Margaret Moser of The Austin Chronicle wrote of the new album in a February Texas Platters column: “… The New Zealander’s soulful dark eyes engage from the cover [of FREEDOM], and her strong, lilting voice entices on the opening title song and the practiced, well-crafted country roots songs (‘Holy Mess,’ ‘Broken Girl’) that follow. … A class act to watch.”

Austin Music Entertainment went further this month online: “... Jackie Bristow sounds like someone who’s always lived in Austin when she sings. Bristow’s third album (and first since moving her career to the U.S.), FREEDOM, ingratiates itself immediately with Bristow’s slinking, sexy voice and her deftly blended rock-country-folk songwriting. She can do Texas rock as well as the good ol’ local boys.”

Bristow is just completed a tour opening for Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel, including in Seattle, Portland and Orlando. ChicoER.com said about the pair’s show at Laxson Auditorium in Chico, California: “… The show opened with New Zealand-born singer and guitarist Jackie Bristow. Opening for a musical giant like Emmanuel would seem a daunting task, but Bristow was relaxed as her soulfully seductive melodies reverberated within the auditorium. Her beautiful voice and earnest songs resonated with the audience, and they applauded her eagerly. Near the end of the show, Bristow joined Emmanuel on-stage for an amazing duet that received a standing ovation. …”