Breezes Grand Negril to host 'Reggae's Gone Country' album-release party

Breezes Grand Negril Resort & Spa has teamed up with Warner Music Nashville and VP Records to host an album-release party on August 30 for Reggae's Gone Country, a compilation of classic country hits covered by Jamaica's top musicians. The exclusive concert, open only to guests at the Super-Inclusive Negril, Jamaica resort, will feature live music stylings of Larry Gatlin, Romain Virgo, Busy Signal, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, Dean Fraser and others from the groundbreaking album.

Two years ago, country music devotee Cristy Barber, vice president of marketing and promotions at VP Records, the world's largest reggae label, envisioned this project and teamed up with John Rich of the multi-platinum-selling country music duo, Big & Rich, and Dean Fraser, acclaimed Jamaican saxophonist and top reggae producer, on lead production. For Reggae's Gone Country, Barber handpicked 14 classic country songs to be covered by noted Jamaican acts and backed by a 'dream-team reggae band.' Kingston's finest instrumental talents on the album include legendary drum and bass duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, veteran bassist Glen Browne, and guitar virtuoso Dwight Pinkney. Vocals and backing tracks were laid down at Kingston's Grafton and Tuff Gong Studios, and mixed by Errol Brown and his son, Shane. The elder Brown, who engineered/mixed much of Bob Marley's music for Island Records, said Reggae's Gone Country was "one of the best albums" he has ever worked on. For a preview of the album, visit Reggae's Gone Country's Facebook page.

Set on a two-mile crescent of white-sand beach and 22 acres of elegantly manicured grounds, the all-suites Breezes Grand Negril resort offers superb accommodations and personalised service for couples, singles, and adult families 16 years and older. Space is still available for August 30.