Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat (single Mix) (1976) May 2026

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 , the track bridged the gap between British folk-rock and the polished "Yacht Rock" sound that would dominate the late '70s. Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat (single mix) (1976)

: 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 of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat,"

: 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. : Parsons was instrumental in adding the song’s

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

: 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 .