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JOHN MILES' brilliant new album "Zaragon" on Decca TXS-R.126 follows his scorching UK concert performances through March & displays the maturing qualities of this multi-instrumentalist-songwriter which are currently winning massive acclaim across the Atlantic where the Miles band is now touring. "Zaragon" was recorded in America with all compositions by Miles & his guitarist Bob Marshall, with Rupert Holmes as producer. It's his 3rd LP but the 1st to feature just MILES (all vocals, guitars, keyboards & special effects) & his backing band of BOB MARSHALL (Fender Precision bass), BARRY BLACK (drums & percussion) & BRIAN CHATTON (keyboards), with no overlaid musical arrangements to detract from the electrifying guitar work & tremendous rock vocals of this exciting musician who has never allowed the tide of new wave to swamp his formidable talent.
Born 28 years ago, 23rd April, in Jarrow, John's musical education followed the usual pattern of events, piano lessons at the age of 5 (which he found boring), persuading his father to buy him a guitar whilst still at Grammar School, whereupon his interest grew & he became involved with his first semi-pro group The Influence, After leaving school he took up an apprenticeship in engraving, but his band work soon tookoverfull time. Eventually The John Miles Band, essentially soulbased, began to draw such tremendous crowds in the Midlands & the North, John decided to move to London with his bass player/co-writer Bob Marshall.
The top blew off this particular musical volcano in April '76 when his 2nd single "Music" shot to the No. 3 slot & his album "Rebel" followed it into the Top 10 Albums chart. "Stranger in the City" was his 2nd LP & by now John Miles was on sell-out tours of England, Europe & the USA with top rock stars like Elton John, Jethro Tull & the Rolling Stones.
Much of the past year was spent working on material for "Zaragon" & his Christmas warm-up tour provided a string of 'house full' signs & complimentary reviews, signifying that fans were ready & waiting for more. The SRO March tour & the very excellent "Zaragon" will satisfy & at the same time create a voracious demand for whatever comes next. "No Hard Feelings" was the 1st 45 off the album & '78 looks like being John Miles' most successful year yet!