Why Did You Leave Riddim (2017) – Senator B Music

Senator B Music digs back into a deep Studio One-era title with Why Did You Leave Riddim, and that heritage hangs over the whole set in a good way: the project is built around a classic groove first associated with Coxsone Dodd, but here it’s reworked for a modern roots-reggae cast. The lineup leans sturdy and veteran-heavy, with George Nooks on “My Heart Is In Pain, ” J C Lodge bringing a easy sway to “Irie Vibes, ” and Mikey General cutting through with “Guide Me, ” while Cassandra London’s “Made For Me” and JayJayBorn2Sing’s “Reggae Music” keep the set moving between lover’s sentiment and conscious uplift. There’s a real session feel to the way the voices are arranged, and the strongest pull comes from George Nooks, whose turn on “My Heart Is In Pain” gives the riddim its deepest ache.