Songwriters' Circle

In this unique concert created by BBC Four, singer-songwriters Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega and Loudon Wainwright perform together for the first time, taking it in turns to perform their classic songs, chat about their work and collaborate musically. Filmed at London's intimate Bush Hall before a small audience, this one-off event finds Meltdown curator Richard Thompson performing songs from his 40-year solo career like I Feel So Good and Vincent Black Lightning, and reaching back to his first band Fairport Convention for a revelatory version of Genesis Hall. Suzanne Vega reprises many of the songs that made her name - Marlene on the Wall, Luka and Tom's Diner - and finds time for a unique country-style duet with Loudon Wainwright on a song about property prices, failing marriages and the recession. Wainwright also reaches into his catalogue for signature songs like Be Careful There's a Baby in the House, One Man Guy and The Swimming Song. There are improvised harmonies, guitar fills a plenty from Mr Thompson and a shared delight in songwriting, performance and the occasion.

Justin Currie, Chris Difford and Boo Hewerdine are the featured artists as BBC Four combines great singer-songwriters for unique concerts celebrating the craft of the song. Filmed at Bush Hall on Uxbridge Road in west London, these concerts see three singer-songwriters perform their classic songs in turn, while helping each other out musically with harmonies and the odd guitar part. The artists only meet an hour or two before going on stage and, in between performance, take viewers inside their work, chattng about their songs, their history and background. The three songwriters - Justin Currie, formerly of Del Amitri, who wrote hits including Nothing Ever Happens; Chris Difford, who mixes his solo work with Squeeze hits such as Up the Junction; and Boo Hewerdine, formerly of The Bible and perhaps best known for writing Patience of Angels for Eddie Reader - compare notes on songwriting, life after Top of the Pops and the male menopause.

This session of the specially-created concerts for BBC FOUR in which three singer-songwriters take it in turns to play their signature works, chat about their songs and collaborate muscially features three of the best exponents of Americana - Texans Lyle Lovett and Joe Ely and Indiana's John Hiatt. All three draw on country, rock 'n' roll, blues and soul influences to craft their own characteristic sound, each with their own distinctive lyrical voice. Lyle Lovett performs classics like If I Had a Boat and My Baby Don't Tolerate; John Hiatt plays some of his strongest and most covered work including Thing Called Love and Have a Little Faith In Me; and Joe Ely, who flew in especially for the show from his home town of Lubbock, Texas and tells his share of good stories, performs Me and Billy the Kid, Honky Tonk Masquerade and more.

Three premier singer-songwriters play solo, taking it in turns to perform their signature songs and play together at west London's intimate Bush Hall. Chatting about the art and process of songwriting, Cheshire-born David Gray plays songs like Babylon and This Year's Love, plus material from his album Foundling. KT Tunstall plays Other Side and Black Horse and the Cherry Tree from her million-selling debut album Eye of the Telescope and songs from her recent Tiger Sun album. American Ray LaMontagne plays Trouble as well as songs from his fourth album God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise.

This show features three very different songwriters playing and talking about their songs that have been loved by many generations of music fans. Fran Healy is best known as frontman of the best-selling British band Travis. He runs through many of their classics such as Driftwood and Writing to Reach You, along with a track from his recent solo album. Canada's Ron Sexsmith, who is regarded by many as the songwriters' songwriter, reminds us of some of the songs he has written that other people have gone onto record, such as Whatever It Takes, which Michael Buble covered on his best-selling album, and Secret Heart, which has been covered by the likes of Rod Stewart, Feist and Nick Lowe. Salford's Graham Gouldman, long time member of British band 10cc runs through songs he has co-written for them plus others for the likes of The Yardbirds and The Hollies.