British guitarist analyses Al Stewart live in 1976 with 'Year of the Cat'!
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- Tonight I'm taking a look at Al Stewart and band on the Old Grey Whistle Test back in 1976!
Original video - • The Year Of The Cat-Li...
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This has to be one of the most beautiful songs written.
Agree 100% ❤
true
A beautiful song that stands the test of time. 🙂
Have to include Roads to Moscow. Its another gem
I never get tired listening to it, sometimes 5 or 6 times in row, the musicians are so tuned in together
"She comes out of the sun
In a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain" Pure poetry. Still one of my favorite songs.
my favourite line!
Phil, if a movie is ever made documenting Al Stewart's life, you Sir should be given the lead role without question.
That's a great idea!!
Yes Phil would be perfect.
I was just noticing how much they look alike!
Only Phil is better looking
Well said! 🎸
A TRUE classic must be 50 years old now but never loses its charm an brilliance - I'm 66 now and have been listening to this song ever since it was released and will do so for the rest of my days ❤
Same for me !
This is one of my favorite songs. It truly is a timeless masterpiece.
Strange the host has an Aerosmith t shirt on as we listen to this. Ad I wanted to ask Phil on his impressions of Al's guitar players over the years. He may have been in a hurry this AM.
I've heard this song for 45 years and I still get a shiver up my spine when the sax comes in at the end of the instrumental break. A sublime piece of music.
👏👏👏...😍
Exactly. I always stop to listen.
I was 19 when the song came out, now I'm 65 years old and I never realized how much I really love this song until now! Makes me want to cry 😢
Me too! Teary eyed in Philadelphia 😢
Same here, one of the best albums of all times and yes, Alan Parsons had something to do with it, "On the Border" is one of my other favorites
Very nostalgic 😢 makes me miss my youth. I was 16
im about to turn 64...amd im balling my eyes out...with joy may i add...
I’m just slightly younger then you I was about 15 and I loved this album on the border was great also and time passages oh I want to cry now also
This song really is a masterpiece of composition and production.
Love Al Stewart and the musicians in the band. A musical masterpiece. As always great perspective!
Unusually soft and instantly recognisable voice and lends well to the storytelling with a wealth of historical references. Enjoyed all the tracks on the album from when i bought it as teenager in 76
Mad props to Al Stewart, but also Alan Parsons who was his producer at the time.
Geez, you just don’t want it to end. Everyone in the band is just killing it.
Killer sax which always brings tears to my eyes. Really enjoyed this review, Fil.
Al Stewart is great troubadour, a great story teller .
I wore this album out. It never gets old. Al Stewart does not get enough respect.
Totally agree!
Very true! He is one of the most underrated lyricists of the second half of the last century. One of my all-time favorite artists.
@Martin 5559 1976
The year of the cat -1975 (vietnam)
Probably doesn’t get as much attention as his music is far more complicated and intelligent than the average rock band. Artists like this used to be known as a thinking man’s band” .
Probably one of the most beautifully haunting ballads ever written. I have never grown tired of it.
Me too !
Melodic, haunting beautiful, musical and poetic perfection. I just want to drift away!
It draws me in and hypnotizes me.
Al Stewart really is in a class all of his own. He artfully weaves a complex tapestry of instrumentals and vocals here and the result is just stunningly beautiful. Imagine hearing that live back in his heyday, wow!
I was 20 when that came out,,,, this song is still a masterpiece that holds up today
I've always loved this song, particularly the solo section. It's really 4 solos in succession, by 4 different instruments-- strings, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, saxophone. (As others note, Al plays the acoustic solo on his electric in this performance, and it looks like the "strings" were played here using a synthesizer). Each solo is completely different, and each one is excellent. I can't think of another hit song with 4 successive unique solos by 4 different instruments in it! But it works seamlessly, what an amazing composition.
Yes, aren't the transitions great?! It's actual composition. ;)
Only Al Stewart could have a major hit mentioning Peter Lorrre and patchouli in the lyrics.
jporter504 he was very historical eh!
@@Newzchspy I was probably 8 when this came out was on the turntable alot w/ my Dad was still around. If you would be so kind as to explain historically, if you have a minute
Reminds me of how sting would add things like that in radio pop songs before Google was around.
s g likely, yes........
And a clever rhyme for patchouli as well
I remember hearing this track for the 1st time, I was in a car going to one of those parties one went to in the 70's - and my friend and I looked at each other, we stayed in the car until it had finished, what a splendid song/production!
@Michael Gorman The first time I heard Year of the Cat I went to a record store and bought the album .
Recorded the album to a high quality music cassette. TKD or Maxell. I still think his work is beautiful today.
To me it is as musically perfect as Steely Dan Aja.
@@Pink_Freud_Obscured_By_Crowds Agreed, Lord Grenville such a sad story
Those parties sound like fun.
Nice one Michael. We all have a few of those 'first time' hearings eh! The younger mind is such a blank canvas. Cheers and all the best 👍
Was a joint involved?
Beautiful,and Fil and Al are twins.❣
As a 66 year old who was able to make a living in music, can I respectfully say that I’m overjoyed that you kids are getting off on this. It’s all we ever wanted.
this song is responsible for thousands of kids being created...
Who is the saxophonist, if you know? PleaseNThankYou
@@PleaseNThankYou I would hazard a guess that it’s Ralf Ravenscroft.
@@cyclesgoff9768 I'm just now seeing your response. One month later... very unusual, since I'm on here daily. Thank you for the information. I'll look up Ravenscroft now!
@@PleaseNThankYou Phil Kenzie
This is just awesome! Ive always admired a band who can pull off their tunes in concert as good or even better than recorded. These guys are very polished!
No doubt about it. And it was produced by Alan Parsons who up until Covid was touring all over the world and the band was incredible live. As a huge Parsons and Stewart fan it is fun to hear the Parsons influence all over this album. Its just wonderful!
I just watched the original video and saw your thumbnail right below, so I'm watching it again as I love your channel too! This has to be the smoothest soft rock song ever written or at least in the top 5, everyone gets a chance to shine, but no one over does it, sax, guitar solo, piano, vocals, excellent composition, everything you want in a great song. Note also the F-hole in Al's Tele, pretty rare! I have 2 Tele's and several Strat's and no F-holes in any of them. "You know some time you're bound to lose her, but for now you're gonna stay". It just doesn't get any better than that.
I remember when my older brother bought this album. We sat in silence listening to it. When the guitar solo transitioned to saxophone it gave me chills. Can still remember it today. Thanks Fil!
I was just listening to this and Time Passages another good song ❤❤
Little known fact is that Al really disliked Time Passages for some reason. I believe he called it " elevator music."
One of my Dad's favs along w/ Billy Joel because of they're raw on the spot talent. The ppl that could walk in your house and and just shred yer piano or guitar on the spot think I was 5 when I remember this record on turntable a lot. Dad was a great musician sure miss him. ✌️
@@jimgz I was listening to Al and Bruce Hornsby..you know..that's just the way it is😊
Anyone who loves Al Stewart must listen to Rhymes in Rooms !!!! Its my favorite cd in my collection
Both bring back memories...
A Chinese restaurant in Eugene, Oregon. Next to the hospital, no longer there. 77, 78, 79...and this damn song was on seemingly every time we went to eat there. It was Magic.
One of the best "easy listening" hits ever in the charts. Transports one right back to 1976 from the first notes of the intro. Thanks Fil.
Fil, great analysis. This is one of my all time favorite songs. I was 21 when this album was released in 1976. I'm so glad I grew up during the 60s and 70s with all the great music created by top artists and great musicians.
Me3!
Don't forget the Jefferson Starships. "They're horrible and hard to kill" - Dean Winchester - monster hunter.
In 76' I was 19. A great, great time to be a music lover. You never know what you have till times change.
As was I David. I love this song. It instantly takes me back to my college days... this was often on in the commons as I prepared for my chemistry class. I always had to stop and listen to it all the way through. It seemed like everyone did. It's a masterpiece.
David Dixon, I had just turned 18, and I feel so very blessed to have been pretty much front row to every single band that played thru Seattle, from 1974-1982. Bruce Springsteen brought his E Street Band to The Paramount in the early ‘70s. I stood right next to the stage and grabbed hold of “The Big Man’s” trouser leg🤣. It was an incredible time for musicians and for their audiences. The atmosphere was like family, just some guys playing tunes for their best friends❤️👌
I BELIEVE THAT AL STEWART IS AN UNDER RATED MUSICIAN AND, SHOULD GET MORE CREDIT FOR HIS WORK.LOVE THAT SAXIPHONE PLAYING.
If the world had better music taste he wouldn't be underrated!
Saw him in concert in 1977. His lyrics were always interesting. Loved ‘Roads to Moscow’. Such a wonderful and sad song. Once again, great analysis. You sir are true music historian.
Thanks!
One of the most beautiful instrumental breaks ever. First there is the lush orchestral string arrangement that creates a lovely romantic feeling. Followed by the crispness of the acoustic guitar with its amazing counter melody. Then the Strat comes in which increases the intensity and creates a mini climax. But then Phil Kenzie’s sax comes in and it completely takes it over the top to another level and bookends the solos with more romantic sentiments like the strings and nicely winds down the instrumental break.
I find this song very visually beautiful. You can imagine the lyrics coming to life and the music is so vibrant I love this song one of my best..
Phil, You should play Al Stewart in the film bio of his life. You could pull off all elements I bet!
I agree 100%!!
I was thinking the same thing! He looks like a young Al for sure. Al Stewart looks like an old man now - as one would expect after 40 odd years and losing his famous hair - but his voice has NOT changed! Amazing
Saw Al recently and his voice has held up very well. In fact if you close your eyes you would think it was the younger man up there. He’s still touring all over the place. A true troubadour.
Thought exactly that !
I’m so glad others agree, the moment Al came on screen I nearly gasped! They could be father and son!
Al just paints a detailed picture with his words and verse. Beautifully crafted poetry. I love his weaving of history and pop music together. Gifted artist.
I used to think I was the only one who appreciated this song and all of its nuances because I rarely heard anyone mention it. What a bubble I lived in. Reading the comments, so many love and respect the artistry of Al Stewart and this beautiful story in song. It’s been my favorite since it came out and no song has ever replaced it. Musical perfection.
I had forgotten this great song. The lyrics are so intelligent and creative. Good choice of someone to review.
This song imprinted on me like a mother bird on a chick. I remember it like my life.
@@YorickWell me too man, me too !!!
I was 22 when this came out. Always loved his voice and music.
I was 14
Al himself told me after one of his shows--he's famous for hanging around and talking to fans--that the solo sequence is their night of love-making. Peter White's organ is the build up, Al's acoustic solo is the foreplay, the electric solo builds to the climax, and the sax is the afterglow. The solos are introduced by the lyric, "So you take her, to find what's waiting inside..." and lead to the lyric, "When morning comes..." It's almost impossible to listen to this song the same way once you know that. It really is beautifully done.
I've loved this song for all these many years, and listened to it however many hundreds of times, and this is a new revelation - thank you!
great great band i enjoyed growing up in the 60,s and 70,s
one of the most beautiful & evocative songs i've ever heard.
I met the acoustic guitarist on the hit track, Peter White. He is making a living traveling the world as a smooth jazz star. I drove for him during his stay here. He is a super nice guy full of 60s-70s London knowledge. '
The Old Grey Whistle Test was a such a great showcase for all the great bands...and this was one of them! thanks again Fil! ☮️
Another great reaction. One of my favorite songs. Reminds me of a lady I knew.
This song is complete to me from all angles. Everything flows emotionally and I become creative . I am inspired so much by this . What a beautiful song .
I confess, I play this song nearly every day. Have been since it emerged. Now-In my mid seventies, my chickens actually come running when I play this song on my outdoor speaker, it’s on my chore -music mix and the hens know I’ll be dancing up to them and feed them. Lol.
Great analysis of a superb song. Glad you mentioned "historical figures" as two of his greatest songs (imv) tend to be overlooked: A Man For All Seasons and Palace of Versailles.
I’ll never forget seeing Al Stewart in 1976 at a small club at a university. It was absolutely amazing.
Love love love this Old Grey Whistle Test live version. Great analysis. Thank you.
When I saw this come up on my YT feed, I was a little startled. My Mom loved that song. Mom died 2 weeks ago and we played that song at her funeral. What are the odds that Fil would do an analysis on this song? I’m taking it as a message from Mom that she is okay, listening to music she loves.
Al is one of the most underrated artists ever. Loads of fantastic songs. Been one of my favourites since first seeing him in the folk club at the university of Kent in 67/68. Can’t remember which as it was the sixties!
Song on the Radio, and Roads to Moscow are a couple lesser known Al Stewart tunes that are really good as well.
He sounds so good here in this video...!
Nick time passages! 👍
@@collarbutton Absolutely..! I love it.
Also "On The Border" with Peter White on acoustic guitar.
@@falcon5467 Another great one...!
I'm with you on those 2 songs along with "on the border". Turn on the light is a nice change for him as well. Shows his rock side.
I was lucky enough to see him live, absolutely fabulous 💚
Thank you, Fil, for your take on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat." Al was (is) a painter of detailed masterpieces. Not with paint and brush, but with wonderfully detailed lyrics and music. I've listened to his music so much, that after listening to just a few of the beginning notes, I begin to visualise the intricate scenes that his crystal-clear vocals describes. Al is one of my all-time music heroes. I believe he studied guitar under the same teacher as Greg Lake and Robert Fripp. But, I'm not certain. Peace and Love!!
If anyone asks me what my favourite song is, this always comes to mind. Everything about this song is a feast -- visually beautiful lyrics, lush instrumentation, brilliant production by THE Alan Parsons. Just wonderful. I can never tire of listening to this.
Fil should be a Professor of music--knows so damn much.
This songs brings back such memories, thanks for covering it 🥰
Ever hear of The Midnight Special? It was a television show in the USA that ran mostly in the 1970's. Lots of live classics to enjoy there..
Loved the Midnight Special..never knew what kind of musicians would perform
@@ozarkhowler6050 Uncle Ted was on one of the episodes..cool..I've might of watched that one..sure can't remember
I loved that show and remember waiting all week to watch it!👍😎🎸🎶
Yeah that was a cool show!
Wolfman Jack.
Wow. Real music and real musicians. What a concept. Great choice. Thank you.
What a storyteller and historian. Al's music always haunting and beautiful.
The piano intro is so unforgettable. Great song and performance. I wore this album out back in the day. Great analysis and breakdown of the musicality, production and history of this song. SPOT ON! 🎼🎸🤘💖
This video was so good I watched it twice!
That's amazing how much knowledge you have about Al! I'm impressed man. Thanks!
The songs Year of the Cat and Time Passages always brings me back to 1976 77 and 78. Love those memories.
Just saw him tonight (Nov. 2024) in Grand Prairie, TX and he just transported me back to the 70’s! He is 79 now but has the enthusiasm of a 20 year old. His way of storytelling put to great music is almost unmatched. Thanks for sharing this great song!
Al is definitely one of its kind. Nobody ever did something similar to this heavenly dream song. Fil. Love your sensitivity. You provide so much of important details and info I am swallowing every single word you say! My order from you is an analysis for 10cc band and Grahm Gouldman please...
Al Stewart's music was in the background of my life when I was growing up. And this time period was magical. The music is unforgettable. And this amazing music was being played on the radio. And wow. It meant something enormous in my spirit then and still to this day.
One of my favorites of the 70's. The Year of The Cat is one of those songs I connect with certain memories of the past. It's funny how songs can take you back in time to memories of a place, sounds, smells, and people. Thanks Fil for this song 🎵.
I love this song and everything I’ve heard from Al! This song really brings back memories as a kid. It has always sounded exotic and dreamy to me. I felt like it took me to another world. I vividly remember feeling that as a kid too. When songs can do that, you know they’re iconic! I learned so much in this video. Thanks Fil!
I remember this song. When I first heard it I thought "Well, this is different". So I made decision to listen more carefully when I heard it next. And I really appreciated the uniqueness of the songs, "Year of the Cat", and then again on "Time Passages". Thank you again my dear Fil for all your intelligent input. It is very much appreciated.
Alistair Stewart one of the Greatest singer-songwriter who ever lived. He & Bob Dylan inspired me to pick up a Guitar at 14 (after playing piano since age 5) and successfully have a duo between the ages of 17-21. Still I write and play 40 years later with my greatest "prop" for meeting the fairer sex, (Guitar & double harmonica rack & singing my original compositions) since I was 15. Thank you Mr. Stewart for the positive contribution and influence you made on me in honing my craft, and my art as a musician!
To the maker of this great video I say thank you for sharing your knowledge & wisdom with us about this TIMELESS MASTERPIECE.
I was 12 when this song came out and was blown away by this song. I was just discovering music since my parents bought me a radio for my birthday. I ended up buying over ten of Al’s recordings and it’s still fresh listening to Year Of The Cat today.
@ Wings of Pegasus great review of this immortal song. Am so happy you don't pretend that you never have heard this song. Your reaction shows the respect Al and all the musicians should get for this performance.
There is a vocal coach on UA-cam and I have no idea where she has been hiding her whole life. She even claimed never to have heard of Phil Collins and Genesis. I bet she would also claim never to have heard any music of Al Stewart as well.
Year of the cat was a huge hit at the time in my country. I have had the privilege of seeing (and hearing) him perform live in a small club back in the 80's and I can envision that concert still in my mind. What an experience.
Thanks for doing this review !
You and Al are hair twins.
Thank you for reviewing one of the most beautiful lyrics and melodies in the seventies canon.
Saw him tonight in Dallas and at 79, Al looks like your favorite grandfather…but then I’m one too! 😂 But he still transports you with his great storytelling put to music and his band, the Empty Pockets, were fantastic as well!
I was 17 when this masterpiece came out, I’m so lucky
So nice you recognize this man's talent
Al is almost your double, Phil. Another great review. Agree 100%. Those brilliant guitar riffs followed by the growling sax is what makes this a classic for me.
Fil, the fact that you were smiling ear to ear from the beginning to the end of this great hit says it all. As a boomer I am so proud of my generations' musical accomplishments as the hits do make you smile, cry and definitely rock out and move. This is one of those songs which makes you stop what you are doing and pay attention to everything, the words, the sax, the keyboards, the guitars and the vocals. Just an amazing feat of ability, genius and talent. Thanks for looking at this one.
One of my favorite songs of all time... beautiful piece of music.
Excellent. My fave Al Stewart album would be 'Indian Summer'. My wife likes him because he enunciates so well. She's funny that way.
Guffaw-Out-Loud!
He does enunciate extremely well!
I will have to check ou that album i must have missed it.
This is such a fantastic track. and this live performance of really quite a complex song is brilliant. such good musicians
Yes Phil you could portray Al Stewart in a movie.
The Old Grey Whistle Test was a brilliant show, so many top artists playing their songs live and also recordings. The fantastic Bob Harris as presenter, the best music show bar none. Year of the Cat is one of my favourite songs of all times. Thanks for posting.
Wow, this the the thing that I love about great music. This song is like time travel to simpler time in my teens. Am I the only one that had an album that had an introduction of Al Stewart giving an explanation of the story for this song. The album that I owned did. His songwriting is very cinematic and allows the listener to travel with him and experience his songs. Being from the U.S. I have been very jealous of the amazing performances that you Brits were able to experience on a weekly basis. I am at least thankful for UA-cam to watch many of these fantastic performances. The diversity of musical guests are incredible. I have watched artists give jaw dropping performances. The performances of Return to Forever and Dire Straits I still watch. Watching the Hall and Oats performance made me appreciate the amazing talent of Hall and Oats and their wonderful band. Whew!! Once again this old guy droned on too long. Really, great analysis Fil. Cheers.
I have seen Mr. Stewart several times & I am so honored that my lifetime has intersected with his. One of the most underrated lyricists in modern times. (See what I did there? 😃)
All kidding aside, he is one of my all-time favorite musicians, great personality, great stories about the songs in between, & very gracious to his fans. I have several things of his autographed & I treasure each one. Thank you for this video, even if I’m late to the party. Story of my life, really. So glad I found your channel, Fil.
This masterpiece was released as a single in July 1976 in the UK, October 1976 in the U.S. It was recorded at Abby Road Studios , London in January 1976 by engineer Alan Parsons. This has always been a top song that I hold in high esteem. The Year of the Cat peaked at # 8 on Billboards chart on March 5, 1977, but Al did one better than that with his next big hit TIME PASSAGES peaking at # 7 on December 9, 1978, a favorite of mine also.
Al Stewart is a creative force. What an intricate piece of music brilliant thanks Pegasus
Thank you, my friend!!!! This song: "The Year of The Cat" by Al Steward always but always puts my spirit in a peaceful and almost out of this earth and in communion with the universe, Thank you, Sir!!!🤗😍👍👍
Fil, thanks for your discussion about Al Stewart’s 1976 performance of Year of the Cat, great analysis! I’ve been an aficionado of Stewart since Past, Present & Future in 1974, including several concerts along the way. I learned a lot of details about his brilliant career from your video, super interesting! In line with what you said, I first heard "Nostradamus" on a free-form radio station here in California.
A little side-bar thought, you look A LOT like Al Stewart in 1976. 🙂
Great performance!! Sounds like the record! Great lyrics🤘🏻reminds of me of my youth🥺
I'll second that and it has cat in it
@jazz cat. Any uploads? Songs of your own? :) nice guitars
James Gordon aka Crazy Legs Hey Legs!! What’s up?
James Gordon aka Crazy Legs Family reunions can be a challenge, especially when it really hot out... it was 99 Sat and Sun here, I’m sure just as hot in PA. Sat went to the Used Book Superstore and bought a bunch of LPs some jazz and Bill Monroe.stayed in, knocked the froth of a few and listened to some cool bluegrass. Much safer than yard work in scorching heat✌🏻
James Gordon aka Crazy Legs I’m checking out some of the Dr k and Terry right now! Wish I could play piano like that🙄
This came out the year after I graduated HS in Santa Monica, CA. Then saw them perform live at SM Civic Auditorium not long after this album came out & they were fantastic! I saw so many good shows at this Civic auditorium but Al Stewarts always stood out for me. I just saw he is touring right now & looking to go again, 48 years later!
Hearing your review of their talent & musicality was so spot on. Al's lyrics are poetry, always so beautiful; an ethereal tapestry rich with imagery & history...
another reason his music with live on, long after we're off on to a new place & time.
He has such a soothing and beautiful voice
The magic of a great song. You're not quite sure how it works, but you know for sure that it does work. Beautiful 💘
Fil, I can never get enough of this song. They all play their instruments. A proper piano for instance. I think this is one of the best songs ever made. Smooth, effortless en great lyrics. That said by a heavy rocker.
Great to hear this brilliant song again.
Gives me chills.
Ah, the seventies.
💖
I Love this Song. It is one of those songs you never get tired of listening. The lyrics and the melody match perfectly.
Nice comments Fil. As usual.
This is a real great song. The guy who played saxophone on the original recording, Al went to his house, he was waiting for a game to start, so he went to the studio, recorded his parts and return home to watch the game, unbelievable.
I love your channel.
Joe Silva in Brazil
I never heard this great live version before
It's Al in his prime and he sounds great
Dang! I just watched this video a couple of weeks ago! So much great imagery in this song! You can picture it all in your mind. A very memorable song.