Steve Earle in Quotes by Joanna Serraris

Once you've held this book you will want to read it. When you have read it you will want to keep it. This is Steve Earle seen through his own words for the reader to make up their own mind about this singular American songwriter and performer.

The concept, the typography and the touch of this book in its cloth bound cover are a pleasure to behold. The quotes are often cutting, sometimes sad, largely witty but as honest as you might expect from Steve Earle.

This is an independent labour of love. 'Just a fun project with limited resources,'as Joanna Serraris describes the book in her forward. For me it reveals alot more than countless interviews and magazine articles have achieved with wads of money.

The book is divided into a series of subjects on which the songwriter is very quotable. Everything from 'drugs to sex and rock'n'roll' is here. A valuable reference of one liners, put downs and extended takes to delight musicians and fans alike. My particular favourite: 'If any of y'all aren't familiar with the work of these fellas, you need to go to a record store tomorrow and do some homework.' (On his Train A Comin' Tour Band, Norman Blake, Peter Rowan and Roy Huskey jr. No Depression, 1995)'

Those who share Steve Earle's dedication to his 'long time friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt' will find much here that speaks volumes on the late songwriter. The book contains a picture of Steve Earle and Townes sat together which underlines Earle's take on Townes from the book: 'He was a real good teacher and a real bad role model.'

Steve Earle In Quotes is a limited edition. Those who have a copy will treasure it. A keeper.

Mike Plumbley

Steve Earle in Quotes is a limited edition of 1,500 copies published by Joanna Serraris in November 1997. Joanna Serraris also runs a songwriter club, Happy Days in the Hague.

Joanna Serraris and Happy Days at http://www.musemix.demon.nl

Steve Earle http://www.steveearle.net

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