April 2011

When Marvin Miller approached me with this idea for a songbook my first thought was — a songbook in the the digital age, not sure about that.

But when I thought of the number of people who had asked me for the lyrics or chord progressions to various songs over the years — inquiries after sets, how does this song "go", and so on. And so this collection is for you who have asked for this songbook.

I chose the songs based on those that have endured the longest, the most requested songs or songs that have been recorded and covered by other artists. I chose these criteria because there is a current that runs between the performer/writer and the audience that informs the writer which songs have "legs". There is also the wonderful bond that is posted when a fellow writer chooses to cover your song — I am forever grateful for this mysterious and wonderful interaction. I would also like to say that many of these songs continue to be at the centre of my songwriting vision.

I think of songs as gifts and I have been lucky to have received many gifts. Humbly I pass these gifts to you. I hope you enjoy them.

- Ian