As 2021 starts its fade out, KRB has begun our fade in. This fade in began over 15 years ago when the first notes of the first song were written. After hours of searching the fretboard for the perfect chord, the first few songs of this debut album were completed. Lyric into phrase, rhyme after rhyme, the stories embedded in these compositions became an alternate expression of the world I saw. After a few years of honing the rhythms and progressions of these first songs, KRB had its first gestational moment. Several months into a full college work load, I played a stereotypical coffee house gig. Dark corner, my sound system competing with the milk steamer on the espresso machine, and a core group of family and friends in attendance. But one member of the audience that evening was a fellow music major studying percussion. After two sets and the espresso machine fell silent, as the night ended, a massive flood light was illuminated in that percussionist’s head. “All this kid needs is a bass player and a drummer.” The weeks following this fateful evening witnessed two music majors converted from classmates to inseparable friends. Countless writing sessions saw drum parts added to a small repertoire of original tunes and two thirds of KRB was unknowingly formed. 

The next gestational moment arrived when a small backyard party needed some entertainment. Two members of the jazz ensemble that was scheduled to play were unable to attend. That left guitarist turned piano player Keith Rounds, drummer Wayne Campbell, and bassist Mike Klakowicz, the only three members available. This fortuitous scheduling conflict lead to the most pivotal jam session in KRB history. As I called chords off the mic between lyrics, song after song got better and better. Party goers assumed that our decisions were calculated and not the near mistakes we attempted to hide for the afternoon. Those three sets sparked a conversation with a shared opinion by many in attendance that day. “You guys don’t need anyone else, you are all you need.” And we left that party as the Keith Rounds Band. 

It was clear from this party that we had musical chemistry. This chemistry was far more apparent during our first writing session as a trio. Mike flawlessly executed bass line after bass line which triggered a firestorm of inspiration. New songs were created during every rehearsal. Week after week, life moment after life moment, we continued writing, shaping, and recording each new creation. Through every up and down, these 11 songs grew our friendship into family. 

And now, in the 2021 holiday season, we are so excited to bring you the 11 songs that started it all. This album, titled Two Twenty Two, will be released on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022. We cannot begin to express how thankful and blessed we are to be able to share this music with you. From our KRB family to yours, glad tidings of great joy. May you have a blessed and safe holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year.