Our guest on Thursday, June 6, was Al Stewart (Tashkent17), who discussed his career in music and his new album "Between The Wars" with Laurence Juber (JuberL). Robert Pondiscio of TIME Magazine (RPTime) was the moderator.

OnlineHost: Al Stewart has been a unique presence on the music scene for almost three decades. His distinctive voice and smart, imaginative lyrics -- often drawn from a seemingly encyclopedic grasp of history's more colorful people, places and events -- make him a favorite with audiences who have outgrown rock music's penchant for the predictable.

OnlineHost: With his new release, "Between The Wars," Stewart turns his knowing eye and ear to the swinging, tumultuous '20s and '30s. The album is Stewart's fifteenth recording in a lengthy career that brought stardom with such Top 40 hits as "Time Passages" and "Year of the Cat," a song which Stewart once described as "like a rich uncle. It pays all the bills. You have to be nice to relatives like that."

OnlineHost: "Between the Wars," a collaboration with fellow Englishman and former Wings guitarist Laurence Juber, finds Stewart in his finest element, musically exploring the optimism and despair, the humor and the pathos, of an era sandwiched between -- and often overshadowed by -- two world conflicts.

OnlineHost: It was Stewart's renewed fascination with the music of that time, however, rather than its topics, that inspired the album's theme. "When I was fifteen, I had a Django Reinhart album that got quite a lot of play, although my heroes at he time were the Shadows and Duane Eddy," Stewart recalls. "That album got lost in a move to London, but I happened to pick up four Django CDs a few years ago and was amazed at how fresh they sounded. About a year ago, I began gigging with Laurence, and once or twice a week I would go round to his house and work on new ideas. We started with the opening riff, and it grew from there."

OnlineHost: After nearly 30 years of performing, Al Stewart has comfortably settled into what is arguably the most productive and fruitful phase of his career. He is regularly releasing albums and playing more than 70 shows a year, introducing his songs with his trademark engaging anecdotes.

OnlineHost: "I think I've developed somewhat gracefully into a cottage industry," Stewart told an interviewer recently. "We sell a few thousand albums and there are a few hundred people who turn up when I do gigs and that is exactly the way it was 25 years ago." Currently on tour with Laurence Juber, Al joins us tonight from New York City. Please welcome Al Stewart and Laurence Juber!

Robert Pondiscio: Good evening, gentlemen, and welcome!

Al Stewart: Hello from Tashkent.

Laurence Juber: Hello & good evening.

Robert Pondiscio: You can send up your questions for Al Stewart and Laurence Juber using the interact with host icon.

Robert Pondiscio: Al, to begin with, what's with the screen name? Tashkent?

Al Stewart: I thought it was in England.

Robert Pondiscio: Let's go to our audience for questions. Don StJohn from San Francisco has the first one:

Question : Al, especially having just been in the UK where your reputation is older, is it irksome to get requests for older material that you've more or less discarded?

Al Stewart: Not in the least. In fact I played Electric Los Angeles Sunset for the first time in 20 years on the UK tour.

Question : You have worked with an amazing array of brilliant musicians. How do you pick them? What most attracted you to Laurence Juber, Peter White, and anyone else you care to mention? -- Bob Hofkin.

Laurence Juber: It was the trousers.

Al Stewart: I grew up listening to Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, as did Laurence so his style is very familiar to me. Peter White auditioned as a piano player and then played Spanish guitar on On the Border. A duel threat.

Robert Pondiscio: Al Stewart is our guest. Kim Dyer from Holt, Michigan has the next question:

Question : My first question is what sort of differences Al and Laurence have noted between US and UK audiences.

Al Stewart: Hi Kim! English audiences are quieter.

Laurence Juber: UK make you work hard -- fairly sedate. Hi Kim.

Robert Pondiscio: To South Bend, Indiana...Tobias29 is next:

Question : Any plans of doing a duet with Tori Amos? She is a friend of yours, right?

Al Stewart: I haven't heard from Tori since she sent flowers for the birth of my daughter Violet. I wish her well.

OnlineHost: A full and detailed Al Stewart discography is available online on the WWW page (http://www.things.org/music/al_stewart.html). There is also an Al Stewart Mailing List on the Internet. Send e-mail to Majordomo@things.org with the message "subscribe Al_Stewart".

Robert Pondiscio: The next question is from Virginia...Firekold posts this one:

Question : Hi Al. Great to meet you. My favorite album of yours has always been "Past, Present & Future". How does your new album compare with that one?

Al Stewart: I think they are very similar, lots of history, no commercial applications.

Laurence Juber: From a production perspective I used both as a benchmark.

Robert Pondiscio: AlanaTwo has the next question:

Question : Al, you've joked about Year of the Cat paying all the bills. Does having a megahit indeed give you enough financial freedom to pursue your artistic preferences?

Al Stewart: Just about.

Robert Pondiscio: To Bellevue, Washington...It's BruceNT's turn:

Question : Is there any thought of expanding the US tour. Specificaly I'm interested in any performance you might have in the Seattle area. Al Stewart: Hopefully. Seattle has always been a great town for me.

Robert Pondiscio: To NFI1995:

Question : Does Al Stewart have any formal vocal training?

Al Stewart: Can't you tell?

Robert Pondiscio: APratt2 has the next question... Question : Al Stewart: If you could do all your favorites, what would your dream set be?

Al Stewart: Old Admirals, Dark and the Rolling Sea, Optical Illusion, Where Are They Now, Three Mules. That's just some of them.

Robert Pondiscio: Al, the audience is packed tonight with members of ASML, the Al Stewart Mailing List on the Internet. Any words for the ASMLers among us?

Al Stewart: Pray for my soul.

Robert Pondiscio: Speaking of ASML...here's one from JohannesJ:

Question : Al, the ASML contingency seems to wonder how comfortable you are with these machines, any comments?

Al Stewart: I don't sleep with them.

Robert Pondiscio: To Little Rock, Arkansas...Podglaze posts:

Question : Al, back around the time of Time Passages, I remember seeing an interview in which you said that changing one word of "Valentina Way" would turn it from a love song into a political song. What change might that be?

Al Stewart: I really don't remember, but I'm thinking about it

Robert Pondiscio: To Chandler, AZ...DEan85226 has a question about the new record:

Question : Al, why was the period "Between the Wars" of particular interest on this album?

Al Stewart: It was sparked by the music. when Laurence and I began playing together it became clear that he also had a love for the music of Django Reinhart. Form followed function.

Laurence Juber: Not making a period piece though.

Robert Pondiscio: Someone asked about concert dates earlier...For those who are looking for a tour schedule, a concert hotline has been set up: The number is (310) 281-8447.

Robert Pondiscio: To Memphis, Tennessee...DonG99 is next:

Question : Al, which song is your favorite to do in concert? Why?

Al Stewart: Antarctica. It has all my favorite elements, rhythm, music, words.

Robert Pondiscio: A question for Laurence...

Question : Laurence, I understand you take your daughter to some of your gigs. Do both you and Al make touring a family affair?

Laurence Juber: I had my wife Hope and daughters Nico & Ilsey join me for a week in UK.

OnlineHost: Al Stewart is our guest. We're discussing his career in music and his new album "Between the Wars" with Laurence Juber. You can send up your questions by using the "interact with host" icon on your screen.

Robert Pondiscio: MEYERHOF has the next question:

Question : What is the single song your proudest of?

Al Stewart: Eleanor Rigby

Robert Pondiscio: APratt2 is next:

Question : I want to say thank you for including the Al Stewart Mailing List address in your liner notes for Between the Wars. What do you think of the ASML? Do you read it?

Al Stewart: From time to time.

Robert Pondiscio: ADONIJAH is up next:

Question : I know it is a old and lame question you have answered many times but, what bands influenced you, past and present and why ??

Al Stewart: The Shadows, Chet Atkins, The Beatles, The Hot Club of France, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Amiee Mann, They Might Be Giants, Elastica.

Robert Pondiscio: DirkBill is next:

Question : Al, I'm a fan of your earlier work. would you say that your inspiration for songs has shifted over the years from love themes to history? And if you agree, then why?

Al Stewart: I like to put love songs into history. "Where Are They Now" is a perfect example.

Robert Pondiscio: ASML's own Cort has the next question:

Question : Al, how has living in America for 20 years affected your songwriting, if at all?

Al Stewart: No.

Robert Pondiscio: To Louisville, KY...Stephen753 has the next one:

Question : What will your next project be?

Al Stewart: Attempting to find a record label that will allow me to release one.

Robert Pondiscio: Are you serious? Is Mesa taking a pass on the next one?

Al Stewart: Not if anyone buys this one

Robert Pondiscio: Let's go to Arlington, Virginia...GlennAA11 asks:

Question : Hi Al, I've seen you play here in DC a couple of times at the Birchmere. What material can we expect for Monday's show?

Al Stewart: Laurence says Strangers in the Night. A Julio Iglesias tribute. I think a mix of old and new. Interestingly enough there is a band in Los Angeles called Trulio Disgracias.

OnlineHost: Al Stewart is our guest. We're discussing his career in music and his new album "Between the Wars" with Laurence Juber. You can send up your questions by using the "interact with host" icon on your screen.

Robert Pondiscio: T Ironfist is next:

Question : As a nusician who has continued for so many years, do you see it as your job to change the musical scene or change with it?

Al Stewart: To survive it.

Robert Pondiscio: Here's a familiar face...NOVMR asks:

Question : Is there a particular person you had in mind as the speaker in Joe the Georgian?-Vicky in KS

Al Stewart: Sergei Kirov.

Robert Pondiscio: Calvinus has the next one:

Question : Mr. Stewart, after your 'apprenticeship,' your lyrics have moved away from being overtly about Al Stewart's life and feelings--are you of sympathy with the modern belief that art should always be about deep personal expression?

Al Stewart: Someone once told me that art should hover on the fringe of the consciousness, and so it does.

Laurence Juber: Sounds like my jet lag.

Robert Pondiscio: To Bethlehem, PA...GuitarArt is next..

Question : Any chance of a rarieties collection featuring outtakes or early demo material?

Al Stewart: Yes. Maybe even for Christmas. But it would only be for members of the mailing list and the Chronicles.

Robert Pondiscio: A question about a perennial favorite...JimHoski of Reston, VA asks:

Question : What was behind the lyrics in your song "Roads to Moscow"?

Al Stewart: The lives of many people, and in particular that of Alexander Solzhenytsyn.

Robert Pondiscio: Before posting the next one, I'll note we're all enjoying a lovely bottle of red here at the TIME & LIFE building in NYC:

Question : Hello Al. Are there really 14000+ bottles of wine in the collection and does this limit you willingness to move?

Al Stewart: No. When I left there were 1589. However, I've been on the road for five weeks. Who can tell what Kristine might have done with them.

Robert Pondiscio: Kimbis back for more:

Question : Ever consider doing a "hard core" show, play "Cat" first and get it out of the way?

Al Stewart: Better still, how 'bout not playing it at all.

Robert Pondiscio: Speaking of Year of the Cat, let me get your comment about something you said about your career a few years ago:

OnlineHost: "It's a gigantic pyramid, working up to fame with 'Year of the Cat,' then coming back to where I came in. It's not a bad life....You can cast the odd, wistful glance in the direction of Elton John, but then of course you have to put up with being Elton John."

Robert Pondiscio: Serious question: Any regrets about the course your career has taken? Anything you'd do differently?

Al Stewart: I do things differently on the side. I have a separate career under the name The Pet Shop Boys.

Robert Pondiscio: Talking with Al Stewart and Laurence Juber...NarSkeego is next:

Question : Is your song "Running Man" about a specific individual or a "generic" person? I've heard you introduce it as being about Josef Mengele, but I swear I've heard you introduce it as being about someone else.

Al Stewart: It's not specific. It could be Mengele.

Question : Al, what prompted you to write about Marion Davies? Have you toured San Simeon? Any chance of doing a video of MtC on location?--Vicky /KS

Laurence Juber: We'll meet you there. Bring your video camera.

Al Stewart: Marion Davies seemed like an interesting character. The video awaits funding.

Robert Pondiscio: Rustyzip is next:

Question : Has anyone actually accused your music of being educational?

Al Stewart: I don't think so. I thought it was pop music.

Robert Pondiscio: Not sure if this is for real or not, but here goes, Laurence:

Robert Pondiscio: Don StJohn has one for Laurence:

Question : Question for Laurence: Do you feel leeway to put your stamp on some of the older songs live? It seems that some arrangements, "Time Passages" for example, lock you into what's been done before.

Laurence Juber: I really like the existing arrangement of TP but it has begun to evolve- some things take time.

Robert Pondiscio: To Santa Ana, CA...Here's KLacelle's question:

Question : When you are composing your historic songs does the music or content come first? I've found that occasionally when I improv with my own band I sometimes slip into a historical perspective. How about you?

Al Stewart: Usually the music comes first, but I tend to have an idea of a historical theme lurking in the background.

Robert Pondiscio: AEleen is up next:

Question : Once nice aspect of seeing you live is hearing the background/stories surrounding your songs. Although I have been lucky enough to hear Apple Cider Reconstitution live, you performed it without comment. Care to give some background now?

Al Stewart: I grew up in a village in the Midlands of England called Wilmcote, where, incidentally, Shakespeare's girlfriend had also lived, and the railway lines ran not far from my house.

Robert Pondiscio: A question about Between The Wars, the new record, from, AlanaTwo:

Question : Do you feel like you've "used up" the 20th century? What other era appeals to you?

Al Stewart: La Belle Epoque and also Classical Greece. Possibly Sumeria.

Robert Pondiscio: For Laurence Juber:

Question : Laurence - Will you be attending Beatlefest at all this year? Also, say hi to your wife! You probably don't remember me but I used to work for fest - I was made an honorary member of the "redhead" club with your wife in Chicago a few years ago! From Jodi.

Laurence Juber: I will be at the LA show this year with a Sunday afternoon concert- hi Jodi! Maybe Chicago too.

Robert Pondiscio: Our hour is almost up, but we'll see if we can squeeze a few more minutes out of Al and Laurence. Here's one for Al:

Question : Compare performing with a band and being alone or with (Peter/Laurence/Whoever). How does the "feel" change for you?

Al Stewart: More adrenaline with the band. More monologues in the acoustic set.

Robert Pondiscio: Some historical nitpicking <g> from the ASMLers:

Question : How does Picketts Charge fit in "Between the Wars"?

Al Stewart: Pickett is the patron saint of lost causes. There are nine mules in the song Three Mules and I wanted Pickett to guide them, and in the darkness bind them.

Robert Pondiscio: Carrolltj has an interesting observation cum question:

Question : Considering your penchant for historical themes, the lyric "I'm not the kind to live in the past" has always made me smile. Watching "Apollo 13," I wondered if there were any recent historical events that you think may inspire a song?

Al Stewart: On that, I just saw Apollo 13. It usually takes about fifty years for me to feel comfortable with historical events.

Robert Pondiscio: BruceNT, on a related note:

Question : Al, how do the historical songs come to you? Do you set out to write a song about (say) the Three Mules and then you do a bit of research or does does it flow the other way?

Al Stewart: I usually have a subject rattling around in the back of my head that wants to be a song.

Question : I read once (in the Al Stewart Chronicles #2) that Al is the decendent of a famous Scottish poet. Any truth to that? And if so, who? -- Nick Yutko

Al Stewart: My grandfather once had a poem published. Happily he avoided fame. Hopefully you're not thinking of William McGonagall.

Robert Pondiscio: Your turn, Laurence...TMSNews posts this one:

Question : Laurence, what was it like playing in "Wings?" Any dirt on Paulie?

Laurence Juber: Clean as a whistle-except for the small matter of an ounce of marijuana and the Japanese authorities.

Robert Pondiscio: We press on...to Santa Monica, California.

Question : It's exciting that you're doing collaborations with others these days. I would be immensely interested in seeing what would come of a collaboration between you and Anthony Phillips, an excellent and versatile guitarist. Are you familiar w/ his 20+ albums?

Al Stewart: No, but it sounds interesting.

Robert Pondiscio: Time for one or two more...Ou8124meo has the next one:

Question : Al, are there any songs you are performing on the current tour that you haven't performed in some time? An, if so, what are they?

Al Stewart: Electric Los Angeles Sunset, Modern Times, and a bunch of stuff off Betweeen The Wars. Also Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants.

Robert Pondiscio: The individual named in the following question was a guest of ours online about a year ago -- a very odd piece of symmetry. Here goes:

Question : Does U.S. Secretary of Housing Henry Cisneros know he was a character- well, a fishing boat- in one of your songs? Have you ever talked with him?

Al Stewart: No, but his nephew comes to lots of my shows, and I'm sure he must have told Henry of my interest.

Robert Pondiscio: RUrt has the next one:

Question : Will you do anything more with Peter White? We would love a jazz record of you both.

Al Stewart: Who can predict the future? I had dinner with him last night.

Robert Pondiscio: I think we have strained Al and a very jet-lagged Laurence past their bedtimes. Can we persuade you to join us again after the tour is finished?

Al Stewart: Sure.

Robert Pondiscio: Thanks very much for joining us and good luck with "Between The Wars" and the tour. Any "Famous Last Words?"

Al Stewart: If I join you again can I bring my pet Hippopotamus Eric? Also, did anyone get my literary allusion? Thank you and good night.

Laurence Juber: Thanks and Goodnight Tonight

OnlineHost: A full and detailed Al Stewart discography is available online on the WWW page (http://www.things.org/music/al_stewart.html). There is also an Al Stewart Mailing List on the Internet. Send e-mail to majordomo@things.org with the message "subscribe Al_Stewart".