Al Stewart - the making of Sparks of Ancient Light

[cherimelodie]

The proliferation of positive commentary here speaks volumes, re/ an incredibly fine album (SOAL) released just 3 yrs ago after so many decades of rich output. No end to fascination/enchantment of a man so artistically talented, extremely astute/wise, historically erudite, etc...But akin to a best-kept secret!...Plus, one big (actually diminuitive albeit tall) cutie-pie bubbling over w/ wit, great timing & boyish charm alongside (sometimes) edgy cantankerism (?) w/ age. ;) Keep on goin' Al...

[rac717]

Anyone who does not own this album, which remains sparkling fresh after 2 1/2 years, is cheating him- or herself, as well as lessening the chances for more of Al's brilliance in the future.

[zeppaby]

Thank you so much for uploading this. Al Stewart is amazing.

[TGAHFAN]

I will have to get back in the habit of buying his discs again... He seems really cool...

[slapgat10]

This guy is the absolute best of all the singers. You will notice that he doesn't put on a fake accent (as so many others do) but he sings with a natural "English" voice which has been his hallmarks for over 30 years. Saw him in West Palm Beach in the 80's and his live performance was as good as the LP in those days. No smoke and mirrors for this guy - just real music. I just hope that he comes over to Australia for a tour one of these days!

[marky2100]

You're absolutely right, Al Stewart is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of our time. Such an incredible imagination, extremely innovative, passionate and real. Lori, Dont Go Right Now is a lovely song from the Russians And Americans album. Lovely love song. Al certainly knows where to touch your heart. Also, he educates the listener with various aspects of life and history - consistently so. If no one has heard one of his songs called Nostradamus then i suggest you check it out.

[3mondas]

@slapgat10 I have been waiting for years to see AL downunda, it will never happen! I saw him in the UK in 1995 with Lawrence, excellent gig, Still get all his hear but chances downunda, slim, I even know if he has done a gig south of the equator. Always thought he would be great at the Barossa food and wine festival

cheers

[rac717]

Al is also my favorite. Let's just say this--If Al were 23 or 33 with this release in tow, he'd be a phenomenon who'd sweep the world. One song not featured, "Elvis at the Wheel", has a driving riff and would have sold millions. I can only imagine how pleasurable it must be for a great cellist to play Al's poignant, fresh, bookend feature riff in "Shah of Shahs". The CD is a must-have, truly an awesome work.

[GPUK]

There is Dylan...and then there is Al...thereisnomoretosay...Pots­

[bdhardwick]

Thanks, this is great! You capture some of his wit and audience raport -- I've seen him at least 20 times dating back to the 1970s and he is always a top-notch entertainer. My favorite singer-songwriter of all.

[youvebeenthunderstru]

Incidentally, do any of you know who he'll be touring with for this album? Will it be LJ or will he continue with Dave Nachmanoff?

[bdhardwick]

I saw him last month with Dave Nachmanoff -- I think DN is scheduled for his entire tour.

[itxlan13]

Thanks so much!

Of all the 70's singer-songwriters only Al's still at the top of his game - as 2005's Beach Full of Shells proved so well.

[bosshogg585]

He is my favorite.

I have all his CD's

AKA IMBOB

[worldrider]

Absolutely magnificent! Que bueno!!! Can't wait to hear this new disc!!!

[cruiserjoe1]

My favourite Al concert was at Hugh's Room in Toronto in May 2005. I bought his Album (Beach Full of Shells) from a guy named Patrick (I think) who was also a super fan...Patrick explained to me the historical significance of the lyrics and I've been a super fan ever since. Congrats Al on a new Album! All the best.

Tony - Cincinnati

[goatman111]

Hi Tony!

This is Patrick in Toronto. Glad that I could help you at the show and that you have become a big fan! Al's new album "Sparks of Ancient Light" is fantastic.

[mevtcc]

I've seen this great artist and poet thrice, at Albany's Palace Theater in '77, WAMC's The Linda (also in Albany) '05, and this past July at Caffe Lena in Saratoga---fabulous each time. Now just awaiting the cd release later this month---Christmas in September! Thanks for this post, and thanks Al!

[Bobsytube]

ahhh one of life's pleasurable moments for me is the release of a new Al Stewart album... Al's songs and words become like dear friends and together we will journey far and wide. i have been listening to Al's songs for almost 30 years now and like a good wine they have aged delightfully...

such a great story teller in the music world is hard to find. rock on Al!

bobsy in hong kong.

[nvpublictv]

Love, love, LOVE this! Way to go Tess Films, and thanks Al for this behind-the-scenes look into the making of another wondrous Stewart work.

Natalie Davis

[youvebeenthunderstru]

For what it's worth, I've read your interview with Al from his Beach album back in 2005; thanks for it! It was a really great read. And they're both really great albums. I've just listened to the album (the new one that is) and it's staggeringly brilliant, as always.

[nvpublictv]

Oh, the new one is playing as we speak... Al only gets better and better. Thanks for the kind words. Working on the new one now.

[DDD09]

Laurence Juber is the man!

[CrustyCurmudgeon]

One of my favorite concert memories: Al in (about) 1977 at the Capital Theater in Passaic, NJ. I was a fan before, more of a fan afterward, and remain a fan to this day. Thanks AL for all the great music!

[youvebeenthunderstru]

I'm certainly looking forward to buying it.

[GerryH23]

Al remains great.

[Motarmstrong]

Keep up the good work AL