The song’s title and atmosphere were inspired by , as 1975 (when it was written) was the Year of the Cat .
: 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 title and atmosphere were inspired by
