Billy Bob Thornton's Boxmasters Signed to Vanguard
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters have signed a deal with Vanguard with a 2-CD set due out June 10. The Boxmasters, who we first wrote about after attending their sold-out show last summer, are composed of Thornton, aka: W.R. 'Bud' Thornton (drums, vocals/background vocals), J.D. Andrew (electric/acoustic guitars, bass, background vocals) and Mike Butler (electric guitar, lap steel, Dobro). The Boxmasters will include 23 songs written or co-written by Billy Bob and Andrew. The set also includes some classic cover tunes. The album was produced by Thornton and Andrew.
The Boxmasters sound combines the influence of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kinks, and the Animals, fused with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Roy Acuff and Hank Williams. Fashioned after a 1960's-era mod band, The Boxmasters' upbeat rhythms and arrangements contrast sardonically with the very dark themes they explore lyrically.
Billy Bob calls their sound "Electric Hillbilly music ."
The Boxmasters will be hitting the road this summer for a cross-country tour beginning in mid-July. Some of the cities in the Swampland footprint include Austin, Memphis, and Birmingham.
By the way, although he is best known for his work as an actor and producer, Billy Bob Thornton has released four albums between 2001 and 2007.
Look for a review in GRITZ soon.
Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.
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Comments
katiedid says...
Godallmighty damn I LOVE Billy Bob! I don't care WHAT he does. Acting, singing, farting... (LOL) I heard so previews of this. They were covering a Beatles tune with a pedal steel how cool can you get. Love you Gritz an Billy Bob!