JACKIE BRISTOW ‘FREEDOM’ Out Now

Jackie Bristow, one of New Zealand's best-kept ex-pat secrets has returned home for the release of her third album, FREEDOM.

The Gore-born singer songwriter has spent most of her career outside of New Zealand. Over the past year, Bristow has established herself in Austin, Texas after being based in Sydney and LA.

Bristow offers a blend of pop, alt country and roots music that is fresh, modern and uniquely her own. In 2009 she toured the US, Japan and Australia, and is currently touring New Zealand to promote Freedom.

Recording of the album was divided between Austin and Sydney and was co-produced by Bristow and Mark Punch. Contributors on the album include, J. J Johnson (John Mayer), Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers), Chris Maresh (Erik Johnson), Matt Fell (Josh Pike), Jeff Young (Steely Dan), Clayton Doley (Jimmy Barnes), Rob Woolf (Jimmy Barnes).

Bristow is regarded as a fantastic live performer and has impressed audiences around the world when opening for the likes of Madeleine Peyroux, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Webb, Art Garfunkel, Renee Geyer, Mark Seymour, Daniel Lanois, Shawn Colvin, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Richie Havens and Bob Schneider.

Bristow's songs have been used repeatedly 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 track This is Australia won Tourism Australia's Song Competition, which subsequently featured in a worldwide promotional campaign.

Her last album, 2007's Crazy Love was highly acclaimed and this latest offering is set to follow in its footsteps.

Bristow will perform an album launch show at Auckland's TABAC bar on Thursday 4th March from 9pm. Free entry.

FREEDOM is out now in New Zealand through Ode Records/Rhythmethod.