pillowbook is a collaboration between Adrian Bond and Joanne Juskus that began in 2006. Funny story. Adrian is a superb guitarist, composer and electronic musician. When Joanne was called upon to open for Duncan Sheik at the Avalon Theater (one of her favorite venues) in April 2006, she was in the perplexing position of not having a guitarist. Her primary guitarist at the time and his sub weren't available on the short notice the theater had given them. Frantically, because she actually liked Duncan Sheik and it was a great opportunity, Joanne searched for another guitarist who could perform the show with her. At the time, her second CD, see your face, was just about to be released, and co-producer (and TELESMA guitarist) Chris Mandra had agreed to be a part of the performance, controlling the electronic aspects of the set, but they still needed a guitarist. Chris recommended his friend, Adrian Bond, who then graciously agreed to learn all of Joanne's songs in about a week's time – a phenomenal commitment on such short notice. As "luck" would have it, Duncan Sheik's "people" nixed the idea of an opening act. Not to be disappointed, Joanne and her cohorts gave a performance in Annapolis that was sold out.

Soon after, an improvisational collaboration combining Joanne's vocals with Adrian's guitar and electronics was born. A name was chosen: pillowbook (small p), after the book of observations and musings recorded by Sei Shōnagon during her time as court lady to Empress Consort Teishi during the 990s and early 11th century in Heian Japan. Within a few years, they added a folk music component to their performances, performing dozens of Celtic and English folk ballads (some of which are a couple hundred years old) along with unusual and sometimes quirky contemporary covers.

In 2007, Joanne and Adrian were honored to be chosen to open for Thomas Dolby at the famed Birchmere, in Arlington, Virginia.  pillowbook performs every last Sunday of the month at 49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar and Gallery at 49 West Street in Annapolis, Maryland in a series called "Last Sundays @ 49". Special guests are often featured in the intimate and comfortable setting.