The Smoking Riddim – Room In The Sky

Room In The Sky gave The Smoking Riddim a proper old-school juggling feel in April 2016, and the strength of it is the blend of veteran voices with a rootsy, almost meditative backing. Lewis M is credited behind the production, with Room In The Sky handling the release, a name that has long sat comfortably in the UK reggae lane through dubwise albums, roots sessions, and collector-friendly 7-inch and CD runs.

The rhythm itself carries that warm, smoke-haze pulse: steady drums, deep bass, guitar skank, and enough space for each singer to ride it without crowding the arrangement. It feels geared for the sound system, but not in a hurried way. The pace is patient, the atmosphere is earthy, and the dub version on the set underlines how much room the production leaves for echo and horn-like accents.

The tracklist is anchored by heavyweight names like Alton Ellis, Gregory Isaacs and Earl Heptones, with Joseph Cotton, Anthony Johnson, Winston Reedy, Mike Brooks and Donovon Kingjay adding different shades of roots consciousness. Alton Ellis on History Recalled brings the sweetest touch on the set, while Gregory Isaacs on Hunger For Your Love adds that familiar cool, late-night strain. Earl Heptones turn Your Lights Down Low and Joseph Cotton’s Misty Morning give the riddim two of its most natural fits, both carried by singers who know how to stretch a melody across a groove. Anthony Que’s Jah Let Your People and Anthony Johnson’s Wisemen keep the chant style strong, while Kingsley Wray and Lidj Jahni push the spiritual side further.