From Malibu To New York City

Moving from mellow Malibu to hectic New York City seems to have been a winning formula for producing Jonatha Brooke's new album.

The folk-rock singer performed in The Saturday Early Show's Second Cup Cafe and showcased selections from her latest album, "Back in the Circus."

The singer, songwriter and instrumentalist had been on her own as an independent artist for the last five years. Her last major-label album was "10 Cent Wings," which was released by MCA in 1997. "Back in the Circus" is Brooke's fifth solo album.

Brooke began her recording career as part of the folk duo The Story. She and college buddy Jennifer Kimball released their debut, "Grace in Gravity," on the independent Green Linnet label in 1991.

The success of the album caught the attention of Elektra Records, which put out the act's well-received sophomore effort, 1993's "The Angel in the House." Two years later, Brooke launched her solo career with "Plumb."

The Boston native recently signed a distribution deal with Verve, and "Back in the Circus" is the first release under the new agreement. In her time away from the studio, Brooke says she has been enjoying married life and the busy pace of New York.