Jacqui Noble

Interview 14 November 2006

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Tell me about yourself, where you are from, your family: I was born in Langdale, Alabama, but lived in Northern Virginia all my life until moving to Atlanta about 8 years ago. I have two brothers and a sister. We are all one year apart. In fact, we overlap in ages during our birthdays. We have the same initials and we’re all Pisces, but, of course, we are very different.

What’s your background and how did you get into music and where you are now? I started, like most, singing in the choir when I was nine (9). I didn’t really think about creating a CD or doing it for a living, I just enjoyed it. I was trained in classical music and actually just wanted to be a voice teacher on the side, but everyone kept telling me that I had a very powerful voice and should be singing in front of an audience, so I started singing at weddings and pool parties and then ended up singing with different bands and getting paid for it. I continued gigging with bands and was asked all the time whether I had a CD they could buy. The answer was always no. Years later, I wanted to go to another level with my music and the next step was creating a CD.

Tell me about the album, Releasing Expressions – is it your first album? Yes, this is my first CD. Releasing Expressions is a compilation of songs that everyone can relate to, being that it deals with experiences of the heart. It’s a twist of R&B with live Jazz and a taste of Neo Soul.

It’s been out a while now – how’s it going down, what tracks getting attention? It’s going quite well! There are three tracks that are getting most of the attention: You Said, Do You Know What You Want From Me and In Love Alone.

And in the UK and worldwide? It’s doing very well in the UK. It is in twenty-four (24) countries and thirteen (13) states. It’s being sold on nine (9) major internet distribution sites and twenty-three (23) digital distribution sites.

Are you pleased with how it finished up? Yes, I’m very pleased, although I am my worst critic. I think we all go through thinking we could always do things better or differently, changing this or changing that.

Tell me about how you put together the album – you wrote the songs? I wrote all the songs and collaborated with my producer, Ken Gregory. I wanted everything live, no synthesized instruments and he gave me exactly what I wanted. There are 12 live instruments on my CD.

How long did it take from inception to street? It took seven (7) months.

What does the album reflect in your life? It’s a reflection of past experiences that I’ve gone through and experiences we’ve all gone through, if you’ve lived a little.

Which are your favourites? You Said, One Day, Do You Know What You Want From Me and In Love Alone.

Who were the key people in helping you put the album together, other than yourself! William Graham, who is the V.P. of Operations for Noble Notes Entertainment and Ken Gregory, my producer.

Who are your influences both in writing and otherwise? My influences are Phyllis Hyman, Gladys Knight, Miki Howard, Chaka Khan, and Maysa Leak, just to name a few.

And what inspires you? My inspiration changes daily. Knowing that my gift is God given and I’m supposed to use it is a huge inspiration for me. The conversations I have with my family and friends inspire me and just enjoying a beautiful sunny day where the clouds are barely moving across the sky and you feel just a slight breeze blowing across your face inspires me, especially when there is absolutely no humidity.

What have you done before? I’ve performed as a solo artist and with many different R&B bands.

Are you full time in music? This is my goal.

Are you working on a follow up and if so when can we expect it? Yes, I am working on my 2^nd CD, which I’m hoping to be released by next Summer 2007.

Are you doing much live work at the moment, what’s happening? I have two upcoming live performances before the year ends. One on Dec. 9^th and Dec. 23^rd. Current promotional activities and requests are leading me to believe that 2007 will be a very, very busy year.

Tell me about your show. I have six fantastic musicians who really know how to work the crowd and two background singers that show no mercy when it comes to harmonizing. My show is exciting, motivating and always ends up with the audience singing my songs and getting out of their seats to dance. This is a good thing.

Are you strongly independent or are you looking for a deal? I like being independent. If a deal came along, I would have to weigh the pro’s and con’s and see how much of me would be taken away.

Where do you see yourself in the marketplace? I really don’t know right now. I’m just enjoying where I am today.

Who out there right now do you like? Yolanda Adams and Heather Headley.

What other things do you like to do? I enjoy cooking, playing pictionary and entertaining with friends at my house. I like to walk, play volleyball and racquetball. Last but not least, I like watching Lifetime Television.

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