A weird life, a winding road, a path designed entirely by serendipity. That's where the music of Cara Jones comes from. Although she wanted to sing and write songs professionally since she learned to talk, it took a 14-hour flight and a new start to make it happen. Following an accidental meeting with a Japanese radio producer, Cara left Boston after college to take a chance on a radio career in Tokyo. Over there, DJs are encouraged to create music as well as spin it, and within a year she was writing hit songs for Japanese artists. A few good reviews later, she released her first album, "Different Skies," on an independent label and promptly sold out the only pressing of 15,000 copies--great numbers for an indy, and a new artist to boot. Her second album, "Pandora's Box," was recorded in Ireland, and boasts an array of the best musicians there.

After seven years of radio and lots of voice-overs (including the Nagano Olympics--you probably heard her!), Cara moved back to the States and recorded her U.S. debut, "NOW," in her native Philadelphia. Producers Michael Aharon and John Anthony helped craft the sound that brings out the best of her soaring vocals and searing lyrics.

The road ahead is strewn with choices--where to make a home base in the States, which label to release the new album on. But Cara is sure that with her feet firmly planted in the "now," serendipity will lead the way again.

Pastimes: Yoga, salsa dancing, messing with her iBook
Admired artists: Sarah McLachlan, Tara MacLean, Sheryl Crow
Musical instruments played: Piano, guitar, egg