t a note out of place or overplayed. Instead, the duo have fashioned a new set of club tracks that pay homage to classic house but sound current and are captivating the whole way through. The balance between vocal and instrumental is just right, especially when the former is represented by Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke and Sailor & I. These two deliver brilliant guest turns, with Phasing You Out (Okereke) one of the standout cuts, delivering the goods in a technological burnout with great lyrics.

In truth, Thee gets better as it goes on. The Rain, the Sailor & I guest spot, is a slow-burner that gets better with each listen. You Know (Everybody) is a powerful excursion into tribal territory, with big percussion hits at every turn. Reach For Me is a deeper, nocturnal number, and Muse is smoother still, but Cope turns up the dials to be a throwback to the mid-90s Alcatraz hit Giv Me Luv.

Does it all work?

It does. Thee, in spite of the ancient implications in its name, brims with inspiration and is a succession of punches that hit their target – namely getting people to dance.

Is it recommended?

Without hesitation. This is a very fine piece of work that shows just how durable house music can be with placed in the right hands.

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Let’s Dance – Defected presents House Masters: Luke Solomon

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Luke Solomon has been making house music for getting on 25 years, and for much of that time has been running the Classic label with Derrick Carter. With their concern now more intertwined with Defected, it is great to see him added to their House Masters roster – which has built up a formidable collection of US heavyweights and label-honed talent.

Recently Solomon has contributed to albums by Beyoncé and Honey Dijon, while honing his craft as a remixer – and this 35-track strong compilation brings that discipline together with original tracks.

What’s the music like?

Excellent – very danceable and a lot of fun. Solomon has been a consistent source of good time house music since he started making it, and this selection of tunes show just how versatile he is, too.

The ability to make listeners and dancers alike smile frequently is clear throughout, his sense of humour bubbling just below or above the surface a lot of the time. Highlights include a brilliant take on Powerdance‘s A Safe And Happy Place, and two mixes of Isolée’s Beau Mot Plage – that show off two fresh strings to his bow. There is a lovely disco infusion on Freesoul‘s Sane/Eyes and a super low slung groove for Horse Meat Disco and Kathy Sledge‘s Jump Into The Light. Light You Up – featuring Queen Rose and Amy Douglas – will put a smile on anyone’s face, with its uplifting lyrics, as will the Amp Fiddler-fronted Come On Over and Jon Marsh-featuring Lonely Dancer.

Does it all work?

It does indeed. Defected have pulled together the ideal career retrospective, but at the same time have been keen to emphasise that Solomon is still very much at the top of his game.

Is it recommended?

Enthusiastically. Luke Solomon has been at the forefront of UK house music for the last three decades, and his contribution to its excellence is heartily applauded here. He makes house music in a consistently inventive way while keeping to first principles, making it fun and entertaining. Go forth and purchase!

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Let’s Dance – Simon Field: Need No Music (Basement Records)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Oslo-based producer Simon Field has shown a versatility in several dance music forms, based on house music – which, as he says, ‘is a feeling’.

To that end he delivers the packed album Need No Music, exploring deep, disco-infused house music that puts the beats first.

What’s the music like?

Field knows how to work his house music, using a tried and tested ‘less is more’ technique to get maximum dancefloor movement.

The vocals are well chosen too – the likes of Gack Gack (Get Down) are also refreshingly raw, bringing in the essence of early Chicago house to contemporary beats in a way Paul Johnson used to achieve, while Calling reaches for the roof with percussion in tow. The rolling undercarriage of A Thing works a treat, the bass of Diamond cuts deep while Es Vedra brings the heat, panning out to see the haze on the horizon.

There is also an excellent collaboration with Blichfeldt, 10 Minutes.

Does it all work?

It does. Field plays to his crowd, giving them the beats, riffs and good times they want – consistently hitting the spot.

Is it recommended?

It is – Simon Field’s album will keep party season going long into September and beyond.

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You can explore options for Need No Music on Amazon music