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.

Listen

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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.

Listen

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

New music – Manu Delago feat. Mad About Lemon – Modern People (One Little Independent)

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by Ben Hogwood

It might seem far fetched, but already the album release schedules for 2024 are starting to fill up – and here is one Arcana will be covering for sure.

Manu Delago will release his new album Snow From Yesterday on 2 February. In the words of his press release, “the Austrian composer, innovator, Grammy nominee and acclaimed percussionist has teamed up with vocal ensemble Mad About Lemon to craft a profound and distinct new concept piece. Manu has become a leading name in his field, touring with the likes of Björk, most recently on her celebrated Cornucopia tour. His trademark handpan virtuosity is the rhythmic lifeforce of Snow From Yesterday, creating majestic, emotive sounds, often with a tender delicacy, for Mad About Lemon’s folksy harmonies to pour over.

See what you think of his new work below – I am sure you will play it again once you’ve heard it!

Published post no.1,991 – Friday 27 October 2023

New music – Sofia Kourtesis: Madres (Ninja Tune)

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by Ben Hogwood

Tomorrow sees the release of a highly anticipated new album from Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis. Arcana has been getting to know Madres, and can confirm the anticipation is definitely worthwhile – as you will read in a review soon. For now, here is one of the album’s standout tracks, the sultry Si Te Portas Bonito, a summer beauty. Listen and enjoy!

You can listen to clips from Madres, and explore purchase options, at Sofia’s Bandcamp page:

Published post no.1,990 – Thursday 26 October 2023

New music – Universal Harmonies & Frequencies: Multidimensional Transformation (Yeyeh)

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by Ben Hogwood

Here is a striking track from the team of Hieroglyphic Being (aka Jamal Moss) and his collaborator, saxophonist, producer and composer Jerzy Maczyński. The two are to release their Tune IN album on Yeyeh at the start of December under the banner Universal Harmonies & Frequencies, and if this single Multidimensional Transformation is anything to go by, it is going to be quite a melting pot of beats and ideas. The signs are good!

Have a listen below and see what you think:

Published post no.1,984 – Friday 20 October 2023