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

Derek has played with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion.

He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career, fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet, the funk band Protect the Beat and the Latin band Picante.

Derek has performed live, on record and on television with Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many more.

At the forefront of the British jazz movement, Derek Nash is "one of the most versatile saxophonists in the UK today" (The Guardian)

He has released 5 solo albums, 7 albums with Sax Appeal, 2 albums with Protect the Beat, 2 albums with Picante and won a British Jazz Award for the band Young Lions, Old Tigers. Albums available at www.jazzizit.Co.uk