12 April 2010 - 0 Comments

Raised in Kaitaia and now based in London, singer/songwriter Jayson Norris has written a sentimental song to honour the efforts of the 28th Maori Battalion and will be flying back to New Zealand to perform the song at Kotahi te Wairua, Maori Television's annual ANZAC Day commemorative concert.
 
Titled 'Freedom To Live', the song 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 7th Reinforcement, A company of the 28th Maori Battalion and also a Regimental Sargeant Major for the NZ Army, serving our country for over 5 years overseas.

Set for digital release on April 19, the song has already been well received with the 28 Maori Battalion choosing 'Freedom To Live' as a tribute song to play at their Crete and Greece ceremony this May, and Apple have selected the song to feature in a special ANZAC digital package put together for iTunes.

"Freedom To Live is a beautiful tribute that really encapsulates the importance of remembering and honouring our forefathers. It is both refreshing and honourable to commemorate the 28 Maori Battalion soldiers in 2010 with Jayson Norris and his heartfelt song."  - Mikee Tucker, Loop

The accompanying music video features a gravelly collection of historical photos and footage depicting soldiers and scenes from the war from both the Norris family and NZ archives. These are layered with footage of Jayson Norris performing the song on his acoustic guitar resulting in a truly moving reflection on the significance of the 28th Maori Battalion soldiers to all generations of New Zealanders.

Freedom To Live is also the title of Jayson Norris's second album due for release in early June followed by a series of nationwide live shows. Jayson Norris has successfully carved a niche for himself in the UK music scene and by combining his rich earthy vocals with a blend of soul, roots and rock, he is set to do the same in New Zealand this year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE 28TH MAORI BATTALION:

The 28th (Maori) Battalion was part of the 2nd New Zealand Division, the fighting arm of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) during the Second World War (1939-45). A frontline infantry unit made up entirely of volunteers, the Battalion usually contained 700-750 men, divided into five companies.

In total, almost 3600 men served overseas with the Maori Battalion between 1940 and 1945. Of these, 649 were killed in action or died on active service - more than 10% of the 6068 New Zealanders who lost their lives serving with 2NZEF in the Middle East and Europe. In addition, 1712 men were wounded and 237 were prisoners of war.

In the words of Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg, who commanded the 2nd NZ Division, "no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw more fighting, or, alas, had such heavy casualties as the Maori Battalion."

http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/

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