Noel’s career began in the 1970s with the highly acclaimed band Moon, with whom he recorded two albums for Epic Records. When Moon disbanded in 1976, Noel released a solo album, ‘Night Time Emotion’ produced by Trevor Rabin. Shortly after, he toured America with Sniff and the Tears, where his voice became integral on the hit single, ‘Driver’s Seat’.
In the early 80s, Noel formed his own band (Contact, latterly renamed McCalla) with whom he released two albums ‘Push and Pull’ and ‘Got From the Smoke’.
It was Noel’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band that earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers”(Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel's searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann's 'Earth Band'. He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford's highly acclaimed album, 'Smallcreep's Day', and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.
In 2022, Noel released a new solo CD 'Count All Your Blessings' on Jazzizit Records Order CD