Norma Jean part ways with drummer

Norma Jean have announced via a MySpace blog that they have parted ways with drummer Daniel Davison, citing "personal and spiritual" reasons.

Statements from both parties can be found by clicking Read More.

Davison will finish out the next tour as his last dates with the band, though Norma Jean have apparently already found a replacement judging from the adamant stance they are "NOT [sic] looking for a new drummer."

Their last release was 2006's Redeemer (Tooth & Nail / Solid State), though writing for the next album will commence this coming winter.

Dear Friends and Fans,
After much time, prayer, council, and consideration, I have come to an important personal decision. My decision is that as of November 8th, 2007 I will no longer be a part of Norma Jean.

As many of you know, Norma Jean is considered a "Christian band", and it is in fact made up of 5 guys who are all Christians. This is something that is a huge part of my life, and something that I take very seriously. Recently I have come to the point in my life where I no longer see Norma Jean as a ministry, and for me to continue in the band, saying that it is, would in my opinion, be wrong. I am not leaving the band on bad terms with any of the guys, but there are differences between us, both personal and spiritual, that I felt were too great for me continue on with, or ignore any longer.

We as a band have in some ways worked towards making things right in the areas where we differed…but for me, the feelings did not change, and we continued to grow apart. So after giving these things much time and thought, I have come to the place where I know that it is right for me to be finished. Making the choice to step away from something that I have been a part of for 10 years, has not been the easiest of tasks. But do know that this is not a hasty decision by any means. I have total Peace and confidence in my choice.

The band will continue without me. This winter the guys will begin writing for a new record. And I wish the best for them.

Lastly, I would like to thank every one of you, who over the years have supported me and this band. We could not have done anything without you. You all really mean so much to me. I hope to see as many of you as possible on my last tour, and thank you face to face for supporting our band, and for being a part of what we have been doing for all of these years. I will never forget the times that we all have shared. I am going to miss Norma Jean dearly, but I know that this is a step that I have to take.

Sincerely,
Daniel Davison

We are definitely going to miss Daniel and we wish him the best in whatever he does. We've had such an excellent time with him.

Although Daniel feels like this is no longer a kind of ministry for him… the rest of us feel the exact opposite and we have all been growing in so many ways. We are blessed to be able to do what we love.

Throughout the differences we've had, we have learned from them and have accomplished a lot, we have had so many talks and have prayed and meditated, and we feel like this is the best decision. In the long run, we want Daniel to be happy with the direction he takes.

Anyway, be sure to come out on this next tour starting in Seattle on September 28th - November 7th as this is Daniel's last tour with NJ. We will definitely be continuing on, writing and touring and are just as excited as ever for the future.

On a side note… we are NOT looking for a new drummer and thanks again from all of us, for supporting Norma Jean throughout the years. When it all comes down to it, it's about having fun and we are definitely having fun with all of you.

We hope to see you soon. God bless.
Norma Jean.