Songs and Samples

1. Powerlessness/Unmanageability Blues
The blues is one way to express the defeat and discomfort of the First Step experience.

2. Esperanza (Hope)
This melody has Irish, Andean and Native American influences. I dedicate it to the hope I found at Alkali Lake, B.C.. They have been a beacon of hope to every community struggling with alcoholism for over thirty years.

3. A 3rd Step Prayer
Inspired from Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition,* page 63, the Native American sweat lodge and Fred J. from Alkali Lake, B.C.

4. El Camino Inka
The Fourth Step, like the Inka Trail, is a difficult challenge but the rewards of completion are truly awesome!

5. Conversations
The act of telling the truth about myself created vulnerability through which love could enter and healing begin.

6. Mt. San Jacinto Climb
The 10,825 foot climb from the Palm Springs desert floor to the peak teaches a beautiful lesson. It makes us aware of what we need and what we don’t need in our packs. As in the Sixth Step, we become willing for our loads to be lightened.

7. A Seventh Step Prayer
Inspired from Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition,* page 76 and the children from Sxoxomic School in Alkali Lake, B.C.

8. Tobago Cruisin'
The story of a father becoming willing to make amends to his son and the son becoming willing to forgive.

9. El Condor Pasa
Traditional, Perú - D. Robles and J. Milchberg A song which welcomes the beginning of the experience of the promises of recovery. One has to be fairly high on the mountain to even have a chance to see the condor pass overhead. One has to have done the work and made some significant amends to experience how awesome recovery can be.

10. O’Sullivan’s March
Written by Michael Turbidy, Published by Chrysalis Songs (BMI) In 1602 Donal O’Sullivan lead a guerilla war against the British. His survival retreat march is similar to the modern day survival retreat from King Alcohol. The march gloriously culminates in trudging the Road of Happy Destiny.

11. Instrument of Peace
Through prayer and meditation, we begin to have a new relationship with the Creator and to see new possibilities of service in all our relations.
- Mitakuye Oyasin

12. Recovery Spirit Song
A song to celebrate the spiritual awakening which comes as a result of the commitment, action and grace necessary to reach the peak/complete the Steps.

Bonus Track
Into the Wind – Recovery Spirit Eagle Soars!
This flute introduction was offered at the Alcohol Awareness Hour sponsored by the Betty Ford Center on January 5, 2008. The guest speaker was Lyle P. whose story, “Grounded” is in Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition pg 522.* Recorded by Aaron Green at the Annenberg Center.

* Brief excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous, are included with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to include these excerpts does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this CD, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this material in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems or concerns, or in any other non-A.A. context.

A Message From Patrick Haggerson

Recovery Spirit was first released in 2002 by Chris Compton and Patrick Haggerson. This second edition reflects six years of performing the concert for various levels of recovering audiences. This version has seven new additions, five original and two folk songs arranged to express the spirit of Step 9 & Step 10.

All (Recovery Spirit)2 pieces are offered as musical expressions which explore and celebrate the changes experienced in the working of each step. My sincere hope is that you will be inspired to attempt the full ascent of the Twelve Steps if you haven't done so, and that those who have will experience the euphoric recall of the experience of working each step however many times that may be.

I hope to see you along the way as we trudge the Road of Happy Destiny!
-Patrick

Some Nice Things People Have Said

In (Recovery Spirit)2, Patrick Haggerson once again blends his exceptional musical talents with a deep-seated spirituality that can only be acquired by moving through life’s challenges into the sunlight of the spirit. Patrick’s commitment to the twelve steps and his ability to communicate their power to others is reflected in this masterpiece. (Recovery Spirit)2 is a must addition to any musical library.
- Mike N.
Palm Desert, CA

Patrick’s music has a magical way of touching the soul and unlocking the wide range of emotions contained there… He is a healer in the guise of a flute player.
- Sally D.
Rancho Mirage, CA

Listening to the music on the (Recovery Spirit)2 CD induces a feeling of tranquility, allowing me to get in touch with my spiritual self. It’s a great way to start and end my day. Thanks!
- Laurie Skochil
Executive Assistant
Office of the President
Betty Ford Center

This CD captures the very emotions and essence of the 12-Step program. The depth of the spirit and heart of this CD allows one to explore and experience the tragedies and hope of addiction and recovery. Thank you for allowing my spirit to be free to feel, and move to places in my heart never explored before. This powerful and phenomenal collection of awakenings will benefit anyone touched by addiction and recovery. Bless You Patrick; you have given a precious Gift of hope to . . . .
- Veronica H.
Palm Springs, CA

About Patrick Haggerson

Patrick Haggerson is a training specialist at the Betty Ford Institute. He uses music as part of the therapeutic process for meditation, expressing feelings, and inspiration. Patrick was co-founder of the music group Alma Iowana, which specialized in Andean Folk Music and was originally based in Stone City, Iowa.

Todd Hodulik hails from Palos Verdes, California. He attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California where he studied jazz guitar. He has been a professional musician for over ten years.

RuffJazzRecords was started in 2003 to promote and record music that otherwise wouldn't have been heard.