IT’S rare for Mark Wonder to release an album in Jamaica, but for his latest set, The Dragon Slayer , the roots-reggae singer makes an exception.

Released June 16 by Irie Ites Records out of France, the album will have an official introduction today with a listening session at the St Andrew Park base of veteran guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith.

It is Wonder’s first album in two years. His previous set was Scrolls Of The Levites.

He wrote The Dragon Slayer’s 12 songs which are recorded on classic roots-reggae beats from the 1970s. While he is keen on songs like the title track, Militancy and Uprising, Wonder says the public will have a say in which songs get released.

“That’s the reason for the listening party: to see which songs people love an’ we’ll take it from there,” he told the Jamaica Observer .

In February, Wonder did eight shows in Europe promoting The Dragon Slayer. He plans to make another trek to that continent in the winter.

Most of Wonder’s albums are produced and distributed by independent companies in Europe and the United States.

Scrolls Of The Levites was released by No Time Records from San Francisco.

Mark Wonder has been recording since 1985, his first release being Don’t Pressure Me for producer Black Scorpio.

Like many roots-reggae artistes, he has established a fan base in Europe through consistent touring.