Spring Break
Gourdin Makes A Splash With 'The River'
Sarah Kopman-Fried
Issue date: 3/14/07 Section: Focus
Produced by the same teams used by musicians including Brandy, Mary J. Blige and Usher, the debut album of Noel Gourdin, an up-and-coming R&B artist, has been met with high expectations. The album, titled "The River," is comprised almost entirely of songs written solely by Gourdin.
For the 25-year-old Brockton, Mass. native, writing his own music was not much of a stretch. Gourdin grew up with music, singing in the church choir and learning from both his father's and older brother's love of music, according to a Columbia Records Press Release. By the time Gourdin was in high school, he was a regular performer at local talent shows, parties and citywide events.
"We'd always keep it true, trying to put it down for the home town. It was a pleasure performing in Brockton," said Gourdin.
Gourdin never abandoned his commitment to his community, spending time following graduation working at a local group home for battered children. Gourdin said in a press release that he is still very passionate about "being able to affect a kid's life and trying to be a positive role model."
Gourdin's break came in 2002 when Stalin Entertainment owner Larry "Lucky" Fernandes became his manager. After spending a year writing and producing new songs, Fernandes introduced Gourdin to former Naughty by Nature singer and DJ Kay Gee. In 2004, Gee asked Gourdin to contribute a song to the soundtrack for "The Cook Out." Gourdin cut the song "Family Reunion" for the album, and it was this piece that gained Gourdin real notoriety. Within a year, Gourdin had been signed by Columbia Records and is now in the process of releasing his first album, "The River."
Gourdin has released the first four tracks of "The River" on a sampler CD, as well as on his MySpace account. The title track has been listened to nearly 10,000 times via MySpace thus far. It is a classical sounding ballad that Gourdin says was inspired by his grandparents, who came from Mississippi and made him "want to make a modern-day Negro spiritual."
The next song on the sampler, titled "Hurts Like Hell," deals with the pain of ending a relationship. The song manages to feel sincere and meaningful without being overly emotional. The next song, "Summertime," seems to take a great deal of inspiration from Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." The song has a strong beat, but still manages to be sultry. It was produced by Dre & Vidal, who are best known for their work with Mary J. Blige.
Overall, Gourdin's music features both strong lyrics and good music selections that make the listener look forward to the rest of his debut album. Gourdin's "The River" will officially be released in May.
For the 25-year-old Brockton, Mass. native, writing his own music was not much of a stretch. Gourdin grew up with music, singing in the church choir and learning from both his father's and older brother's love of music, according to a Columbia Records Press Release. By the time Gourdin was in high school, he was a regular performer at local talent shows, parties and citywide events.
"We'd always keep it true, trying to put it down for the home town. It was a pleasure performing in Brockton," said Gourdin.
Gourdin never abandoned his commitment to his community, spending time following graduation working at a local group home for battered children. Gourdin said in a press release that he is still very passionate about "being able to affect a kid's life and trying to be a positive role model."
Gourdin's break came in 2002 when Stalin Entertainment owner Larry "Lucky" Fernandes became his manager. After spending a year writing and producing new songs, Fernandes introduced Gourdin to former Naughty by Nature singer and DJ Kay Gee. In 2004, Gee asked Gourdin to contribute a song to the soundtrack for "The Cook Out." Gourdin cut the song "Family Reunion" for the album, and it was this piece that gained Gourdin real notoriety. Within a year, Gourdin had been signed by Columbia Records and is now in the process of releasing his first album, "The River."
Gourdin has released the first four tracks of "The River" on a sampler CD, as well as on his MySpace account. The title track has been listened to nearly 10,000 times via MySpace thus far. It is a classical sounding ballad that Gourdin says was inspired by his grandparents, who came from Mississippi and made him "want to make a modern-day Negro spiritual."
The next song on the sampler, titled "Hurts Like Hell," deals with the pain of ending a relationship. The song manages to feel sincere and meaningful without being overly emotional. The next song, "Summertime," seems to take a great deal of inspiration from Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." The song has a strong beat, but still manages to be sultry. It was produced by Dre & Vidal, who are best known for their work with Mary J. Blige.
Overall, Gourdin's music features both strong lyrics and good music selections that make the listener look forward to the rest of his debut album. Gourdin's "The River" will officially be released in May.
Be the first to comment on this story