Abel

Peacey – Playground (feat. Rona Ray) (Groove Assassin Remix)

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Traxsource No.1 for 14 days in August 2024.

Playground is an infectious and energetic track that has all the right ingredients.

The combination of Peacey’s skills and Rona Ray’s powerful vocals is pure magic, drawing listeners in and keeping them moving. The layered backing vocals add a slick and skilful dimension to the track, making it a standout in its genre.

Groove Assassin now takes over for remix duty, and the energy of playground hits new heights, taking the song to the dance floor and keeping the party going all night long.

Abel – Cosmic Law

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There’s a rich sense of heritage to be gained by listening to ‘Cosmic Law’. It’s the new album on Atjazz Record Company from Abel, the distinctly polished house project from renowned DJ and producer, Steve Butler. From catching the house bug in the late 80s as a devout collector, his DJ career went from strength to strength. It saw him perform across some of the UK’s most prestigious nights, not to mention internationally.

Since Abel’s first album, 2017’s ‘Rough or Smooth’, Steve Butler has fraternised with some of the scene’s major players. For ‘Cosmic Law’, he’s also collaborated with some notable talents and musicians. Lloyd Wright delivers guitar and bass performances on the album and is a band member of Smoove and Turrell. Relish bass performance by Stan Woodward and trumpet by Ferg Kilsby, both members of Knats, whilst label mate Ross Hillard, a.k.a., Magic Number, drives ‘Traveller’ with his legendary bass skills. In addition, revel in exquisite vocal performances by both Rona Ray and Sabrina Chyld.

The scene is set as ‘Cosmic Law’ opens with ‘Traveller’. It initiates the theme of journeys through music and life, all in harmony with the universe. ‘Let’s Meet Again’ ushers in atmospheric keys and warm strings. It’s adorned by a trumpet performance that wouldn’t sound out of place in a smoky jazz club in the early hours. Together, they dance over a bouncy, percussive 4×4.

‘Can’t Let You Go featuring Rona Ray’, hears this earthy vocalist paint a picture as emotional as the sentiment behind the title. A bracing performance and a heart-stopping breakdown close this gem. Rona’s second appearance on ‘Cosmic Law’ is ‘In My Dreams’. Its moody verse is switched up a gear by an irresistible chorus, cementing the meaning behind the title of this song. Add a bouncing bass line, and you’re sure to hit repeat.

‘I Just Can’t Wait’ will perk up the ears of anyone passionate about the Balearic sound. It covers an original song by Mandy Smith, and the hugely talented ARCo regular, Sabrina Chyld, takes this classic to new heights. ‘Latin Love’ conveys just that. Nylon-stringed guitar, lush percussion and an uplifting atmosphere ascend us into the early hours.

“The title of this project supports my beliefs in a universal force”, reflected Steve. “After a Deepak Chopra meditation, the album started taking its intended shape, and I was soon connected with the talents of Stan, Ferg and Rona Ray”, he mused.

Include keys, additional production and mentoring courtesy of the owner of the eponymously named home of this release, and we have 11 songs of sheer substance. All convey the force behind this long player’s name. So to sink into this magnificent release, what are you waiting for? Experience ‘Cosmic Law’ now! Available on Atjazz Record Company through all leading streaming and download sites.

Abel – Jazz In The Room (Jimpster & Peacey remixes)

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After an amazing festival season, with DJ after DJ dropping Abel’s last output ‘CAN’T LET YOU GO (FEAT. RONA RAY)’, we’ve some exciting development to disclose. We’re elated to announce that two of our favourite remixers have joined the ‘COSMIC LAW‘ lineup and will be remixing Abel’s ‘JAZZ IN THE ROOM’.

Although no introduction is needed, for the second time on the label, we’re more than stoked to welcome back the mighty ‘JIMPSTER’ on remix detail. ‘JIMPSTER’ does what only he can do, and he loads us with an outstanding arrangement and re-composition of Abel’s original. With layers almost impossible to unpeel, the groove is locked down tight. This rendition will undoubtedly become a mainstay for the true deep-house heads.

To enhance this offering further, our very own ‘PEACEY‘ steps up to the mixing desks. We’re incredibly proud of his almost untouchable quality of work, and this time ‘PEACEY’ turns out a brilliant remix-dub which builds gently, yet demonstrates total direction throughout.

Enjoy the ride folks! There’s “JAZZ IN THE ROOM”!

In 7 Words: Abel

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We throw down our 7 words interview to Abel and get a little deeper in the run-up to the launch of his new album ‘Cosmic Law‘

Q1: You’re?

Investing time in Cubase 12, Piano playing and chasing the raising bar, set by myself and my superb peer group.

Q2: When?

Only one place to live and that is now, ask my mate Eckhart!

Q3: Why?

It’s in my blood and in my heart, part of my being. Many many years in the business and I love it as much now as when I started out, possibly more!

Q4: Watching?

Crowded Room, Hijack, The Last Of Us on my own, Ted Lasso with my wife, Breaking Bad (again) and Arsenal matches with my son, Unicorn Crack with my daughter

Q5: Hearing?

Inspiration everywhere, in music, in nature and in speech. I’m always listening out. In song-writing you have to be open to what is presented to you and be brave enough to pursue ideas. Youth often springs the best!

Q6: Playing?

Tennis 4-6 hours a week, never enough. It’s how I relax and yet if you saw me play I think you would find that very hard to believe.

Q7: Loving?

Family, friends, music and silence.

Peace, Abel x

Artist Focus: Abel

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If you savour house music with a pedigree, then you should follow this man’s music. Steve Butler has driven more motorway miles and DJed more club nights and festivals than is humanely possible, it seems. From honing his craft through initial nights in London back in the 80s to rubbing shoulders with pretty much all of House Music’s greats along his journey, Steve is now in a time and space to uplift the culture and pass forward his years’ of accrued wisdom. Abel, his outstanding house project, is contributing its forthcoming new album, ‘Cosmic Law’.

Check Abel Radio on Spotify  ► Here

Born and raised in London, Steve’s relationship with House Music was fostered through his catching the ‘collectors’ bug’. Then, through progressing to his first residency, Raid at Limelights in London’s West End. This was back in ‘88, but within two years, he’d soon be playing at an array of big-name nights including Back to Basics, Moneypennies, Ministry of Sound, Venus, Sanky Soap, Splendid, Full Circle, Arena and more. But as his name and unbounded energy had clearly ‘crushed it’ in the UK, he seized opportunities to take his talent overseas and went on to beguile crowds in Ibiza, France and Greece. Italy’s Milan, Turin, Verona and Rome were hot favourites, and he also extended his reach as far as Australia and the US. The early 90s saw crowds in Newcastle captivated by Steve’s sets at Shindig and Sugarshack before he moved to the city’s Choice. He’d then deliver a full season of Soul Heaven and Southport Weekender nights at Ibiza’s Pinup club where he’d play alongside a multitude of key players. Little Louie Vega, Kenny Dope Gonzalez, MAW, Kerri Chandler, Phil Asher, Timmy Regisford, Barbara Tucker and Byron Stingily were just some. Through a hugely successful ten years of Cool Note and a string of other residencies, Steve had the Newcastle scene locked down, and he’d subsequently take the Cool Note brand across the UK.

It was through his regular slots at the legendary Southport Weekender and its Croatian sister event, Suncebeat, where he’d ride out over 20 years of outstanding appearances. It’s also at Suncebeat where he’d meet Atjazz, his label manager and mentor. “His influence was pivotal in my transition to a deeper sound, which previously focused on a purely Soulful House vibe”, reminisced Steve.

As a producer, Steve began in 1992 with Future Vision, whose single ‘Release The Keys/Unlock The Dub’ was followed by a string of Denko releases. His production skills were shaped by working with Ann-Marie Smith, Lance Ellington, DJ Professor and The 49ers, as well as through collaborations with Jo Mills, Rich Thair and A New Funky Generation. 2017 saw the birth of Abel, Steve’s sophisticated, forward-thinking production ensemble, contributing the ‘Rough or Smooth’ LP through Atjazz Record Company that same year.

As Steve takes the Abel moniker to higher levels of songwriting and production, the new album, ‘Cosmic Law’, conveys Deep House and Latin energies and influences, complemented by superb live instrumentation and hugely talented vocalists. Add the production and musicianship capabilities of Atjazz, whose eponymous-named Atjazz Record Company provides a loving home and springboard to this amazing project, and the new album is here! ‘Cosmic Law’ can now be experienced through all leading streaming and download sites.

Photos by Ade Smilez

Abel – Can’t Let You Go (feat. Rona Ray)

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Can’t Let You Go featuring Rona Ray’ is the first single lifted from the ‘COSMIC LAW’ album. It showcases the earthy vocals of the talented Rona Ray and features a beautiful Rhodes piano line driving a somewhat melancholy vibe. Rona’s voice dances around the hook as she delivers a wonderful performance.

Her vocals paint an emotional picture, especially when she gives us the title of the song. It’s a bracing performance and a heart-stopping breakdown closes this gem. Abel’s ‘Can’t Let You Go featuring Rona Ray’.

Abel - Cosmic Law

Abel – ‘Cosmic Law’ album pre-order now at Bandcamp

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Abel’s Sophomore album ‘Cosmic Law’ is now available for Pre-order at Bandcamp.

There’s a rich sense of heritage to be gained by listening to ‘Cosmic Law’. It’s the new album on Atjazz Record Company from Abel, the distinctly polished house project from renowned DJ and producer, Steve Butler. From catching the house bug in the late 80s as a devout collector, his DJ career went from strength to strength. It saw him perform across some of the UK’s most prestigious nights, not to mention internationally.


Abel – Come And Save Me (feat. Sabrina Chyld)

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Abel returns with another sultry chug-fest and this time with the deep tones of our very own SABRINA CHYLD. This is a true coming together of styles, where the music and vocals meld together wonderfully.

Abel’s slightly glitchy and futuristic music gently flows along as he opens plenty of space for Sabrina to gently course in and weave through this brilliant soundscape.

Both Abel & Sabrina have since been working on follow-up co-operative works and we’re very proud to present you with their first of many collaborations.

Abel – Tornado, remixed by titans ‘Fred Everything’ & ‘Rocco’

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One of the popular cuts from Abel’s debut album ‘Rough Or Smooth’, Tornado (feat. Marcel & Elliott) has been lovingly remixed and reworked by two house music heroes.

Both ROCCO & FRED EVERYTHING have taken Tornado into their own world of sound and
have rolled out two wonderful remixes, each piece speaking its own detailed language.

Rocco drops a straight up Dance-Floor masterpiece with the most hooky of hooky bass-lines known to man, and Fred Everything nails a smooth, very well crafted and rather punchy remake, totally wonderful in build. This entire release oozes passion & class.

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/ARC018SD

ARCo. 2017 – In Review

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Our Catalogue makes us very proud, sometimes the days go by and we move onto the next project, and then the next and we do sometimes forget what we’ve achieved, so to give respect to our wonderful releases we asked some of the most discerning industry heads to let us know what they enjoyed most of all.

This is the ARCo. Catalogue 2017 reviewed by Marcia Carr, Osunlade, Fred Everything, At One, Atjazz, Jullian Gomes, Kyri R2 & More…

All of our releases are available from the most supportive download store for independent dance music Traxsource.com Wishing all the wonderful staff at Traxsource an excellent year ahead in 2018.

First of all, Hi-Five to our label boss, A&R and general workman Atjazz for his years of dedication to the cause of independent music. His album “That Something Else” saw it’s digital release in 2017, 1 year after the 3x CD was launched in 2016. Check out the album below. This is our Staff pick of the year, Congratulations Martin for sticking with it for over 20 Years.

• Atjazz – 20YA That Something Else

• Marc – ‘Coltrane’

A dance floor/club friendly rework, as I would envisage of ‘Giant Steps’ – a volcanic jazz classic.
As an original jazz head, the feature is just fab to introduce clubbers to the past, the roots within black music – and hit them with the groove – it epitomises what Atjazz, the label is about.
Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul / Ladyz B Like)

• Atjazz – Track 7 (Mix 1)

This turned Spring Fiesta upside down when I dropped it!!
Thee Gobbs (The Gobbs Productions / ARCo.)

• At One – Okan

Jam of the year for me is Okan from At One’s EP. All the Track #’s are killer as well of course, proper way to display what house is!
Osunlade (Yoruba Records)

• Atjazz – Track 5 (Mix 1)

Let’s start with the caveat that all of the tracks in this series could stand in this position! But for me, the song, technical production and vibe that is brought by Track 5 Mix 1, is second to none! The track takes house back to the raw, seriously. It’s energetic, emotive and euphoric! It combines a punchy lead with luscious pads and a meaty beat!

I think one of the key elements that makes this track standout so much to me is the arrangement/journey. The arrangement builds around the lead as the key foundation of the track (it’s always there!). As the lead grows, so does the beat; as the beat grows, so do the other elements of the track and once a precipice is reached, the track breaks into a raw dubby vibe! Every element of the track compliments each of its surrounding elements and thus its sonic is beautiful!

It’s great for a DJ to mix and for the listener to be engrossed in the journey. It’s one of those tracks that as a producer you listen to it, and you just can’t pull it apart. You want to remix it, but you know you can’t beat the original! Job done Mr. Iveson!
At One (Yoruba Records / Atjazz Record Company)

• Jullian Gomes – 1000 Memories (feat. Sio)

Jullian Gomes’ album has many good songs, but 1000 Memories has had a profound effect on me, Sio’s beautiful vocal is an emotional listen that I never want to end. It is so hooky and infectious, and honestly one of my favourite house tunes ever in my 30 years as a DJ. Oh and if that wasn’t enough the addition of Fred Everything and Atjazz Galaxy Aart mixes make a complete single release.
Abel (Atjazz Record Company)

• Track 3 (Mix 1)

One of those tracks that instantly connect from first hearing. Deep, melodic and bumping all at once.
Kyri (R2 Records)

• Track 6 (Mix 1)

Classic Atjazz, kept highly in rotation.
Jullian Gomes (Atjazz Record Company)

• Marc – Coltrane

In a world and industry filled with uncertainty you always look for something to make you stay in the game, a reminder of what you got into this and why you need to do this, for me, this is Atjazz Records… amongst the many solid releases that focus on different musical genres of House Music it’s main body focus on the jazz and soul of it all.

“Coltrane” steps into the light and always made me feel like i can play this at peak hour or ending a great set be it at home or on the road, solid release on a solid label, looking so forward to see what Atjazz records has for us in 2018, here is to 20 more. God Speed.
Mr. V. (Sole Channel)

• Systm B – Satisfaction

Truly what I think is a superb orchestration of electronic instruments delivering more than the sum of its parts! I love what Systm B is, I love what his music stands for, realism.
Atjazz (Atjazz Record Company / Yoruba Records / Suol)