Songbook confirmed for return to Sky Arts

Wednesday October 7, 2009

The programme explores the inspiration behind some of the UK’s most well-known songs and in the third series composers such as Don Black, James Blunt and Midge Ure are also set to feature.

A co-production between Liberty Bell and JolyGood TV, and sponsored by PRS for Music, Songbook features an eclectic mix of musicians and songwriters who have achieved commercial success as well as critical acclaim for their music. Each artist offers an insight into their musical inspiration and songwriting processes before performing intimate versions of some of their seminal songs.

In the forthcoming series The Kinks frontman Davies discusses how he adapted traditional blues music to create You Really Got Me Going, whilst Oscar winning lyricist Black reveals how his fascination with linguistics complemented a love of music to form the beginning of a prolific songwriting career.

The programme is presented by music journalist and author of Guitar Man and Song Man, Will Hodgkinson.

“Songbook continues to offer music fans of all ages and tastes fascinating insights into how some of the songs and lyrics that we know so well came into being,” says Sky Arts’ channel director John Cassy. “Add in unique acoustic performances and exceptional high definition picture and sound and Songbook is one of our viewers most loved shows”.

PRS for Music acting CEO Jeremy Fabinyi adds, “We’ve been behind Songbook since the very beginning, showcasing the writing and composing talent we have in this country. The writer is at the heart of every great song and we’re thrilled the series is entering its third run, profiling such renowned song writers.”