Steve Butler’s Abel project reaches unrestrained levels of goodness with the release of this new LP ‘Cosmic Law’ on AtJazz Record Company.
Acclaimed North East music producer Steve Butler aka Abel has released his sophomore LP, a follow up to ‘Rough or Smooth’ from back in 2017 that was also released on AtJazz’s label. There is a northern connection between these two musical minds, with Martin Iveson aka AtJazz hailing from Coundon, deep in the County Durham territories.
The Able project is an indication of Butler’s love and wealth of knowledge of what makes music soulful, jazzy, deep and most importantly connect with the listener. ‘Cosmic Law’ does all these things, in abundance! The LP opens with ‘Traveller’ which is soaked in gorgeous bass tones, laid-back guitar riffs and plunging synth chords. The level of detail in the work really shines through. ‘In My Dreams’ is an enthusiastic, funk-driven number laced with a stirring vocal performance from Rona Ray. ‘Latin Love’ is a Balearic stylised wonder that shines with its Spanish guitar hooks. The percussion really animates the track and drives it forward whilst uplifting synths wash over us. ‘Let’s Meet Again’ is a twilightish jazz ride that features thrilling trumpet performances and delicate key refrains laid on a warm bed of bulbous bass tones. ‘I Just Can’t Wait’ is a cover of the 1987 English star Mandy Smith’s release. This Ibiza terrace could-be anthem is full of classic house piano lines, roving bass lines and the innocent-like vocal of Smith performed by the talented Sabrina Chyld. ‘Can’t Let You Go’ is an earthy, connective sound that delves deep in the chasm of Butler’s love of all things wide-ranging. ‘Glasshouse’ is a provocative, deep ride with arpeggiated synth lines, ethereal synth pads, chugging 4/4 drums and spiked latin percussive strikes. ‘Come And Save Me’ reintroduces Sabrina Chyld but the mood on this one is a little more sober, almost broody. “Jazz In The Room’ was a highlight for us, the muted trumpets, the skipping beats, the concealed elements that spring to life throughout the track, it’s a real delight to revel in. ‘Hand Made’ is a sober, workable track that drives deep chord stabs, sparse bass spurts and a spoken male vocal which preaches about everything we think Butler works at.
Finally, we get to the last track ‘Dusk’. The ride has been sweet, sweet like honey, a real gratifying step into Butler’s Abel project. The musicianship is first class, typical of what Atjazz like to get into bed with. The closing track is a celebratory, warm affair that really is a beacon of optimism for both Butler and the listener, in this case a fuzzy, warm-feeling us.
The ‘Cosmic Law’ LP is out on AtJazz Record Company now, download/stream it here.
