Album Notes

The Noel Prior Band are from Cornwall in the southwest of the UK. They blend a mixture of jazz, folk, blues and pop to create a wonderful, sun-tinged sound. Influences stem from the likes of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Robert Johnson, Earl Scruggs, Micah P Hinson, Jim Noir and Gomez to name a few. The first album 'Outside In' was a solo record created by Noel and a live set was built around the album. One year on, many shows and rehearsals later and 'Hazards' has been created; a joined effort by all members of the band. ‘Hazards’ takes the original acoustic vibe of the first album and lifts it to a new plateau by merging a delightful blend of many different genres whilst still maintaining a focused 'pop' edge.

"This is Noel's most assured release yet (following two solo albums). Songs like String Beam meld Beatles harmonies to fluid Django Rheinhadt-type jazz guitar. It's an unusual mix of styles but works well. It would only take a lucky break and radio play to see the likes of Fragile into the charts. Elsewhere on the album there are nods to the sun-blissed songs of Crosby Steels & Nash and even Appalachian folk – all with a McCartney-esque ear for a pop melody." Lee Trewhela