Amplifier

17.1.11
[press release]

It's surprising that Jayson Norris' album Freedom Twenty Eight is his first offering to New Zealand listeners, considering the London-based Kiwi has successfully released two albums overseas and regularly sells out shows internationally.

Moving to the UK in 2004, Jayson Norris set to work immediately. By tirelessly gigging all over London, hard work and epic live shows, he carved a niche in the music scene, making a name for himself.

Now a man in demand, the fruits of his labour are paying off and his unique sound, which sees him combine rich earthy vocals with a blend of soul, roots and rock has secured him residencies at a range of respected venues and led to Jayson Norris sharing the stage with huge names such as Andrea Bocelli, Paul
McCartney and Mark Knopfler.

Not content to settle with his current overseas success, Jayson Norris -­ a proud New Zealander - has now got his sights set on home and is emphatically making his mark with Freedom Twenty Eight.

The album ­- a dynamic blend of sounds, subject matter and genres ­- conveys Jayson Norris' explosive and diverse live show and captures the soul and emotion of him both musically and in his heartfelt lyrics.

The first single from the album, Freedom To Live (released Feb 2010), stands as a mark of respect and a means for remembering our forefathers who fought in the wars for our freedom. It is also a personal homage from Jayson Norris to his late grandfather Charlie Norris who was in the 28th Maori Battalion.

In contrast, the album's second single, Love Someone (released May 2010) is a playful pop song about love gone wrong, featuring Jayson Norris' mate, Jason Kerrison (Opshop) on backing vocals.

Perfectly timed for summer, current single Window combines big sing-along chorus hooks, cheeky ukuleles and a rollicking bouncing beat, which has helped to make it a current live favourite.

To celebrate the release of his NZ debut Freedom Twenty Eight, Jayson Norris is back home for the summer and will be embarking on a NZ tour starting in Christchurch. A testament to Jayson Norris' talent, he's also been asked to support and join the cast of Fly My Pretties for this January, will be playing two stages (Dub & Roots and Amphitheatre) at Homegrown and will be performing at the Jameson Jam Sessions with The Black Seeds.

The reputed live experience conjured up by Jayson Norris has been a long time coming, but that should render it all the more sweet.

TOUR DATES

Saturday 22 January
Black Barn Vineyards, Hawkes Bay
supporting Fly My Pretties

Saturday 12 February
Sol Square, Christchurch
Jameson Jam Sessions supporting The Black Seeds

Thursday 24 February
Finn MacCuhals, Taupo

Friday 25 February
Juice Bar, Auckland

Saturday 26 February
Kentish Hotel, Waiuku

Sunday 27 February
Carringtons Winery, Karikari Peninsula

Thursday 3 March
Astrolabe, Mt Mauganui

Friday 4 March
Diggers Bar, Hamilton

Saturday 5 March
Homegrown, Wellington