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

: 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 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)

: 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

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. : Parsons was instrumental in adding the song’s