THE SONGS
Rosie's on her Way
I wrote this song when I was living in London in 2009.
It's about my daughter, Rosie and the moment that she finally spread her wings and found true independence in the city.
French Exchange
I was living close to Dartmoor when I began composing a piece of music inspired by the landscape. Eventually it became the title track to my album, with subtle references to my life in rural Normandy.
Long Lost Friend
I began Long Lost Friend in London and eventually recorded it at home in France, two years later with my friend Guiohm Deruffi, on guitars.
It is an homage to all those loved ones that have been left behind but never forgotten.
Twelve of the fourteen songs on my album "French Exchange" are originals, written and arranged solely by me.
"Lost" was co-written with Tom Unwin and Stig Olson. As well as working on the overall arrangement, I wrote the lyrics and melody after initially being given a chord sequence and a recorded heartbeat of Tom's baby daughter in the womb. The song's original title was "Heartsea".
"I'll Take Care of You" by Brook Benton was arranged and recorded by me as an a cappella song in an afternoon.
I sing all the backing vocals on the album under the pseudonym, Lady Ruperta Chippington-Groyne; a nickname I was given on a gig by the bass player Fraser Weekes.
Each song tells a different tale, drawing upon personal experiences, people I've met or my thoughts on life. Here are some insights into some of the songs...
Original songs by Noelle Rollings, an independent musician, singer songwriter and jazz vocalist and improviser.
Released on Eric le Chat Records for Noelle Rollings Music in 2015.
El Toro
El Toro was the last song I wrote and recorded just before I finished the album.
I'd promised my son, Ben I'd write an upbeat song about him and the concept of the bull, with it's strength and energy seemed to sum up much of his character.
Boy When You Love
A song of innocence, first love and infidelity.
Based on real and heartbreaking events that I witnessed from the sidelines but couldn't prevent.
Circles
I began writing Circles from that initial guitar melody. It felt trance-like and as I played it, I pictured a man on Hampstead Heath talking out loud to no-one in particular.
The song explores loneliness and the rise of mental health issues in modern Britain, where I feel people are becoming more insular and less rooted in communities.