Noel Freidline

Noel Freidline – pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, raconteur, & entertainer

Noel Freidline is a 1991 graduate of the University of North Florida, BA in Music (magna cum laude). A pianist, vocalist, writer and arranger, Noel has been the leader of his own group since 1991.

As the leader of the Noel Freidline Quintet for the last 27 years, Freidline has recorded 8 CDs, performed at jazz festivals as diverse as the Jacksonville (FL) Jazz Festival to the Bethlehem Musikfest to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, held down a three-year house band position at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and performed for actress Julia Roberts’ surprise 35th birthday party.

In February of 2018, Noel released his eighth album, “Old Devil Moon,” a collaboration with actress/vocalist Maria Howell. August, 2019 Freidline and Howell released “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” a single under “Noel & Maria,” their new collaborative moniker.

Noel was named Best Jazz Musician by Charlotte Magazine in 2006 and in 2009 and was named “Best Musical Director” by the Metrolina Theatre Association of the Carolinas. A dilettante of pop culture, Noel has become a popular lecturer for theatres and museums, creating and presenting multi-media presentations on everything from Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons to Mel Brooks. In 2011 Freidline was chosen for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Association (Charlotte, NC) Center Stage Award in recognition of his excellence in service to the arts. In May, 2015 Freidline was inducted into the Jacksonville Jazz Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work with the NFQ, Noel performs regularly with the Charlotte Symphony, both as a featured artist and ensemble member. Noel also performs regularly with touring Broadway shows, most recently “Jersey Boys,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Bring It On,” “Dream Girls,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “White Christmas,” “Les Miserable,” “Wicked,” and “Beautiful” and as Assistant Music Director for “First Date.” With the NFQ Noel has opened for such diverse artists as Tony Bennett, saxophonist David Sanborn, Kenny G, Rosemary Clooney, pianist Dave Brubeck, vocalist Layla Hathaway, jazz legend Roy Ayers, and vocalist Jennifer Holliday. Noel has performed with such diverse artists as Nnenna Freelon, Frederic Yonnet (Stevie Wonder, Dave Chappelle), Terry Thornton, and lyricist Tim Rice (“Evita” “The Lion King”).

Noel has been a Lecturer in Music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte since 2006, teaching such diverse subjects as music business, the history of rock music, jazz arranging, music theory and ear training, and directing the UNCC jazz combo’s and vocal jazz ensemble.

In August of 2012 Freidline created a contemporary music program at Davidson Day School, Davidson, NC. Focusing on teaching contemporary music styles, this is one of three programs like it in the state of North Carolina.

Noel is also currently the bandleader at Providence Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC.

As a composer and arranger, Noel has written and recorded music for ESPN, ABC and the Walt Disney Company, with his most recent work being featured on Monday Night Football, the NBA All-Star Game, and SportCenter.

A native of Clearwater, KS, Noel has resided in Charlotte, NC with his family since 2003.