NEGRIL, Westmoreland — It was a party-like atmosphere during the recent launch of VP Records’ Reggae’s Gone Country album at the Breezes Negril Resort.

The evening was highlighted by outstanding performances from Dean Fraser, Romain Virgo and Larry Gatlin, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, Freddie McGregor, LUST and Busy Signal — some of the 14 artistes involved in the project.

Both the guests staying at the resort, and specially invited local music lovers screamed, clapped and danced in a show of appreciation of the artistes delivery of their fusion of reggae and country music.

The audience could not get enough of the artistes, who were all allowed to perform one of their songs, plus the popular country songs they recorded in reggae on the Reggae Gone Country album.

Closing act Romain Virgo who teamed up with American country and western legend Larry Gatlin to deliver the latter’s smash hit California, was the only act allowed an encore. After performing with Gatlin he went solo to perform Rain Is Falling after which he was called back on stage.

Tarrus Riley did his rendition of Straight Tequila Night, Busy Signal sang The Gambler, Etana sang out Crazy, Duane Stephenson did Suspicions, Freddie McGregor sang King of The Road, and the four member LUST combined their melodious voices in their rendition of Flowers on The Wall.

Veteran reggae crooner Freddie McGregor was one of the artistes who expressed confidence that the album would provide a boost for the reggae industry.

“I think this is a move in the right direction, one that could surprise us because I think our music needs a lift right now and this could be the move. I did not believe that we could get involved with a market like country,” the seasoned reggae performer argued.

He added: “I think it will be of all the projects we are doing now this will be gain the most international attention and coverage and I certainly hope this will do well for us and for the industry on a whole.”

Meanwhile, Cristy Barber vice president of marketing and promotions at VP Records, envisioned the project two years ago and teamed up with John Rich of the multi-platinum selling country duo of Big and Rich and renowned Jamaican saxophonist and top reggae producer Dean Fraser and others to produce the album.

“I had the idea to take the country classics which everybody in the Caribbean knew and do reggae versions,” Barber told the Observer.

“I grew up on country music and been in the reggae industry for 20 years. I realise how the country classics were popular down here which is great.”