The Bleu Essence Lounge at King’s Plaza in St Andrew hosted the launch of two albums Tuesday. Journeyman roots singer Willi Williams and the YAHBA Band released their Reggae Can’t Done and Jus Wicked sets, respectively.

“I have 15 albums and with this as my latest project, I’m looking at a continuation of the kind of reggae music like when I started,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer shortly before taking the stage Tuesday.

Backed by guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith’s Inna Di Yard Crew, Williams performed songs from Reggae Can’t Done and earlier songs like his 1979 classic Armagideon Time.

It was a stirring stint. New numbers like New Day (Open Up Your Mind), No Bangarang and Mash Down Babylon lived up to Williams’ signature standard.

Stepping Out, a collaboration with world-famous trumpeter Herb Alpert, is an outstanding piece. It has the cultural nuances that earned reggae international approval 40 years ago.

Before Williams’ performance, the stage was set by Smith and his roots aggregation, led by veteran singer/songwriter/producer, Sangie Davis.

Despite being hoarse, Davis did solid renditions of Bunny Wailer’s The Rastaman and Joe Higgs’ There is a Reward.

On the same set, singer Kiddus I made his mark with No Salvation and Graduation In Zion.

Not to be left out, Home T singer Orville ‘Bagga’ Case opened proceedings with songs written by Tony Stines for Jus Wicked. He executed an interactive and entertaining set which included Everyday Sunshine (a song co-written by keyboardist Jackie Mittoo over 30 years ago), You Are In My Life, Moments With You and Your Loveliness.

Singer Anne Marie also gave a pleasing version of Tomorrow Night, another Stines composition from Jus Wicked.