NEW RELEASE: Sonia Lee's Ukrainian songs "From the Heart"

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Sonia Lee, a first-generation Ukrainian American whose dream it has always been to record a CD of songs for the Ukrainian community, has just released a new album, "From the Heart."

Produced by Kim Patton-Johnston and John D. Willis, the CD comprises 11 songs that everbody can enjoy, whether one is of Ukrainian lineage or just appreciates the beauty of haunting melodies.

Ms. Lee is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville. Growing up in Rochester, N.Y., she was deeply influenced by her musical family and heritage. "I started singing Ukrainian songs when I was 3, and never stopped. My brother, Andy, and I are first-generation Ukrainians, so we were immersed in the culture. We went to Ukrainian school every Saturday to learn about Ukraine's history, geography and language. We were sent to Ukrainian scout camp every summer for three weeks. What I remember most from those days is that we would sing all the time! I am grateful for those experiences," she observed.

Being so proud of her Ukrainian heritage, it seemed logical for Ms. Lee's first project to be a Ukrainian one. "I wanted to record the songs that were dear to my heart; songs I loved to listen to, and songs I used to sing at camp with my friends." She also includes one of her own songs on the album.

Ms. Lee met her husband, Chris Cavolo, in Nashville and says he is her greatest supporter and motivator. "He is the one who kept encouraging me to complete 'From the Heart' while my parents are still with me."

While she hopes that Ukrainians everywhere will want to buy her CD, Ms. Lee explained that she tried to make it easy for those who don't read or understand the language to listen to it as well. "My husband represents a large segment of people who like to listen to different types of music, including multicultural music, as long as they can read along in English and know what the song is about." So Ms. Lee, with much help from her parents, translated the songs into English.

Ms. Lee's next project is a collection of her original songs. She will be performing at the Ukrainian Heritage Festival in Yonkers (June 18-20).

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 13, 2004, No. 24, Vol. LXXII

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