John's only official LP was Kid In A Big World in 1974, recorded at Abbey Road and produced by Shadows founder Tony Meehan, released by CBS as 'the next big thing'. Following singles produced by Biddu and Trevor Horn (the latter's first ever commercial productions), his last single release was in 1984, since when he worked in the music business, in A & R and marketing, leaving in 2001. His recording days long gone - or so he thought.

However, with the recent release by RPM Records of John's 1970s output over three albums, there is a new audience for his music, and fans of all ages are coming to see John perform on stage again, reacting just as positively to his new material as songs from Kid In A Big World, Technicolour Biography or Can You Hear Me OK?

John put his toe in the water of creativity earlier this year when he collaborated on writing the music and recording 14 new songs with Manchester poet/lyricist Robert Cochrane. The resultant album, The Dangerous Hours, showed John's flair for a good melody had not left him. But had he still got the lyrical touch fans of his earlier material enjoyed so much?

As I Was Saying proves once and for all that he has not lost any of that flair. John has written both the words and music of all but one track on this 11-song album, and it heralds his return to songwriting proper and an exciting time ahead.

The first commercial release of an album featuring John Howard's words and music for thirty years, As I Was Saying was recorded in John's now native Pembrokeshire, with the fine musicianship of bassist Phil King (Lush, the Jesus & Mary Chain ) and guitarist Andre Barreau (The Bootleg Beatles, Robbie Williams). Phil and Andre have performed on stage with John for over a year now and it made sense for them to work together in the studios as well.

"We wanted to recreate the fantastic vibe we get on stage together," says John. "So we recorded this album live in the studio, adding just a few vocal, percussion and instrumental overdubs once the basic tracks were down."

Check out John's releases on RPM

Taking It All To Heart / The Dilemma Of The Homosapien / Lonely Again (Brenda's Song) / Oh, Do Give It A Rest, Love / Dear Glitterheart* (Twig The Wonder Kid Mix) / Away In A Manger/Magic Of The Mystery / These Fifty Years / Sanctuary's Sojourn / A Kind Of Aching / Life Is Never The Way We Want It To Be / The Time Of Day