Five-time Inspirational Country Music Awards nominee and singer/songwriter Lesa Hudson of The Rick Strickland Band, announces the release of her new CD project "Sweet Wonderful You." Produced by awarding winning singer/songwriter Rick Strickland, "Sweet Wonderful You" features 10 original songs – 6 songs written by Lesa, 2 co-written by Lesa & Rick, and 2 written by Rick. This project also features 2 duets performed by Lesa & Rick – a first for both artists.

Each of the 10 original songs represents its own story about love, relationships, being happy about where you are in life and who you're with in life. And about being thankful for the people you love and who love you back. Musical tempos and styles are intentionally upbeat and dance oriented, and loaded with memorable hooks to engage and delight audiences. Also featured on this project are 2 duets performed by Lesa & Rick – "When You Look At Me" (written by Lesa) and "Just To Wake Up Next To You" (written by Rick). Both duet ballads are already getting early nods of approval as potential fan favorites. "I’ve had plenty of requests to do duets in the past but never felt moved to do so until now. These duets are so strong, and our voices blend so beautifully," says Rick.

With 5 previous CD releases under her belt, the release of "Sweet Wonderful You" represents Lesa’s first entry to secular and dance music markets. "As a songwriter, it’s all about writing a great song. There’s nothing more thrilling to me than to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and create a song that ultimately encourages people or makes them smile. Writing music has been a passion for a long time and it’s something I hope to be able to do forever. I like to challenge myself to explore different themes in songwriting and be open to many styles of music. I am constantly inspired by people and situations around me, and this project gave me an opportunity to explore and grow as a songwriter. Regardless of the beat of the song or the genre that one might interpret, I remain very passionate about writing music that inspires and encourages others. And what a thrill to work with Rick on this project, who is a genius at applying just the right instrumentation, production and interpretation to the song. I am very proud in all the right ways of how this project turned out," says Lesa.

Rick has produced numerous projects in the past, but none gets him more excited than "Sweet Wonderful You." I love the way Lesa and I work together – our deep friendship informs our work relationship. We saw eye to eye on how the song was to be interpreted so it was moreso a journey of how to get there. Lesa was so open to my help and delivered what I asked. And I was just blown away at Lesa’s ability to write songs – incredible tunes, strong hooks. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the songs to start forming them into records. One thing Lesa has that others don’t is, Lesa is a triple threat. She’s an incredible keyboard player, singer and songwriter. When you are producing a project, to get one of those is really lucky but to get all three is truly special. Out of all the 50 albums I’ve produced, this is hands down one of my favorites," says Rick.

In addition to Lesa’s vocals and keyboard talents on the CD, you’ll also hear the incredible guitar and harmony vocal talents of Rick Strickland, and the amazing keyboard prodigy of Art Benton perfectly seasoned throughout this project. Rounding out the arsenal of talent represented on this project is Debbie Anderson whose harmony vocals on the title track song "Sweet Wonderful You" added just the right touch to the project’s final song.

The public first got a glimpse of this project last August when "You Make The Good Times Better" was released on Sisbro Records’ compilation CD Carolina Shag Volume II. Another song, "Can’t Help Lovin’ On You," will be released this month on KHP Music’s Queens of Southern Soul – Back By Popular Demand compilation CD.

Lesa will spend the rest of the summer and fall promoting the CD. She made several guest appearances during April at SOS Spring Safari, and will launch several CD Release Parties in different cities in conjunction with Rick Strickland Band events. Visit www.lesahudson.com or www.therickstricklandband.com for currently scheduled events.

Lesa’s early radio success earned her a nod from the Inspirational Country community as an "Artist To Watch for 2007" by PowerSource Magazine. Lesa is a 3-time finalist for ICMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and 2-time finalist for ICMA New Artist of the Year.

Lesa has also released 3 CD projects with her Contemporary Christian trio N’Accord, whose distinctive and powerful harmonies brought many opportunities to perform throughout the Southeast. She was a Top 5 Indieheaven Momentum Award Finalist for Country Artist of the Year for 2007 and 2008; a semi-finalist in the 2006 Contemporary Christian Music Network International Talent Search; and a 2005 Exalting Him Semi Finalist. Lesa also released a LIVE CD and DVD project in 2008 that was recorded at the historic Center Theater in Hartsville, SC.

Lesa has performed at some of Nashville’s most legendary venues including the Acuff Theater, BB Kings (during CMA FanFest), Gibson Guitar Café and Trinity Broadcast Network. Also a sought after National Anthem singer, Lesa made her national TV debut on Fox-TV performing the national anthem at the 2007 Dodge Avenger 500 at Darlington Raceway.

These days, Lesa spends most of her time writing new music and performing with The Rick Strickland Band. She also performs with her own band (The Lesa Hudson Band) at family and Christian events throughout the region whenever possible. She is also the Contemporary Worship leader at her church.

Contact Lesa Hudson