Each week or so, SunlightOfTheSpirit.com features a CD that deserves special attention, offering it for you to enjoy at a special price.

Jubal Lee Young’s songs are reckless, deep and spiritual — meticulously crafted, delivered by an amazing voice that can go in a heartbeat from a falsetto whisper to a lion’s roar.

Jubal Lee Young is the only son of singer-songwriter Steve Young (Seven Bridges Road, Lonesome On’ry and Mean) and Terrye Newkirk (My Oklahoma, Come Home, Daddy).

He grew up around the best of the 70s and 80s Country, Folk, and Bluegrass artists, his parents’ amazing circle of famous and infamous friends. Jubal’s first introduction to rock ‘n roll included listening to his mother’s old Motown and Elvis 45’s.

Then he discovered well-worn copies of such great albums as the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper and Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited. Those piqued his interest in more rock artists of that era and beyond. Jubal cites bands and artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Dire Straits, and Tom Petty amongst his musical heroes.

“Most of my heroes have been those people who just did what they did, without too much regard for what other people might like. From Mozart to Waylon and all points in between. I guess you’d have to take my dad into account, too. I certainly grew up watching him insist on being an individual. We’re a lot alike in that way.”

So here’s a young rocker who has experienced life’s darker sides, yet transcends them in his songs. Don’t think that tamed him down; he just chose a different road. Along the way, he came up with a unique sound that could be an unexpected rebirth of Southern Rock— encompassing the diverse styles of the musically fertile Southland, but with a genius for intelligent lyrics and wry humor that is altogether fresh.

Jubal Lee Young has learned from the greats, first- hand, right there at the kitchen table. You can hear it — he’s the real deal.

St. Louis native, Jane Godfrey, has been singing and playing guitar most of her life. Coming from a large family of musicians and artists, Jane has always been creatively inclined. While in her insomniac phase around the turn of the century, Jane turned to songwriting as a creative outlet for her own amusement.

Jane received validation early in her songwriting career when her song, “Thank You Ms. Juliette,” a bluegrass tribute to Juliette Lowe, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was included in the Girl Scouts of the USA’s CD, “Sisters Hand in Hand.”

Jane’s passion for songwriting grew, prompting road-trips to Nashville where her skills were nurtured by attending songwriting workshops and performing at writers’ showcases, including the infamous Bluebird Café.

Before completing her own CD, another one of Jane’s songs, “Finally Loving Myself,” was chosen to be included on Gracie Vandiver’s PRISM Award-winning recovery music CD, “Trail of Light,” which also includes music by such songwriting greats as Paul Williams and Mary Gauthier.

Jane’s own debut CD, “Choose Beauty,” includes twelve songs, many of which are enhanced by a blend of sibling harmonies and musicianship. “Choose Beauty” is a collection of original Americana songs, grown from Jane’s imagination, experience, and observations of the drama, comedy, and beauty in everyday life.

Michael Clayton, Georgia Rule, The Simpsons, Grey’s Anatomy, ER, The View, The Sopranos Also Receive Top Honors

LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2008 - The winners of the 12th Annual PRISM Awards were announced tonight at a gala dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel. These awards, presented by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and FX Network, reflect the entertainment industry’s commitment to the accurate depiction of addiction and health issues in film, television, music, comic books and interactive entertainment.

“Trail of Light – Fifteen Songs Exploring the Journey From Alcoholism and Addiction to a New Life in Recovery,” (Gracie Vandiver & Friends/Note To Self Recordings) won the “Music Recording” category along with Nikki Sixx’s “The Heroin Diaries.” The Sober Café Podcast (Produced by Gracie Vandiver/Studio V Productions) received the award in the “Interactive Media” category.

Vandiver, who was presented with both awards, is the founder of SunlightOfTheSpirit.com, an Internet store offering the power of music to support recovery from chemical dependency. Her CD, “Trail of Light,” is SunlightOfTheSpirit.com’s best-selling CD.

“The Entertainment Industries Council received over 400 submissions for the PRISM Awards,” said EIC President and CEO Brian Dyak. “. . . which clearly demonstrates that there’s an ever-growing library of good works — productions that depict real-life health issues such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicide prevention. Through the PRISM Awards, EIC honors the entertainment industry for getting it right and for a job well done.”

To learn more and hear song samples from “Trail of Light,” please visit TrailOfLightCD.com or GracieVandiver.com. The Sober Café Podcast is available online at SoberCafePodcast.com.

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If you’re a fan of Freebo, check out this week’s Featured CD on sale at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com.

Freebo’s success in rock’n’roll has been well documented over the years. From bass player/band member with Bonnie Raitt for a decade to countless studio sessions and tours with artists ranging from John Mayall, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Maria Muldaur and Ringo Starr, to T.V. appearances on Saturday Night Live, Midnight Special, and Muppets Tonight, as well as tuba performances with Dr. John and the legendary Spinal Tap, Freebo has achieved status and respect in a creative and highly competitive field.

Not satisfied with simply resting on his laurels as a top sideman, Freebo has continued to push his creative envelope, and now has evolved into an acclaimed singer/songwriter, with three well received solo CDs to his credit; 1999’s The End Of The Beginning, 2002’s Dog People (songs about the human/canine connection), and his new CD, Before The Separation.

Released in October 2005, Freebo’s latest CD shows his complete arrival and comfort as a singer/songwriter, with thoughtful and insightful lyrics sung with soul and passion, framed by his acoustic guitar and signature fretless bass, and supported by tasty drums, electric guitar, and harmonica, played by some of rock music’s finest musicians.

Freebo’s songs span styles from folk, blues, and country to R&B, reggae, and rock ‘n’ roll, and incorporate themes of love, struggle, triumph, peace, and the journey of life.

His live performances, mainly on acoustic guitar, take you on a musical and lyrical ride. Freebo creates an intimate unity with his audience and will likely leave you with a tear in your eye, but with a smile on your face.

This week’s Featured CD at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com is Danny Tate’s rockin’ recording, “Destination X.”

Born in Beaumont, Texas, the son of a Southern Baptist music minister, Tate grew up in a musical household. When he was seven, his family moved to Camden, Arkansas, where he seemed destined to follow in the tradition of gospel music.

Building on this foundation Tate was lured away by the sounds heard on the local AM radio station that played everything from the soul music of Aretha Franklin and James Brown, the country songs of George Jones and Patsy Cline to Delta Blues, Rock n’ Roll and all the hits of that day.

Before embarking on a career as a successful songwriter he spent four years at a small university studying theory and composition under one of the most successful symphonic wind composers of our day, William Francis McBeth.

After receiving his degree, John Daniel Tate headed for Nashville where he honed his craft as a tunesmith under the tutelage of legends such as Harlan Howard (I Fall to Pieces) and Dean Kaye (That’s Life).

He first struck pay dirt when a friend followed pop star Rick Springfield to the bathroom at the Palace in Hollywood and gave him a tape of one of Tate’s songs. Springfield recorded it and it went on to become the first single off his next record and the Top 5 hit Affair of the Heart.

Being primarily a pop/rock songwriter, Tate headed for Hollywood where things began to really take off. Acts from the Smithereens, Jeff Healey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys to Patti LaBelle, Tim McGraw, Russ Taff, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the popular Australian band Diesel recorded his songs and many were hits on various formats. Between 1995-2002 he has had three #1’s and four top 10’s on rock radio.

In 1991, he landed his own record deal with Charisma/Virgin Records and recorded two albums receiving critical acclaim. His own recording of Dreamin became a AAA radio hit and was featured in the movie How To Make An American Quilt. Many of his songs have appeared in motion pictures and television. His reputation as a hit songwriter holds him in high demand and esteem among his colleagues.

His pursuits now encompass composing for film, television and national commercials, a natural extension considering his background. You can hear the influence of Ry Cooder, Daniel Lanois and Vangelis permeating his work helping to create his own distinct Americana sound.

Click here to hear song samples and purchase “Destination X” at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com’s Featured CD price!

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – March 20, 2008 – “Trail of Light,” produced by Gracie Vandiver (Note To Self Recordings 2007), has received a PRISM Award nomination by the Entertainment Industries Council.

The collection of songs on “Trail of Light” reflect the journey from alcoholism and addiction to a new life in recovery. The first twelve songs lyrically address the emotional twists and turns on the path, capturing “What it was like,” “What happened,” and “What it’s like now.” The fifteen-song journey concludes with “A vision for you,” offering songs of hope and inspiration to maintain solid footing in day-to-day recovery.

The compilation includes music from a variety of talented artists and award-winning songwriters such as Paul Williams, Mary Gauthier, Jack Sundrud, Sharon Vaughn, and Jon Vezner, offering many different vocal styles and musical genres.

The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. annually presents the PRISM Awards for outstanding accomplishments in the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction in film, television, interactive, comic books, music, and video entertainment.

Honorees are selected by a 60-person committee of entertainment industry professionals and technical experts from the fields of medicine, mental health, and addiction.

In addition to the ceremony, a magazine format show will be taped for telecast on FX and will be showcased at a Congressional reception in Washington, DC in September in celebration of National Treatment and Recovery Month.

“The Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) received over 400 submissions for the PRISM Awards,” said EIC President and CEO Brian Dyak. “. . . which clearly demonstrates that there’s an ever-growing library of good works — productions that depict real-life health issues such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicide prevention. Through the PRISM Awards, EIC honors the entertainment industry for getting it right and for a job well done.”

The 12th Annual PRISM Awards ceremony takes place on April 24, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

“Trail of Light” is available at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com.

Sundrud grew up in northern Minnesota. He got the music bug when he first heard the Beatles - bought a guitar and played every night until his fingers bled. Sundrud joined his first band in high school. And that’s what he’s still doing.

In 1969, Sundrud was in an original country-rock band called Podipto, also from Minnesota. With a good bit of regional success and in ‘71, Podipto did an album for GRT Records. The band toured with The Carpenters, Elton John, James Taylor, Laura Nyro and, fortuitously enough, Poco. Sundrud left Podipto in ‘73 to go to nearby Fargo, doing cover songs four sets a night, seven nights a week for a steady check and free beer (seemed like a good idea at the time).

He moved to Nashville in ‘81. Worked as bassist/vocalist on the road with: Vince Gill, Dickey Betts, Nicolette Larson, Michael Johnson, Gail Davies, The O’Kanes, Gary Morris, Kathy Mattea and others.

Sundrud was also the singer/writer/rhythm guitar guy for Great Plains, a country-rock band on Columbia and later Magnatone Records. They had some minor success in the early 90s and hung it up in ‘96.

As a staff writer for about fifteen years, Sundrud has had songs recorded by several artists including Poco, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Ricochet, Jenai, 4Runner, The Persuasions, Michael Johnson, Helen Darling, Venice, The Forrester Sisters, and had a #1 by Ty Herndon in ‘99.

Sundrud co-producer David Llewellyn’s recent self-titled CD and also produced Paul Cotton’s new CD, When The Coast Is Clear.

These days he’s working with the seminal country-rock band Poco - - and loves it. Great guys, great music.

Click here to sample songs or purchase “By My Own Hand” at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com.

Good Shepherd Mission in Huntsville, Texas, has created a recovery music library with CDs purchased from Sunlight of the Spirit Music.

Good Shepherd’s HOPE (Healing Open Personalized Environment) House Recovery Program’s mission statement is “to serve a limited number of adult men and women who are suffering with substance-related issues in a Christ-centered atmosphere; helping to heal body, mind and soul through counseling, building relationships and increasing knowledge.”

Follow this link to read the full March 1, 2008 article in the Huntsville Item entitled “Recovery program to give hope to substance abusers.”

A great big thank you to Rev. Dave Smith, executive director of Good Shepherd Mission, for carrying the message of recovery to your community with music created by artists in recovery. All of the artists at SunlightOfTheSpirit.com wish you much success with your new program!

Rochester, New York native, Sonia Lee moved to Nashville with a dream to write songs. That dream began as a first generation Ukrainian American with parents that preserved their heritage of music in their daughter’s upbringing.

She began to sing at the age of three and to play the guitar at age twelve (at Ukrainian camp when the guitar player didn’t show up!). Sonia learned to carry on the family tradition of decorating Easter eggs (pysanky), Ukrainian folk dancing, and embroidery of beautiful Ukrainian patterns.

Her heritage was not her only influence. She loved music from the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and the American folk music she grew up around in upstate New York.

For years following her move, Sonia sat in the audience of the famous Nashville songwriter mecca, the Bluebird Cafe, dreaming of being a songwriter. During that time, she relied heavily on alcohol, and Sonia now often talks candidly about the problems that reliance caused in her life.

In her quest for recovery, Sonia met a network of support and friends that helped her learn a new set of principles for living and a totally new outlook upon life. From that moment, Sonia Lee’s life changed for the better, one day at a time.

Sonia began to write by herself, as well as with co-writers who held like beliefs in themes of love, forgiveness, and recovery. And she began to sing in songwriter rounds at the Bluebird, where she’d watched so many great songwriters perform in the past.

Sonia’s producer, Kim McLean, was one of the songwriters with whom she formed a friendship, and later a creative partnership in the studio with her first project, From the Heart, a fresh collection of traditional Ukrainian folk songs.

With great critical acceptance, and a successful tour of Ukrainian audiences across America, and even a visit to Ukraine, Sonia’s dream was not yet completely fulfilled. She still felt an ever present need to express her own creative voice in music.

So, a heartfelt conversation with McLean, led to the recording of her second CD, True, an album of self-penned and co-written anthems and touching ballads composed from the tapestry of Sonia’s own “True” life.

In 2006, Sonia performed at the world renowned Kerrville Folk Festival, hailed as the festival for up and coming songwriters. She earned the prestige of being chosen as one of 32 finalists out of the more than 800 applicants.

As a singer/songwriter, Sonia writes from personal experience - - she has been sober and in recovery from alcoholism for eleven years. So it’s not surprising Sonia drew a standing room only crowd during her CD release party for her third CD, Chance To Start Over, at Nashville’s Bluebird Café in January 2007.

Chance To Start Over carries a positive message of the faith and strength that Sonia has found in recovery. Anyone who has faced difficult times, regardless of the challenge, will find an uplifting message in each of the CD’s twelve songs.

Jane’s Godfrey’s newly-released CD, Choose Beauty, has been added to SunlightOfTheSpirit.com.

Choose Beauty is a versatile and pleasing blend of folk, rock, bluegrass and beyond, with a bright and refreshing flavor; sophisticated with a subtle texture of humor; organic and homegrown from Jane’s imagination.

St. Louis native, Jane Godfrey, has been singing and playing guitar most of her life. Coming from a large family of musicians and artists, Jane has always been creatively inclined. While in her insomniac phase around the turn of the century, Jane turned to songwriting as a creative outlet for her own amusement.

Jane received validation early in her songwriting career when her song, “Thank You Ms. Juliette,” a bluegrass tribute to Juliette Lowe, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was included in the Girl Scouts of the USA’s CD, “Sisters Hand in Hand.”

Jane’s passion for songwriting grew, prompting road-trips to Nashville where her skills were nurtured by attending songwriting workshops and performing at writers’ showcases, including the infamous Bluebird Café.

Before completing her own CD, another one of Jane’s songs, “Finally Loving Myself,” was chosen to be included on Nashville songwriter Gracie Vandiver’s recovery music CD, “Trail of Light,” which also includes music by such songwriting greats as Paul Williams and Mary Gauthier.

Jane’s own debut CD, Choose Beauty, includes twelve songs, many of which are enhanced by a blend of sibling harmonies and musicianship. “Choose Beauty” is a collection of original Americana songs, grown from Jane’s imagination, experience, and observations of the drama, comedy, and beauty in everyday life.

Click here to listen to song samples or purchase Choose Beauty.