Absolutely essential and influential 2-step/garage classic from… Chicago? Roy Davis Jr. is well respected in house circles, but with “Gabriel,” the Chicago pioneer crossed over in a major way to the other side of the pond. Whether intentional or not, the trackhas become an enduring classic in the UK,specifically for the “Live Garage” versionthat features beautifully deep, prominent bass in the forefront of the mix,backed with lively 2-step percussion buried in the back. Topit off with those infectious horn riffs and Peven Everett’s soulful vocals and you have the makings of a timeless floor worker. The “Scroll Mix” and “Tambourine Dub” are no slouchers either, but the “Live Garage” mix is the one. Recommended.

• black 12″ vinyl pressing
• original release year: 1996
• music label: Large Records 2025

reviewed by Tofu Van 08/2017