We wanted to let folks know that the inimitable Bill Barbot is leaving the band. He and his family left the DC area and moved to Vermont a year ago to enjoy more nature and a less hectic way of living. I've visited him, and I can report that he now lives at the end of a dirt road in the countryside! It became increasingly clear that commuting to practice in Baltimore was no longer possible given the distance and his work and family obligations. It was a bittersweet announceme...nt for the rest of us and certainly the end of an era. We looked for another singer/guitarist to fill his rather large shoes with Bill's suggestion and blessing. We're happy to report that the fabulous Brooks Harlan - a friend of the band, guitarist of War on Women, proprietor of Big Crunch Amp Repair and Design, and a frequent musical collaborator of J's over the past decade - will be joining us for live shows. Bill will always be a part of Jawbox both musically and emotionally, but we will enjoy the new energy that change can bring. ~KC