Illuminating Jazz Duo Noel & Maria as they bring Soul, Style, and Spirit to Charlotte

About Me – Noel & Maria

AS AN ACTOR, Maria Howell began her career as the choir soloist in the Oscar Nominated “The Color Purple”, and has since appeared in hit TV shows such as Lifetime’s, “Army Wives”, Marc Cherry’s, “Devious Maids”, Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams’ apocalyptic, “Revolution”, and “Aquarius”, starring X-Files’ David Duchovny, both on NBC. She also guest starred on CBS’s “Criminal Minds” and “The Resident“. Maria recurred in Bounce TV’s, “Saints & Sinners” for 3 seasons as Lt. Hawkins. Some theatrical credits include,“The Blind Side”, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (Seeder),” Christmas Wedding Baby”, (Miranda) by Award-Winning Writer/Director Kiara C. Jones, Ms. Sumner in the Oscar nominated, “Hidden Figures”, Hallmark’s Hall of Fame “A Christmas Love Story”, starring Kristin Chenoweth, Hallmark’s Mahogany Movie “To Her, With Love” , and “Summer Camp”, starring Alfre Woodard, Kathy Bates, and Diane Keaton.

A SONG STYLIST in her own right, Maria has shared the musical stage with such legendary artists as Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Ray Charles and Earl Klugh. After a very successful 6 year stint in Asia, Maria relocated back to the U.S. and performed at Sambuca Jazz Café for 9 consecutive years–2002 to its closing in December 2010. She and pianist Bill Wilson (son of legendary jazz pianist Teddy Wilson), held the distinction of being the longest running act at the Atlanta location. Since then, she resides bi- coastal, performing at well known jazz/supper clubs and festivals across the U.S.

AS A VOICEOVER ARTIST, Maria lends her voice to numerous TV and radio commercials, animation, video games, and audiobook narrations, and was the voice of Turner Classic Movies for several years.

Noel Freidline – pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger & educator

Noel Freidline has been the leader of his own group since 1991, recording 9 albums, and performing at numerous jazz festivals, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Bethlehem Musikfest, and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He and his band spent three years as a house band at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Noel is also the Artistic Director of several concert series, including Baker and Baker Presents at the Columbia (SC) Musuem of Art; Noel Freidline and Friends Jazz Series in Jacksonville, FL; and the NorthStone Music Series, Cornelius, NC. Freidline and his band are considered the signature band at the internationally recognized Jazz Corner, Hilton Head, SC.

Noel was named Best Jazz Musician by Charlotte Magazine, named Best Musical Director by the Metrolina Theatre Association of the Carolinas, and chosen for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Association Center Stage Award. In May, 2015 Freidline was inducted into the Jacksonville Jazz Hall of Fame.

Noel has performed with Nnenna Freelon, Frederic Yonnet (Stevie Wonder, Dave Chappelle), Dee Daniels, Terry Thornton and lyricist Tim Rice (“Evita” “The Lion King”). Freidline 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 played keys for a diverse number of touring Broadway shows, including “Jersey Boys,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Bring It On,” “Dream Girls,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “White Christmas,” “Les Miserable,” “Wicked,” and “Beautiful”.

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. Noel’s teaching experience includes 15 years at UNC Charlotte as well as 12 years at Davidson Day School.

Holiday Concerts: Links to show details

Dec. 7th – Booth Playhouse, Charlotte, NC

Dec. 12th – Dowd Center Theatre, Monroe, NC

Dec. 13th – Lancaster Cultural Arts Center, Lancaster, SC