Really, I'm taking advantage of an involuntary work vacation to pay attention to some guitar instruction and practice even if it's just me and some online tutorials and an actual practice schedule. Since I've moved to my groovy new dowtown location, it's inspiring to sit in my lovely living room with hardwood floors and pluck away at my scales, hammer-ons, slides and bends.

My gospel choir education continues, and I feel my voice opening up and relaxing into some solo work that I always thought was in me.

I'm going to continue to push the album for reviews and maybe song licensing for TV/movies, and I've got some ideas for a jazz ensemble that I'm going to see if I can get in motion.

I'll let you know when I've got a new show coming up, but for now, back to school.....

My second album is a little bigger than the first in that it involves the band, and just like a growing child, it needs a lot more to eat. If you've come to a show, were there at the beginning Bean Scene days, played Fabulous Junkyard on repeat, or any such fan-like behavior, now's your chance to help KJB to the next level.

According to current calculations, we're looking at $3000 of recording and printing costs. Alone, I can't front that kind of cash to get the project started, but together, it's attainable.

The home page of this site has three options:

1. Donate: If you want to encourage the band to spend their weekends on this album endeavor "no strings attached", then donating is for you. I APPRECIATE THIS.

2. Pre-purchase: If you've been waiting two years for this next #$%^&* album, you probably want to buy it now. "A little guilt goes a long way" according to my old pastor, and I agree 100%. When I see those dollars piling up, you'd better believe I'll find a way to make this happen to assuage my pangs of post-protestant obligation.

3. Both:This no problem. We like.

Momentum is a powerful invisible force. Let's get it going village-style.

The paradox of my pending new album pairs the wilderness of self knowledge with the joy of collaboration and mutual comprehension. Songs brought to the surface after dark and breathless pearl diving have taken on dimension from the expertise of the Bona Fides bass and guitar work.

The next step invites further friendship by asking KJB fans, old and new, to contribute to bank of faith by pre-purchasing "Little Words". Many singer/songwriters engage their listeners in their recording ventures, and I see the value.

Alone, I can't front the money it takes to record and print the album, but pooling resources makes it possible, and a little less lonely to boot.

I'll keep you posted on the technicalities, but in the meantime, think about what friends you can invite into this process who would appreciate the music, and can stand a little anticipation.

I'm looking forward to witnessing the response of so many of you who have always encouraged me along the way. The experience will be richer for having accomplished it together.

Friends and fans have commented on a new quality in my vocals that I think comes in part from my intentional detachment from public relations. I've known for a long time that there was some professional development needed in the area of vocals and guitar, and I think that's happening thanks to things like gospel choir, and paying attention to some sloppy elements of my guitar work and doing the time consuming clean-up practice.

Maybe my fans will get tired of waiting and forget about me. Maybe I'll lose momentum and inspiration. These are risks I have to take. I like the feeling of calm and confidence I'm developing by taking this time off frantic booking and traveling, and frankly, I don't want to do the same coffee shop tour I did two summers ago.

I've changed, and I want this next round of recording and publicity to reflect that. I invite you to wait with me for the quality CD that I'll be selling, and if you're curious about the content, come by for a show the next time Karen Joy Brown and the Bona Fides are playing. I think you'll like what you hear.

1. Karen Joy Brown and the Bona Fides: We've now played several gigs and a radio spot under the alias, and have developed a decent set. It's been a long time goal of mine to recruit wonderful musicians/people for a project and it's starting to gather momentum.

2. Adult ESL: I was sad to leave Spain with its abundant opportunity for language development. I only hoped I could find some local employment that would provide income and a link to further Spanish learning. Thankfully, that is the case, and although I have a serious commute, I get to work with remarkably motivated adult students that have taught me so much already. We can't help but throw in a gossip session in Spanish at some point each class, so it's really a two way street of language learning.

3. Gospel Choir: I started attending what I affectionately refer to as "vocal boot camp" last fall in the form of a small acapella choir for the local AME church. I couldn't pay enough for the training I'm receiving, and I love the ladies I get to spend two hours with every Monday night.

4. Daily Writing/Music practice:After years of trying to develop a practice of writing and music, I think I've stumbled upon a rhythm that works. I worked through "The Artist's Way" book at the beginning of the year, and it helped free me up to discover a way of tapping into the creatve flow and put the "play" back into playing music.

I hope to add a new recording to this list, but at the risk of sending fans into despair, I am letting that process develop at it's own speed. Every time I get together with the Bona Fides and practice or perform is a step closer to the new album. I think we have a special thing going, and I want the recording to capture the joy and just good old fun we feel when we play together. So hang in there, and test the saying "good things come to those who wait."