The Boxmasters   -  Biography

With the April 2009 arrival of Modbilly, the Boxmasters achieved the remarkable feat of releasing three albums in less than a year. Even more impressive perhaps is the fact that Modbilly and their self-titled debut release are ambitious two-CD sets containing one disc of original songs and another featuring a fascinating array of cover material reflecting the band's appreciation of vintage country and rock. Fronted by the mercurial actor and musician and drummer Billy Bob (known here as W.R., -- obviously William Robert) Thornton, the Boxmasters (the membership, at least in the recording capacity, rounded out by J.D. Andrew on bass, guitars, and vocals and Michael Wayne Butler on guitars and lap steel) were a California based electric rockabilly/country rock band influenced by the sounds of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Buck Owens, but put a unique spin on the genre by adding a dash of British Invasion-era rock (Beatles, Stones, Kinks) to the mix. The band honed its skills in its early days by playing a handful of live shows in the California area, as well as a few gigs in Tecate, Mexico. The three-piece soon entered the studio -- after securing a deal with Vanguard -- and recorded their 2008 debut, simply titled The Boxmasters. To augment their sound -- and allow W.R. Thornton to step out from behind the drums to take the vocals to the people -- the Boxmasters recruited some sidemen to take on their road trips. These musicians included Bradley Davis on mandolin, guitar and vocals, Teddy Andreadis on harmonica and organ/keys, and Mike Bruce on drums. Later in 2008, the band released the holiday album Christmas Cheer, also on Vanguard. The Boxmasters continue to build their reputation as a live band through frequent touring while attracting additional fans with Modbilly.