Born and raised on the north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal (South Africa), singer songwriter Farryl Purkiss's music is captivating, emotive and memorable.His 2005 debut EP release, "Chapter One", a self financed project, was recorded in collaboration with South African guitar legend Nibs van der Spuy and marketed and released with the assistance of Sheer Sound.
Apart from a heavy 2006 touring schedule which has included headline appearances at festivals such as Splashy Fen, Wavescapes Film Festival, Mr Price Classic and The Billabong Pro Farryl has also recently completed two national tours as a guest of Australian superstars Missy Higgins (July 2006) and Ben Lee (April 2006).
He has also toured with Donovan Frankenreiter and has played with Jack Johnson, which resulted in a co-composition with Jack.The "Chapter One" EP was nominated for a 2006 South African Music Award (SAMA) in the 'Best Adult Contemporary' category.
His eponymous debut has recently been completed for 2 Feet Music as well as a music video for his first single "Better Days". Farryl Purkiss has recently completer a tour of Australia to support the release of this album in that territory.
The tour features solo dates as well as support slots for Canada's Serena Ryder and Hawksley Workman.Reviews:"…there is a real musicality here that sets this album apart from the surfboard toting imitators.
Solo acoustic instrumental 'Speechless' is one of the albums highlights. 'Please Stay' is uplifting and heartbreaking all at once, showing off this singer-songwriter's ability to make a deep impression with just a light touch of the guitar frets.
" - Laura MacIntyre, www.mediasearch.com.au"…a charmingly open, friendly stage presence that pulls you in as his songs caress you with their easy melodies" - Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney, Australia"…a great start from a promising songwriter with a voice of his own, and I can't wait to see what the future yields.
Get this album, in a few years you'll be saying "Oh yeah, I remember listening to Farryl ages ago." He's the kind of artist who you'll want to build a long-term audio relationship with through the collection of every single album.
Start yours now." - Matthew Christensen (4 out of 5)"Farryl Purkiss is better than damn good, combining inventive guitar play with introspective wordplay on an album that’s delves deep in to the heart’s emotions.
An absolute stunner! … the best debut of the year." - Craig Canavan (4 out of 5)"Purkiss gave a brilliant performance, apparently unfazed, despite the problems the crew encountered. The crowd also warmed up towards him and when he told a story about how he played with Jack Johnson in 2003 and how Johnson inspired him to finish his song Déjà Vu, with which he'd been struggling, everyone became a fan before he stepped off stage just before 23h00.
" - Henriël Veldtmann, Oppikoppi Festival 2006.
