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| New Orleans Piano meets Soul and Rock to create timeless songs In the tradition of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Billy Preston, Elton John, and Billy Joel comes Noah who combines New Orleans funky piano mixed with classic Soul and Rock to create a collection of soon-to-be timeless songs. The brand new 5 song EP- Long Time Comin' is Noah's first release as a solo artist and features the legendary Dr. John's band and was produced by Tracey Freeman (producer for Harry Connick, Jr.) Recorded in New Orleans post-Katrina, Noah was one of the first artists to record at Piety Street Studios - the only surviving major studio from Hurricane Katrina. Noah's songs serve as a reminder that positive, inspirational lyrics coupled with soulful melodies and heavy gospel-influenced piano is a classic combination that easily stands the test of time. Dr. John provided his band for the sessions and was Noah's mentor for many years. The influence of Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, The Band and Van Morisson can be heard in Noah's music but he truly is an original artist. His energetic live shows feature his incredible virtuosity at the piano and his "give it everything you got" soulful vocals are extremely rare to see in such a young artist. Recently having performed at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and going on tour this summer, Noah will surely blow you away. Timeless sounding and on the verge of stardom- there has not been an artist like Noah to come around in a long time and once you hear him you will see why he is one of the freshest and most talented Piano Player/ Singer-Songwriters to hit the music scene in years. LONG TIME COMIN' EP SONGS "The Answer" is a heavily gospel-influenced song with its poignant lyrics that speak to all of us "Along the way we all struggle.. gotta find the strength to carry on.. Reach out in times of trouble and you will find the answer to this song " Check out Noah's amazing piano solo that seems to transcend traditional syncopation in a wonderfully wobbly approach to piano-playing that calls to mind the late James Booker who is Noah's favorite piano player of all time. The song is in the tradition of "The Weight" by the Band and is sure to be a hit. "I Can Be" is a testament to self-belief and features a seriously slow brewin' New Orleans groove found only in the Deep South that combines the Iko-Iko beat and Meters-style funk into a pop song. Herman Ernest- the drummer who played on Lady Marmalade once again comes up with a groove that defines Funk. Dr. John's band delivers one of tightest grooves on record and Noah's vocal delivery is smooth and soulful. With its opening unison funk line, the song immediately settles into the groove and then hits you in the face with the clever catchy hook "I can be what I want.. I can be what I want to be.. I can be anything.. Your lover or your enemy"... Careful listen to the end of the song and you hear the guys in the band saying "That's fonky!" Yes, Indeed. "The Harder They Come" is a fresh take on Jimmy Cliff's 1972 hit single from the movie "The Harder They Come". Completely redone with a heavy New Orleans funk groove and a heavy-rhythmic piano style ala Billy Preston, this track has a feel-good vibe and features an amazing piano solo by Noah that is unlike anything you've ever heard. Simple and straight to the point, if you are going to remake a song- this is how it should be done. Long Time Comin' also features two amazing solo live performances recorded while on tour earlier this year. "It Ain't Easy" is another soon-to-be-smash-hit single destined to populate the airwaves. This song performed with just a piano and a microphone calls to mind classic hits of the 60's like Joe Cocker's version of "With A Little Help From My Friends " and Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman " One listen to this song and you can guess what it's going to sound like when the studio version comes out. The performance is so strong with Noah playing authentic Gospel piano and an incredibly soulful vocal performance that you almost think that there is a band behind him. A story of trying to make a relationship work with lyrics such as " I find myself crying one tear at a time.. I find myself drowning one tear at a time" hit you right it counts- deep in your soul. "The Answer" a solo piano and vocal version that demonstrates Noah's ability to play the piano so that it sounds like there is a full band backing him up. Rarely do piano players ever play and sing with such conviction and soul and seeing it in such a young artist is a sign of things to come. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |