2007 album from the former leader of Semisonic and co-leader of Trip Shakespeare. Dan Wilson is renowned in music circles for the elegance of his melodies, the intelligence of his lyrics, and the purity of his voice. Executive produced by label head Rick Rubin, Free Life features contributions from Sheryl Crow, Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), and Eric Fawcett (N.E.R.D.) among others. Wilson earned a Song of the Year Grammyr in February for his co-writing work on the Dixie Chicks" "Not Ready to Make Nice" from their album Taking the Long Way. He also contributed writing to six songs on the album, which won the Dixie Chicks a total of five Grammyr Awards including Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year. Wilson has also collaborated with such acclaimed artists as Mike Doughty, Rachael Yamagata, Jewel, Jason Mraz, and others. Inspired by sheet music Wilson purchased in an antique store and a Neil Young biography emphasizing his insistence on live recording, the more open and unpredictable Free Life expands upon the more structured arrangements of Wilson"s previous work. Red Ink.