Al Stewart - Live at The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, California
Through our mutual passion for wine Al and I have become close friends over the years and whenever he makes it into Southern California we make a point to find time for dinner and sharing of excellent wine.
I've enjoyed Al's music since the late 70's and early 80's when he penned Year of the Cat and Time Passages — both reaching the number one position on the charts and giving Al two multi-gold and platinum albums. A consummate storyteller with charming British wit Al's catalog of over 20 albums gives him plenty of material to choose from. Throughout the 80's and 90's Al toured the world with a full 6 and sometimes 7 piece band. Beyond Al's voice, songwriting and engaging patter, the highlight of these performances perhaps was the guitar work of Peter White. Today, Peter has an extremely successful career as a soft jazz or new age guitar player.
But today, Al prefers the solo acoustic gig where it's just him, his guitar and an engaging audience waiting for him to dole out his trademark songs about history. These include Nostradamos, Roads To Moscow (The Nazi's fateful march in World War II in the footsteps of Napoleon), Running Man (Nazi war criminals and those who hunted them throughout South America), Joe the Georgian (about Joseph Stalin), Antartica (about Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's expeditions to the icy continent), Peter on the White Sea (Peter (I) the Great — Tsar of Russia from 1682, Emperor from 1721) and more. You get the idea.
In 1995 Al released "Between The Wars" featuring ex-Paul McCartney & Wings guitarist Laurence Juber as producer and guitarist. Six years later the two collaborated on "Down In The Cellar" an album that was never officially released in the United States because the U.S. distributor filed for bankruptcy and the rights to the U.S. distribution were/are tied up in litigation. All of this is to say that Al is currently collaborating and writing new songs with Laurence for what could turn into an album that I hope they'll release next year.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Great job Allan, how cool that you know him!
2 - Allan Karl
Cool. Yes he's the consummate gentleman and storyteller. Great palate for wine, too!
3 - Natalie Davis
Allan, great post, and good work sharing the wonder of Al music. I too have had the pleasure of sharing dinner and wine with him a number of times; he is a charming, gracious person and tells the best stories. Next time you see Al, please tell him Natalie Davis, who has been mired in work, says hello and hopes to see him again soon.
4 - Allan Karl
Hi Natalie - Thanks for your comment. I definitely will say hi to Al next time I see him -- Stay well!
5 - Scott Falcon
Great experience! What a night to cherish. Al's work will continue to inspire, as well as Mr. Laurence Juber!