Fanatic is a music marketing company established by Josh Bloom in 1997 to build fan-to-fan connections between artists and the media. For 25 years, Fanatic has continued to help launch careers through the strategic advocacy of creative talent.
Friday, November 17, 2023
“A hell of an introduction for those looking for their next favorite modern soul act,” says Glide. Hear Stax-influenced track “The Knockdown Dragout” now!
“I became disillusioned with the ‘sad bastard’ scene
of singer-songwriters. I wanted to make this record for a long time,” says
Chris J Norwood. Album out Feb. 9.
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Chris J Norwood as photographed by Joseph Brewster
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Chris J Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout | “The Knockdown Dragout”
“A hell of an introduction for those looking for their
next favorite modern soul act... features a full ensemble horn section, feisty
guitar, and thick, funky organ playing to complement Norwood’s smoothly flowing vocals.” — Glide Magazine
“A ‘knockdown dragout’ is a phrase I used to hear my
mother use. It’s essentially a fight between two people that is particularly
bad. One where a lot of blood is drawn! This song is basically a metaphor for
my career. The music business is a tough business and this song is me saying
that no matter how many times I get knocked down I’m in it for the long haul.”
— Chris J Norwood
If the photographic evidence accompanying The
Knockdown Dragout (Gastonwood
Music, Feb. 9, 2024) is any
indication, then Chris J Norwood is
a beaten man.
Beaten, maybe… But not out!
As Norwood
sings on “The Knockdown Dragout” —
the ensemble, album, and first single all share the same name — he is a
fighter:
I know it don’t look good
They got me up against the ropes
I ain’t no light weight kid
I got the fight, the will, the hope
The “will” and “hope” part comes in as the
Dallas-based songwriter — and now bandleader, commanding a Stax-inspired ensemble cutting tracks live on the studio floor in
the same building where Willie Nelson
made Red
Headed Stranger — leaves behind his acoustic guitar to make the album
of his dreams.
“I have wanted to make this record for a long time,” Norwood says about a passion so strong,
he parted ways with his record label to be able to see his vision through. “If
you were to come over on a Saturday afternoon, Otis Redding is what is playing on the stereo.”
The
Knockdown Dragout cover the Redding classic “Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)” in a joyous rendition that sits
perfectly alongside Norwood’s
originals.
“I had to
include an Otis cover,” Norwood explains. You can’t help but
feel good, and that’s what I love about soul music. Even the sad songs make you
dance.”
Norwood had become tired of sadness.
“I’m disillusioned with the ‘sad bastard’ scene of
singer-songwriters that I found myself a part of,” he admits. After releasing
two records that reckoned with darkness and personal tragedy, Norwood wanted to make an album that
was “just fun.”
A “knockdown dragout” is a phrase I used to hear my
mother use,” he explains of the album’s statement of purpose, which also
addresses his relationship with the music industry. “It’s essentially a fight
between two people that is particularly bad.” Norwood’s decision to leave his label to make this album was
actually amicable, but even civil closure smarts.
The same goes for Norwood’s
surprise genre switch-up.
“I wanted to write some songs that I could actually
sing to Carrie and dance in the
kitchen to,” he says,alluding to one of
the album’s standout tracks, “Dancing In
The Kitchen,” a love song to Norwood’s
wife.
“Finally! Songs that are about me!” Carrie Norwood, who also
appears on the record as one-half of the background vocal duo, The Knockouts, jokes.
“Being
a Knockout comes with attitude and
sass,” she says. “The world is pretty crazy right now, but there is still love
and goodness to sing about.”
After listening to the celebratory songs on The
Knockdown Dragout, Norwood’s “will” and “hope” win this bout
by unanimous decision.
The Knockdown Dragout by Chris J
Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout arrives Feb. 9, 2024 via Gastonwood
Music.
Chris J Norwood is
available for interviews. Contact Josh Bloom
at Fanatic for more information.
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