CMT News

The Boxmasters, the band led by actor, director and screenwriter Billy Bob Thornton, have scheduled an April 21 release date for third album, Modbilly, on Vanguard/Sawmill Records. Like their self-titled debut album released in 2008, the new project includes a CD of original material and another disc featuring cover versions of rock and country classics. Modbilly's offering will include the Rolling Stones' "As Tears Go By," John Hartford's "Gentle on My Mind" and Roger Miller's "Half a Mind" (Ernest Tubb's 1958 hit). Thornton, who credits himself as W.R. "Bud" Thornton on the Boxmasters' projects, is the band's drummer and lead vocalist. The other members are bassist J.D. Andrew and guitarist Mike Butler. The Boxmasters' second album, a holiday project titled Christmas Cheer, was released in November. They will embark on a six-city tour of Texas in March, including a March 18 appearance at the South by Southwest music conference.