Noel Gourdin, the River & Why He's What's Next!

About 3-4 months ago, I was listening to the radio - The Steve Harvey Morning Show - to be exact when he introduced the listening audience to a new song. For the first time in a very long time, I was reveted by the emotion evoked in the tune and musical experience - yes, folks I even got all choked up.

When I got home, I immediately started to google the show, to find the song lyrics and ultimately get the name of the new "CAT." I eventually found out that his name is Noel Gourdin and the song is entitled "The River." I blogged about him Here, began emailing the song out to friends on Facebook and of course started "politicking" for an interview.

So, a few weeks back when I opened my email inbox to a message with subject line "Noel Gourdin Available For Interviews" are you interested? Y'all know what I said - "H*ll's yeah!"

So yesterday I got a chance to talk to this young talent and vibe a little bit about his "old soul" and what makes him tick.

Talking to him, I made sure to let him know from jump that I was "indeed a fan." To which he seemed somewhat shocked, responding with a humble "thank you, Ms. Saba." At that moment I'm thinking...I like this guy even more. Not self-consumed and grounded -what a bonus!

Noel was born 24 years ago in the working class city of Brockton, outside of Boston where folks like Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler hail from. He credits his trips to the Mississippi (where he sat with the old folks), a praying Grandmother, a Mother (who survived abuse), the positive influences of an inspirational Stepfather (Pop) and very supportive siblings with the reason for his sense of self.

Noel says that although his real Dad denied him at birth and was abusive towards his Mother, that strong sense of family has carried him through. That is probably why he can belt out lines like

Growin' up, it was tough
We were glad for what little we had
I saw my share of old fair, Mississippi
Dirt roads and confederate flags
Everyday my father would tell me
Son, run and don't never come back...

I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new..

Down by the river
Where black folks gather
After Sunday service is through

After hearing those lines - I was done, finished, caput ---and in tears, "cause that is what real Soul Music and R& B is about." Coincidentally, those words accompanied my Facebook blast to my friends about "The River."

Noel says that his songs are "emotional and vulnerable, but still strong and secure, more than anything, I wanted to make music that was real, relatable...and timeless." So on July 22, 2008 - when the album "After My Time" hits stores, the world will get a taste of the next generation of which Mr. Gourdin has earned a place and is most DEF in its ranks. In his words; "I am a part of the next soul wave coming round, and for those of you sick of microwave music," this will be one to buy.

Noel makes it crystal clear that "I am not afraid to show my vulnerable side." With joints on the album that include titles; "One Love" about a man approaching a woman wanting to take things to the next level; "Summertime" which he says is a " sultry, moderate version of Let's Get It On" and the concept driven "Too Late" which talks about not taking your woman for granted and the moment when you should have stopped her at the door before she left," I can say that we are certainly in for a treat.

About his compassion for others, Noel tells me that growing up, The Boys and Girls Club "were a big part of my life." He says that he opted to go there "instead of hanging out in the streets." There he learned the ideas of "playing, sharing and basic life values" which he has shared with youngsters as he has worked in group homes, with the sexually abused and of course, as he has returned to the Boys and Girls Clubs to mentor.

With that clear sense of "soul" and family- it is no wonder Noel Gourdin's renewing our faith in music- heck, I'll go out on a limb and say that "he has dipped my head and I've come up shiny and new." I'm now confident that Noel along with a list that includes the likes of Raheem DeVaughn, Tank, Eric Benet, Joe, and even a rumored return of Teddy Riley- R& B will be "Just Fine."

Noel Gourdin - Now, That's "Change We Can Believe In!"