Chancery Lane Riddim – Jambian Music / Vpal Music

Jambian Music’s first swing under its own name came with Chancery Lane Riddim in 2018, a rootsy modern reggae juggling that sits at a breezy mid-tempo and leaves plenty of room for the singers. The production name comes from Kurt Riley and Andre Riley, sons of Winston Riley, who stepped out of the Techniques family tree and launched Jambian Music with this release. The instrumental and the vocal cuts keep the arrangement warm and melodic rather than heavy, with a smooth bassline, clean drum programming and a romantic lilt that gives the whole set an easy Sunday-drive feel.

Romain Virgo’s Trouble is one of the cleanest fits, his bright, controlled tenor giving the riddim a sweet-but-sober edge. Agent Sasco and Freddie McGregor’s Too Long brings more weight, pairing veteran authority with a younger, clipped delivery that sits well against the groove. Rupee’s I’ve Got You Girl pushes the set closer to lovers rock, while Exco Levi’s Good Old Days and Randy Valentine’s Turn Up The Love add conscious and uplifted tones without breaking the flow. Torch’s Bangarang, Shawn Antoine’s Love Is Easy, Irvin “Ace” Loctar’s You Are My Lady, Clay’s Stay For The Night and Stephanie Joseph’s Give Me A Chance round out a lineup that keeps the riddim moving through different shades of affection and reflection.

Kurt Riley handles the instrumental cut, which underlines how much of the project’s character lives in the rhythm itself. Chancery Lane was released through Jambian Music with VPAL Music in support, and it reads like a confident opening statement for a new imprint that already understood the value of a strong, singer-friendly reggae foundation.