VP Records launches Reggae's Gone Country

Friday, August 26, 2011

THERE will be a little country, a lot of reggae vibes and more at the release party for VP Records and Warner Music Nashville Reggae's Gone Country.

The event is set for Tuesday, August 30, the day the album will be officially released worldwide. Reggae's Gone Country consists of 13 country songs, sang by the 'who's who' of reggae music today.

Already hailed as a ground-breaking success, the album consists of acts such as Beres Hammond, Luciano, Tarrus Riley, Romain Virgo, Etana and Tessanne Chin. On Tuesday, August 30, album artistes American country music singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin, Romain Virgo, Busy Signal, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, Dean Fraser, LUST, Freddie McGregor and others will give an exclusive concert for the album launch. When the album becomes available on itunes it will include a bonus track by Mr Singy Singy — Tarrus Riley.

According to VP's vice-president of marketing and promotions Cristy Barber, the release party in Negril will be one of two events — the Jamaican leg held there and a party in Nashville to be held soon.

Many of the artistes on the compilation will perform a song of their own as well as their song from the Reggae's Gone Country album. There will also be artistes not on the album performing as well as DJ Kurt Riley and DJ Norie from Power 105.1 in New York spinning the music alongside a surprise popular guest disc jock from the United States. "It's gonna be an all around good time," Barber added.

Reggae's Gone Country is the brainchild of country music devotee Barber who two years ago envisioned this project and teamed up with John Rich of the multi-platinum-selling country duo, Big & Rich. Roping in acclaimed Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser, Barber got started on the project getting her dream team of artistes and musicians such as 'riddim twins' Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on board. With the completion and release of the project Barber says it has been an "amazing" reception including a two-page spread in the coveted Billboard Magazine. For Barber she has not seen as much press on a project since Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley's Welcome to Jamrock album. In the future Barber said VP Records is contemplating a part two to the Reggae's Gone Country album, as Barber said, "This is not over, it's just the beginning."