2008 Woodie Awards
'The River' mixes Deep South background with R&B styles
Columbia Records' Noel Gourdin is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, D'Angelo on spiritual debut album
Tyler Kiddy
Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: The Mix
- Page 1 of 1
"The River" opens to the sound of scratchy vinyl that creates the aura of old time Mississippi, followed by the angelic voices of background singers.
As the piano opens with gentle, melodic notes, the song creates a malaise as if church were in session.
The beauty of this overture is that it allows Noel Gourdin - Columbia Records' new artist - to preach his memoirs and emotions in a spiritually aesthetic way.
His courage to not hide his feelings or hesitate gives his lyrics a powerful trance over listeners deep down to the soul; as Gourdin illustrates his personal story of rising above the hardships of the Deep South, love and his relationships, an incredible beat by producer Kay Gee brings passion to "The River."
Born and raised in Mississippi but inspired by R&B in Brockton, Massachusetts, the Deep South has given wisdom and drive for Noel to write a record that is like a Bildungsroman novel; a term that compliments the quality of writing that Gourdin and Balewa have displayed in their songs.
The artist has the privilege of working with experienced producers who give his compilation of jazz, soul, gospel and R&B cohesion. Producers Kay Gee (Jaheim, Zhane), Raphael Saadiq (D'Angelo/ Angie Stone), Eddie Hustle (Usher) and others help direct and focus the passion that Gourdin brings to the studio.
"I had a track, and Noel and his co-writer [Balewa] said they wanted something that sounded like an old-styled ballad," producer Kaye Gee told Singersroom.com. "I said, 'Well, I have the perfect beat for you.' Before I knew it, they had written 'The River,' which is a great record. A lot of people are scared to do one of those kinds of songs right now, so I think they took a chance and came up with something great."
This beat has an incredible hook that really supports Gourdin's message of blues, soul and R&B; however, the brilliance of producer Kay Gee can be found at the chorus when Gourdin paints a spiritual revelation in the song.
How spiritual is the chorus followed by such a strong introduction? The song mixes multiple instruments and beats to celebrate Gourdin's baptism; he dunks his head into a river and feels reconciled.
The lyrics elicit a message that is inspiring to everyone who struggles with heartache. Those who enjoy nightclubs and "socializing" at the bar will enjoy the beats in "You're the One." The song conjures up a modern Motown vibe that will force you to sing along and dance.
As the piano opens with gentle, melodic notes, the song creates a malaise as if church were in session.
The beauty of this overture is that it allows Noel Gourdin - Columbia Records' new artist - to preach his memoirs and emotions in a spiritually aesthetic way.
His courage to not hide his feelings or hesitate gives his lyrics a powerful trance over listeners deep down to the soul; as Gourdin illustrates his personal story of rising above the hardships of the Deep South, love and his relationships, an incredible beat by producer Kay Gee brings passion to "The River."
Born and raised in Mississippi but inspired by R&B in Brockton, Massachusetts, the Deep South has given wisdom and drive for Noel to write a record that is like a Bildungsroman novel; a term that compliments the quality of writing that Gourdin and Balewa have displayed in their songs.
The artist has the privilege of working with experienced producers who give his compilation of jazz, soul, gospel and R&B cohesion. Producers Kay Gee (Jaheim, Zhane), Raphael Saadiq (D'Angelo/ Angie Stone), Eddie Hustle (Usher) and others help direct and focus the passion that Gourdin brings to the studio.
"I had a track, and Noel and his co-writer [Balewa] said they wanted something that sounded like an old-styled ballad," producer Kaye Gee told Singersroom.com. "I said, 'Well, I have the perfect beat for you.' Before I knew it, they had written 'The River,' which is a great record. A lot of people are scared to do one of those kinds of songs right now, so I think they took a chance and came up with something great."
This beat has an incredible hook that really supports Gourdin's message of blues, soul and R&B; however, the brilliance of producer Kay Gee can be found at the chorus when Gourdin paints a spiritual revelation in the song.
How spiritual is the chorus followed by such a strong introduction? The song mixes multiple instruments and beats to celebrate Gourdin's baptism; he dunks his head into a river and feels reconciled.
The lyrics elicit a message that is inspiring to everyone who struggles with heartache. Those who enjoy nightclubs and "socializing" at the bar will enjoy the beats in "You're the One." The song conjures up a modern Motown vibe that will force you to sing along and dance.
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Noel Gourdin Fan Site
posted 8/06/07 @ 12:25 AM EST
I love what I've heard thus far of Noel Gourdin's songs.
Especially The River.
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