Norbie G

About Norbie G

As a child at 5 years of age, I started singing (both solo and choir) and acting in plays at School, Church/Sunday School, and on stage in local halls. I started learning to play the guitar at age 14; and joined my first soul band as a vocalist a year later and then joined a Glam Rock/pop band, a blues band and then a student original/covers funk band (at one of Cambridge Universities) where we played at quite a number of their May Balls functions and other events. Throughout the years that followed, I took more to singing than playing the guitar as that's where my passion lies.

As a Vocalist/Frontman and guitarist; I've performed in semi-professional bands at a range of functions and venues like pubs, weddings, parties, balls, hotels, social clubs, nightclubs, universities, corporate functions, military bases, festivals, charity events. I've won singing competitions (solo, band and karaoke); done sessions (live and studio). As a songwriter, I've written several songs, and offered a publishing deal with one of them. Have attracted strong interest from record companies - strongest from Arista Records (back in the day). But my biggest highlight so far was supporting Coolio.

I have a distinctive powerful vocal sound/style (natural and falsetto). Because my voice is powerful, it's been said; you don't need a microphone with a voice like that! I can also get an audience motivated with ease! Some say; I'm like a James Brown - with the dance moves and crowd involvement (you know...like-ah, like-ah, Sex Machine); a black Tom Jones - with the waste movement and vocal power; sounds like Errol Brown - in some of the high notes; Levi Stubbs & Teddy Pendergrass - because of my gravelly voice; and Eddy Grant - I suppose because of the Caribbean accent when singing ska/reggae. But all that is debatable; because I know I have my own original distinctive vocal sound and dancing style. I've recorded in professional studios such as Chapel Studios - 'Playing Hard To Get' and 'So Much Love To Give' was recorded there.

Several years experience singing; soul/motown, disco/funk, reggae, soca, jazz, rhythm 'n' blues, rock 'n' roll and rock. I'm also experienced as an actor, supporting artist, extra & photographic modelling.

Bands I've performed in
Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals and Songwriter in Left Hand Drive - Heavy Rock/Blues/Rock’n’Roll (original/covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman and Songwriter in Omen - Melodic Rock (original band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals & Guitarist in The Mercenaries - Soul/Funk/Reggae/Soca (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in Midnite Soul - Soul/Motown (covers band).

Lead/Frontman & Backing Vocals in Groove Yard - Soul/Funk/Reggae/Soca/Pop (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in Funky Horns - Soul/Motown (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in Funk Junkies - Soul/Funk/Latin/Salsa/Soca (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in J'funk - Soul/Funk/Latin/Salsa/Soca (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in The Soul Corporation - Soul (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman, Backing Vocals in The Blues Blah Brothers - Soul/R'n'B (covers band).

Lead Vocals/Frontman in The Rocksteady Allstars - Rocksteady/Ska/Reggae (covers band).

Some influences:
James Brown, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Teddy Pendergrass, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, BB King, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Parliament/Funkadelic, Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cameo, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Sly and the Family Stone, The Rolling Stones - to name but a few.


Testimonial
Comments from members of the audience:
"You don't need a Microphone with a voice like that!"
"You're like James Brown and a black Tom Jones!"
"Why aren't you doing this for a living?"
"I looked at your stuff you've got a real talent there! Very impressive."

Comments from colleagues of a previous band:
"With a voice and talent like yours, you should be singing all the time!"
"Great singer/performer; I'll work with you anytime!"

Feedback from Producer/Engineer:
YOU REALLY DO HAVE A GOOD VOICE. HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED PERUSING A SOLO DEAL?
KIND REGARDS
PETE

hi Norby
thannx 4 the track - it sounds very accomplished. u have a fine tuneful voice, definitely. How was it produced?
Stipo

Comments from Bandleader:
Hi Norby,
No question you've got a great soulful voice and keep writing those tracks, there's a lot of potential in them! Unfortunately, we're going to have to bank you for now at least as we have gone for a majority vote on a female for this project but if we get a chance to do something with a male vocalist we'll be in touch in the new year.
Have a great Xmas and new year and let us know when you’re gigging around Cambridgeshire.

Take care and kind regards, Pep Serrano

Comment from Karen Webster band member/saxophonist:
Hi Norbi!
You were awesome at Hitchin Rugby club this afternoon! it's a real pleasure to play with someone who has such style and rapport with the audience....it felt brilliant, loved it!

You totally owned it! You really are a Soul Man, Norby!

love Karen xxx

Hi all
What a great gig! Really enjoyed it, and the crowd seemed to as well. Everybody played and sang really well, and Norby, on his first gig with us, proved that he really is the "Soul Man"!

If every gig is as much fun as that was, this band is going to have a blast.

Ian Dunsmore