Noel Gourdin, most known for his successful single “The River” off his first album, is currently promoting his sophomore CD titled Fresh: The Definition. The first single, “Beautiful” is now #53 on the Billboard charts.

He came to Wilmington, Delaware for a performance at Celebrations nightclub.  But, the theme of this cozy Meet and Greet would undoubtedly be about women: Women interviewers, women guests and almost all of his answers to questions asked were women-centered. I hate the word “swagger” but it’s easy to see why it’s such a hard thing to define yet so easy to spot on the person who wears it. Noel looked smooth in a cool man’s gear of jeans, t-shirt, blazer and white Converse sneakers. In person, he looks way younger than the television portrays. The personal invite for the event drew many from different industries, ranging from AccessAlex.com, GirlsNightOutEvents.com and the Urban League to name a few.

The Asnan Sushi Bar has a modish set up of wood tables and clear, plastic chairs, stainless steel barstools and hanging lights resembling sliced honeycombs. There was a nice arrangement of white rice, veggie rolls, sushi, etc., in front of a carved out section of the wall, although it made the already slender walkway even tighter. Its interior design matches its fun and quirky atmosphere on most days, but on this particular night it didn’t. The intended atmosphere was a happy hour wrapped inside a box of business-like conduct. However, this inside sort of spilled over a little too much. Initially, the VIP group was asked to remain quiet, as there would be live video recordings and even the slightest of sounds could be picked up. In an effort to follow up, people were even reminded individually to keep the noise level down. Yet, during the very first interview, and within twenty seconds of it, whispered conversations started, other patrons (not a part of the event) dropped utensils and the kitchen noisily clanged pots and dishes. Noel kept his composure, remaining the consummate gentleman his southern roots taught him to be, and created a bubble between himself and the interviewers, which nothing could interrupt.

Throughout all interviews, we learned many things about Noel Gourdin, his music and his background, but honestly, nothing much that couldn’t be Googled. He achieved surprising success with the album “After My Time”, then left the Sony/Epic label to find a home for “Fresh: The Definition” at Mass Appeal Entertainment. He loves catering his music to women because he feels there needs to be more positivity and praise blown their way. He explained the difference between being spiritual and religious when asked about the religious-like tone of some of his songs (he’s more spiritual by the way) and although his grandfather died a while ago, he’s amazed that his grandmom is still trucking along very well. I guess the only true way to know Noel intimately would be to buy his CD (link: http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Definition-Noel-Gourdin/dp/B004OCCL0C), block out any noise and really listen. Most artists (if they’re any good that is) bleed their hearts out through their work. The stories they tell (even if from imagination) are coming from their mind and their experiences. That’s the only and probably best way to understand a talented person like Noel Gourdin…but a VIP Meet and Greet doesn’t hurt either.