Several major songsters united by an animal cause teamed up to produce the album dedicated to charitable organisation, the SPCA.
Two-and-a-half years in the making, the CD features New Zealand artists Suzanne Lynch, Eddie Low, Larry Morris, John Rowles, the Massey High School Guitars and more.
Titled Gray Bartlett andFriends the group hopes the album, which was released earlier this month, will raise between $50,000 and $100,000 for the group. Front-runner of the project, country and western musician Gray Bartlett said his long history with the SPCA and his keen love of animals was his inspiration for the project.
"The SPCA is a major charity project of mine because I believe that animals play an important role in teaching people respect, kindness and love.
"If children and young adults learn to play with and treat animals with love they will learn how to do the same with people. Many people who get into trouble have often hurt animals prior to hurting people."
The guitarist made a name for himself in New Zealand and worldwide 45 years ago with the release of chart topper La Playa which sold an unprecedented 410,000 copies.
Mr Bartlett said this latest creation features some of his best work. "I am more than delighted with the CD ... Each artist was specially chosen for the contribution they would be able to make and each song was chosen to match their voices."
The album is available through the Warehouse, Marbecks, JB Hi Fi and through the SPCA, and retails for $16.99.
