Reggae superstar Junior Reid attracted a diverse crowd of journalists, well-wishers, industry insiders, and music-business executives to the launch of his 'The Living Legend' album, his first in almost a dozen years, last week.

Held at Reid's Lindsay Crescent property, Crescent Court, the launch got off to a bit of a late start, with a question-and-answer segment conducted by popular broadcaster Rosie Murray.

Reid explained that he tried to bridge the generation gap between traditional roots-reggae and the contemporary pop market that has embraced his sound.

The radio-friendly single, Love You Back, leads off the 20-song set, which runs the gamut from roots rock, to reggae to pop-radio-friendly tracks. Some of the standout songs include Never Let You Go, This Generation featuring Sizzla, Dancehall City featuring Blaw Minott and Yung JR, and Never Too Rough featuring Julian Marley.

In the post-launch show, there were well-received performances from Isha Bel, Bongo Herman and Wild Life. Veterans Johnny Osbourne and Capleton ignited the growing crowd with outstanding sets. But the finishing touch was provided by Reid, who wowed with a masterful 90-minute performance that included singles such as Foreign Mind, Fit Yuh Haffi Fit (from his Black Uhuru days), Love You Back ,and Glory from the new album, as well as the signature One Blood.

Reid starts promotion of The Living Legend in late September with shows in France and the UK. This week, he performs at an album-release party at Milk River in downtown Brooklyn, and will also be doing several other shows in New York.