NOEL GOURDIN - IM READY
Ever since Noel Gourdin burst onto the scene with a classic piece of classic soul called “The River,” his brand has been to plant the flag for bringing the virtues of old school R&B into the new generation.
Gourdin has continued finding ways to meld those classic virtues of powerful, emotional, honest and well-phrased vocals with elements of contemporary R&B arrangements to meld his distinct place in a music industry. When Gourdin sings, the public listens. That’s saying something in an era where the prevailing sound in R&B often places pressure on singers to remove the blues from their rhythm.
Gourdin has never played that game, and he does not play that game on “You (I’m Ready), his latest singer. Aimed directly at the steppers set, “You (I’m Ready) finds Gourdin singing from the standpoint of a man who is ready to settle down with that one special person and acknowledge that the search is over.
These lyrics are not directed toward any specific woman. Rather, Gourdin uses his husky baritone to put up a flare in hopes of connecting with the one who he can build a life with. From an arrangement standpoint, “You (I’m Ready) is as classic as the sentiments expressed in the song’s lyrics. The tune is a mashup of electric, gospel influenced organs, bluesy guitar riffs that ride along a solid foundation erected by the drums.
Gourdin’s background tells a story of a performer who applied the musical lessons that he learned along the way. Born in Brockton, Mass, Gourdin grew up singing in the church, but he was also exposed to the music played in his house and in the streets, ranging from Otis Redding to Guy. Gourdin also spent time visiting his grandparents in Pachuta, Mississippi, where he was exposed to and developed the love for blues music and blues storytelling that can be heard in “The River.” Check out Noel Gourdin’s “You (I’m Ready) here.