Henry The Great Riddim – Black Roots

Black Roots had a way of taking a Studio One-era foundation and refitting it for the dance, and Henry The Great is a fine example of that instinct. The cut itself comes from Jackie Mittoo’s “Henry The Great, ” a name that already carries weight, but here the pull is in how Black Roots frames it with voices like Sugar Minott, U Roy, Nitty Gritty and Willie Williams. “Smile A While” and “Friends” lean into that warm, rolling groove, while “Lovers Rock” and “Heart Of Medley” keep the set moving with a lighter, more open feel than some of the harder Black Roots work. Compared with the label’s heavier dubwise sides, this one feels more singer-friendly and melodically minded. It sits neatly in the Black Roots catalogue as one of those riddims that connects roots sensibility with the early-80s yard sound without losing the old Studio One muscle.