Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat (single Mix) (1976) -

The Year of the Cat by Al Stewart "Year of the Cat" by Al ... - Facebook

: The solo, played by Phil Kenzie , was reportedly recorded in just one or two takes. Kenzie was reportedly so eager to get back to a movie he was watching at home that he finished the session as a "favor" to Parsons and left immediately. Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat (single mix) (1976)

Recorded at and produced by Alan Parsons , the track bridged the gap between British folk-rock and the polished "Yacht Rock" sound that would dominate the late '70s. The Year of the Cat by Al Stewart "Year of the Cat" by Al

The of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat," released in July 1976 , is a condensed version of the sprawling 6:40 album masterpiece. While the full version is famous for its intricate four-minute instrumental suite, the single was edited to fit radio formats of the time, often clocking in between 3:30 and 4:42 depending on the territory. Production & Sound Recorded at and produced by Alan Parsons ,

: Parsons was instrumental in adding the song’s signature jazz influence. He famously suggested adding the saxophone solo, a move Stewart initially resisted because "there are no saxophones in folk rock".

: The song’s haunting piano riff was written by Peter Wood , who played it constantly during soundchecks until Stewart finally asked to add lyrics to it. Lyrical Meaning & Origins

The song’s title and atmosphere were inspired by , as 1975 (when it was written) was the Year of the Cat .