Leading NZ singer on Freedom homecoming tour

Leading NZ singer Jackie Bristow on Freedom homecoming tour

Leading Kiwi singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow returns home from Sydney this weekend for a hectic ground-breaking 12 gig Freedom album tour.

She will open the tour with a feature performance at the Indulgence for woman event in Auckland on Saturday and Sunday.

Bristow has been hailed across the ditch as one of Australia’s finest female singers with her pop contemporary work but the girl from Gore is returning home.

Bristow has been a hugely successful live performer and has opened shows for Art Garfunkel, Daniel Lanois, Jimmy Webb, Pheobe Snow, op Shop, Bic Runga, Renee Geyer, Madeline Peryoux, and Mark Seymour.

Her songs have featured in Australian and New Zealand film and television hit shows such as The Secret Life Of Us, Home And Away, Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street, and Go Big. Her last release in 2007 Crazy Love was highly acclaimed and this latest Freedom CD offering is set to follow in its footsteps.

``I just can’t wait to get home. I’ve been on the road a long time since leaving Austin, Texas, earlier this year. I will go back to Australia after the tour, release an album and then return to the States and set up another release out of Austin. Since leaving Austin, I have toured Japan, completed my album in Australia and had a mini tour of NSW opening to Wendy Matthews.

``But in New Zealand the support from the government is wonderful. There is major talent from NZ and we are seeing a lot of artists really do well and it couldn’t be a better time for to perform during NZ Music Month. New Zealand artists are getting worldwide recognition. Having support from NZ on Air and Outward Sound - like I have had - does help artists develop and gain exposure internationally.

``I opened for Op shop earlier at the Zoo in Auckland earlier this year and I’m just so pleased music is in the news. I have a lot of work and interviews coming up and I can’t wait to help share my international knowledge and experience with younger artists.

``With so much interest in the upcoming Rugby World Cup, I expect to be back for that supporting the All Blacks and performing gigs around the country in September next year.

``Growing up in New Zealand I was always a huge Crowded House Fan. I toured the country a lot with my younger sister Katrina and I have always loved Motown and soul music because of the Maori influence in New Zealand which is a big part of my roots and taste in music.

``In recent years I have loved artists and bands such as David Grey, Travis, Coldplay, Sheryl Crow, Paddy Griffin and Eva Cassidy.’’

Bristow is living the dream but it hasn’t been easy. She has been touring the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand for almost a decade and critics have labelled her as one of New Zealand’s most talented musical exports.

She made a name for herself as the voice of Australia worldwide some years ago after her track This is Australia won Tourism Australia’s song competition. She has put out three albums with world class musicians and is continuing to grow her label overseas. Jackie Bristow will become a bigger name in NZ after the Freedom album tour kicks off in Auckland this weekend.

Her Freedom tour dates and venues are:

May 8 - Ellerslie Event Centre - Indulgence Show - Auckland
May 9 - Ellerslie Event Centre - Indulgence Show - Auckland
May 13 - Wine Cellar, Shared Bill with Caitlin Smith - Auckland
May 20 - Juice Bar at Windsor Castle CVE Guest Spot - Auckland
May 21 - Wellington Blue Grass Society Petone - Wellington
May 23 - Al's Bar - Christchurch
May 24 - Christchurch Polytech Jazz School - Christchurch
May 26 - Carey’s Bay Hotel - Carey’s Bay, Dunedin
May 27 - The Riverhouse - Wanaka
May 28 - Desert Heart Estate - Bannockburn
May 29 - Salvation Army Hall, Clutha Fundraiser -Winton

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