Last fall, I spoke with veteran singer-songwriter Al Stewart by phone shortly after the release of his terrific Appleseed Records album A Beach Full of Shells, which presents a treasure trove of songs and stories sure to delight smart people who love music. In the course of our long chat, the Scotland-born Californian and I covered a lot of material: the CD and its songs and how A Beach Full of Shells fits into the outstanding Stewart catalog, which includes classic LPs Year of the Cat, Love Chronicles, Modern Times, and Between the Wars; how songwriting — though serious — can be a game; airports; love and aging rock and rollers. We also laughed a hell of a lot and talked football. Yes, the sensitive folk-troubadour-slash-wine connoisseur is a devoted gridiron fan. Surprised? Keep reading, you'll be amused and fascinated. Note: There was very little wine involved in the making of this interview.

Natalie Davis: Al?

Al Stewart: Is that Natalie?

ND: Yes, it is.

AS: I haven't seen you in a long time! How are you? Are you still in Baltimore?

ND: I am, and we're all well. How are you?

AS: I'm OK... I think. I'm a little shaky today because of a big dinner party last night. (He laughs.) But generally, I'm alright.

ND: Happy birthday. The big day was not too long ago. Did you have a good time?

AS: I was 90. (We laugh — he actually turned 60.) You know, it's a very strange thing. For whatever reason, my birthday was on Labor Day. And I'm here in L.A. and pretty much everyone that I knew was, like, gone. I mean, it was like a deserted town. So I had a very, very quiet birthday, which I really enjoyed. I took myself out to dinner and a movie.

ND: That's great!

AS: Sometimes that's just a really nice thing to do for your 60th birthday. It's bad enough that you're 60 and having it rubbed into your face by everyone you know. So, I had a very quiet birthday.

ND: Sometimes that's for the best.

AS: Yes, it was for the best. It was thoroughly enjoyable, really.

ND: I understand you're actually going to perform a birthday concert.

AS: Yeah, I'm doing a show in London at the Barbican.

ND: A magnificent place...

AS: Have you been there?

ND: No, but people I know have told me great things about it.

AS: Yes, it's modern enough. And it's sold out — 2,000 people. Pretty damn good for a Tuesday night. I'm impressed. (He laughs.)

ND: (Also laughing) I'm impressed, too.