For decades, Negril has been a hideout for Jamaicans and tourists who just want to let it all hang out. American musician Rich Hardesty first visited the seaside town in 1993 and has been hooked on Jamaican culture ever since.

Over 40 trips later and the singer/songwriter is recording what maybe his most ambitious project to date ---an album with some of Jamaica's top musicians.

"I feel very blessed and give thanks to Jah to be able to record with some of my mentors in reggae music," said Hardesty, who is from Indiana.

He saluted a departed colleague who turned him on to Jamaican and Negril culture. 

"My best friend Rudy from Negril would help me collect mixed cassette tapes and introduce me to the music of these artistes. I had written a song about Rudy who was run over by a taxi and killed on his motorcycle and now these artistes want to redo the song and we will add it to this record," he said.

Hardesty has so far done five songs for the yet-titled album. The sessions were done at Anchor studio in Kingston with drummer Sly Dunbar, guitarist Winston 'Bo Pee' Bowen and percussionist Bongo Herman among the musicians.

He collaborated with singer Anthony Cruz on Freedom Revolution, the album's lead track which is scheduled for release in August.

Julian Marley played drums on Black Sheep Butterfly, another song Hardesty has high hopes for.

Hardesty has recorded over 10 albums and mainly tours the United States playing his easy-listening rock songs. He plans to release his reggae album in early 2016 and is excited about incorporating its songs into his live set.

"That is a must. My music is becoming more organic and authentic. Change is inevitable and personal growth is optional," he said. "As an artiste and performer I can still play some of the crowd's favourites but my art can't grow if I don't change."