Growing up in the Delta, Abel had the opportunity to study firsthand the blues and its culture and history. Abel has also played with blues figures in juke joints, yard, and festivals around the Delta. As a professional blues musician, Abel has traveled and performed with legendary blues figures and can discuss the way the blues are received in other parts of the world. He has also spoken in dozens of programs about blues, the most notable being the second annual International Blues Today Symposium held at the University of Mississippi.