August 6, 2001 – Stone Gossard will release his first solo album, Bayleaf September 11. Guests on the CD include former Green Apple Quickstep frontman Ty Wilman, Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain, pianist Ron Weinstein, drummer Mike Stone, bassist Guy Davis, and Pete Droge who also produced the album.

"I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Pete Droge who helped me to finish and mix this record. Pete played and sang on almost every track; he has a great sense of humor and is truly a one man band," says Gossard.

Gossard sings lead on seven of the album's ten tracks and penned all the album's songs. The title track was written in 1997 while Gossard was on tour with Brad in Australia.

"Bayleaf" represents the idea/concept of a child who doesn't understand why there's a hard old leaf in his pasta sauce, and only later comes to understand how that leaf imparts a special flavor/seasoning. It's sort of a life metaphor for me," jokes Gossard.

The first single off of Bayleaf is "Unhand Me," one of three songs where Wilman takes the lead on vocals. "Ty believed in me when I had huge doubts about making this record," says Gossard. "Without his support, I'm not sure I would have finished it. I know it wouldn't be as good." Wellman also sings lead on "Fend It Off" and "Cadillac."

Currently, Gossard has no plans to tour in support of Bayleaf. "It took me a long time to make this record. It may take a long time before I feel 'ready' to tour as a lead singer. I may never be ready... we'll just have to see."