GOOD VIBES AT JUNIOR REID’S ALBUM LAUNCH IN KINGSTON!

 Top: Junior Reid answers a few questions at Tuesday’s launch of his latest album. Sharing the moment is the evening’s host, radio personality Rosie Murray. (PHOTOS: GARFIELD ROBINSON)

Bottom: Pashon Minott (Sugar’s daughter) poses with Junior Reid, after receiving copy of “The Living Legend”–

ON his first studio album in 12 years, singer Junior Reid said he tried to bridge the generation gap between traditional roots-reggae and the contemporary pop market that has embraced his sound.

If the diverse audience at Tuesday’s launch of Junior Reid: The Living Legend is a yardstick, he accomplished that as tributes to the veteran artist came from elders and youth at his Crescent Court Guest House in Kingston.

The 20-song set blends roots-reggae songs like Same Boat with uptempo, radio-friendly numbers such as Love You Back, the album’s lead single.

With his latest collaboration (Murda, with rapper Lil Wayne) getting solid traction in the United States, Reid, 52, said the time is right to release ‘The Living Legend’.

“The Lil Wayne track draw a lotta attention to the album. Wi getting calls from all over the world,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

In the post-launch show, there were well-received performances from Isha Bel, Bongo Herman and Wild Life. They were followed by Johnny Osbourne and Capleton whose outstanding sets paved the way for Reid who did not disappoint.

He did songs covering his 37-year career including Foreign Mind, Fit Yuh Haffi Fit (from his Black Uhuru days), Love You Bad and Glory from the new album, as well as the signature One Blood, which closed his 90-minute performance.

Reid is scheduled to start promotion of ‘The Living Legend’ in late September with shows in France and the United Kingdom.

— By Howard Campbell