Veteran journalist and record producer/engineer Massey provides inside stories packed with trade secrets from recording masters. He takes the reader into the studio with about 30 top producers who have worked with the most famous major artists. They share tips and techniques on such topics as selecting and placing mikes, choosing the right key for a song, creating room treatments, coaching a nervous singer, and mixing, among other topics. Two group interviews with producers in New York and Los Angeles discuss why an artist needs a producer, and how to break into the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)