Kingston, Jamaica - Everton "Blender" the smooth voice of conscious Dancehall whose faith has never faltered and whose vision has never dimmed, is set to deliver his new roots reggae collection, King Man (Heartbeat / Rounder).

Best known for dancehall hits like the anthemic 'Lift Up Your Head' to the defiant 'Ghetto People Song,' to the massive 'Create a Sound,' "Blender" has successfully blended reggae values with modern style which has led the conscious dancehall movement. A significant artist who never strays from the straight and narrow, his earthy vocal, striking stage presence, his soul and depth are reflected in his upbeat positive spin and masterful riddims. Described by Beat Magazine as "a master singer / songwriter in his prime, Everton "Blender" is one of the great voices of Jamaica. "Blender" will launch a U.S. tour in support of the new release August 27 in Maryland.

King Man, which will be available on both CD and Vinyl, offers a strikingly different approach for the beloved dancehall artist. Uniquely recorded with all live instruments including full horn section, the album harkens back to the 1970's, considered the golden era of Reggae, one where tradition lives. Still sounding fresh and new, this roots record, a first for "Blender," offers his reactions to what's going on in the world. From the soulful "Little Green Apples," a remake of OC Smith's 1968 pop and R & B hit, to the reflective "Tabernacle Tree" to Syl Johnson's powerful and moving "Is It Because I'm Black each have a story to tell. Featuring a wide variety of producers, players and studios, in both Los Angeles and Kingston, Jamaica, the album features musicians of all ages ranging from players in their twenties influenced by "Blender" himself to top dogs like horn player, Dean Fraser, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, members of Shaggy's band and even Joseph "Culture" Hill who rarely guests on other artists' records.