Black Arrow Riddim – Black Arrow Records

2004 was still deep in the era when roots-minded reggae riddims carried warm live feel and a sing-jay sensibility, and Black Arrow Riddim fits that moment with a compact five-track set from Black Arrow Records. The groove is lean and melodic rather than flashy, leaving plenty of room for the voices to do the heavy lifting, and the lineup leans on familiar names like George Nooks and Ambelique alongside Richie Davies and a classic cut from Slim Smith, whose “Love Makes A Woman” gives the set a little extra weight. George Nooks’ “Turn Me On” has the kind of easy, soulful pull that keeps the riddim moving without crowding it, while the other songs sit comfortably in the same relaxed pocket. The closing version track seals it in bare instrumental form, letting the arrangement speak for itself one more time.