Norman is a collaboration of musicians from throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley, uniting musical souls from all tastes in a pleasing blend of interest-peaking forms. Formed initially as a solo act by singer Eric Nordby, Norman has grown into a full band; featured on their self-titled album as up to seven different members. The benefit of having a diverse method by which to perform is one of Norman’s strongest assets; their ability to adapt to the needs of a particular venue, concert billing, or stylistic sensitivity has made their music very marketable and accessible to all tastes.
Driven by their live performances, Norman has answered the demand for an album with their self-titled 12-track release, recorded at Portland’s Pantherfact Records. The release has been highly anticipated since the band formed in 2005, and has been the cause for some celebration among the local color. Described in the Corvallis Gazette Times, Norman’s “rock, pop, folk, alt-country, funk, and experimental flavors …create a singular sonic soup for you to sip at your leisure.â€
Current members include drummer Adam Beam, Wil Vaughn on bass, William Johnson on electric guitar, Brian Mosher on percussion and keyboards, and Nordby on guitars, keyboards and banjo. Norman also utilizes an antique Vox analog drum machine.
Influenced heavily by the Pacific Northwest and all that it implies (rain, forests, Sasquatch, etc.), Norman combines a collective understanding of the Northwest into Nordby’s tunes. Nordby’s musical influences range from folk and rock giants Bob Dylan and Neil Young, to now alumni Chicago emo-heroes The Promise Ring and French bedroom-techno artists Stereolab. The techniques and styles of each of these major influences are expressed not only musically and lyrically in Norman, but in production as well.
At any gathering of Norman members and supporters, whether it is a rehearsal, concert, or just a Sunday afternoon at the Oregon coast, the family-like atmosphere is inescapable. They laugh, love, and play with each other like a closely-bonded family. It is easy to see why Norman possesses a natural affinity for gathering friends and fans with heart. The love of music is one thing, but a sense of community with those who produce and consume their music makes Norman something else.
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