An entertaining look at the craft of songwriting, in the words of songwriters themselves: a collection of anecdotes and quotations from well-known songwriters, past and present, on their influences, work habits, and how they came to write particular songs now ingrained in the popular psyche. The book forms an effective oral history, featuring songwriters from Irving Berlin and Noel Coward to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell; from Stephen Foster and Hank Williams to R.E.M., Nirvana, and the Smashing Pumpkins. It's a book to be enjoyed by songwriters and music fans alike.

Tom Russell has recorded 25 records and two DVDs. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nancy Griffith, Joe Ely, Iris Dement, Ian Tyson, KD Lang, Suzy Bogguss, Ramblin� Jack Elliott, Jeff Walker, Dave Van Ronk and other great artists.

Russell's latest release Blood and Candle Smoke is a collection of powerful observations and deliberations that has the media and fellow musicians buzzing. USA Today calls the album "stunning", while the San Francisco Chronicle proclaims it "about as perfect as it gets." Robert Hunter, Greatful Dead Lyricist and co-writer of Bob Dylan's 2009 album "Together Through Life" states that Blood and Candle Smoke is an "excellent record in all respects. Lyrics are jewels, arrangements deeply tasteful, vocals superb." Maverick UK gives the album 5 stars out of 5. "Russell raises his songwriting to new and different heights of greatness...Album of the Year (so far) hands down. Very possibly Album of the Decade!"

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Sylvia Tyson was part of the landmark folk and country duo Ian and Sylvia who recorded thirteen albums from the early sixties to the mid-seventies. She then embarked on a successful solo career and has recorded seven solo albums. She has headed up her own record label and publishing company, and has had a parallel career as a host, producer, researcher, and writer for both radio and television. She has been a songwriter since 1962. She is active in several music industry associations, and in 1992 was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Another project is Quartette, a recording and touring project with three other female singer/songwriters. In 1996 Sylvia received the Order of Canada.

Sylvia Tyson's profile page