Time Passages

The Zoo Crew is spinning the timeless track "Time Passages" by Al Stewart from his 1978 platinum album of the same name, a song that resonates with the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This soft rock gem, which hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, was a follow-up to Stewart’s earlier hit "Year of the Cat." Interestingly, Stewart himself has admitted in interviews that he never felt the same spark of inspiration for "Time Passages" as he did for "Year of the Cat." He wrote it under pressure from Arista Records’ Clive Davis, who wanted another radio-friendly hit with saxophone flair, similar to its predecessor. Co-written with guitarist Peter White, Stewart focused on the lyrics while White crafted much of the music, creating a wistful reflection on time and memory that still captivates listeners.

Behind the scenes, "Time Passages" was shaped by producer Alan Parsons, whose work with Stewart began with the 1975 album Modern Times. Parsons’ suggestion to add saxophone, played by Phil Kenzie, gave the song its distinctive yacht rock vibe. Stewart has shared that he felt the song lacked the organic magic of his earlier work, describing it as a calculated effort to meet commercial expectations. Despite his reservations, fans embraced it, and it became a cornerstone of his live performances. On Facebook, Stewart’s official page often highlights fan comments praising the song’s nostalgic pull, with some calling it a soundtrack to their lives.

Al Stewart’s journey to "Time Passages" began in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born on September 5, 1945. Growing up in Bournemouth, Dorset, he caught the music bug at 13, inspired by rock pioneers like Elvis and Chuck Berry. By the mid-1960s, Stewart was a fixture in London’s folk scene, performing at coffeehouses like Bunjies in Soho. He traded his electric guitar, bought from future Police guitarist Andy Summers, for an acoustic one, embracing the folk revival. His early gigs led to his 1967 debut album, Bedsitter Images, which showcased his knack for introspective storytelling. Stewart’s unique blend of historical and literary themes, later dubbed "historical folk rock," set him apart, especially with 1973’s Past, Present and Future.

Stewart’s career took off in the mid-1970s when he moved to the U.S., signing with major labels and collaborating with Parsons. His 1976 album Year of the Cat went platinum, and "Time Passages" cemented his status as a folk-rock icon. Despite his commercial peak in the late ’70s, Stewart has remained active, touring with bands like The Empty Pockets and releasing albums like 2008’s Sparks of Ancient Light. Fans can connect with him on Facebook, where he has over 51,000 followers, and follow his tour updates on alstewart.com. While he doesn’t maintain an active Instagram or X presence, his official site offers a discography and biography.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities keep Stewart’s legacy alive. The Al Stewart Fans LiveJournal page, though less active, archives fan discussions about his music. There’s no major dedicated Facebook group, but fans often share memories on Stewart’s official page, posting about songs like "Time Passages" and live shows. Stewart’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to weave history and melody, making him a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vinyl spins.