“BOXWORK” REVIEWS

“Laguna Beach’s WILL BRADY has a new CD out. BOXWORK is a gorgeous collection of solo instrumental guitar workouts, pretty much a full 180 from his last album, the rock-, blues-, and jazz-based CAVEMAN BRAIN. Brady tackles a number of originals and stylistically disparate covers ranging from Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” and Arthur Alexander’s “You Better Move On” to the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream” and Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain.” The music is introspective, contemplative and meditative, a lush and calming showcase for Brady’s spirituality and his sterling musicianship. Guitar players will marvel at both his enviable technique and his on-the-spot penchant for heady improvisation. A job well done, indeed.”

Buddy Siegal-O.C. WEEKLY (Feb. 2000)

“Will Brady is no stranger to the recording business. His career started over 30 years ago as a member of “HONK” which recorded four albums for Columbia. He then went on tour with the Beach Boys, and Loggins & Messina. Since then he has opened for such legendary artists as Albert King, Charlie Musselwhite, and Leon Russell. Boxwork is Brady’s third solo disc, and quite possibly his best.

Boxwork consists of 16 solo guitar instrumentals, some originals, some interpretations of classics. Solo instrumental guitar albums are rarely made these days. Most guitarists are very intimidated with making a strictly solo disc, as it is very difficult to hide your mistakes. Will Brady’s guitar work on Boxwork is flawless. The choice of material is perfect; songs by Curtis Mayfield, Bob Dylan, Leadbelly and Athur Alexander.

With the release of Boxwork, Will Brady has emerged as one of the most outstanding fingerpickers on the scene. His style is reminiscent of Etta Baker and Chet Atkins, and deserves to be given a much bigger audience.”

Jesse Ervin-SOUTHLAND BLUES (Jan. 2000)

“BOXWORK is an ideal collection for acoustic guitar fans who appreciate inspired musicianship.”

GUITAR9.COM

“An inspired solo guitar instrumental album that will turn your head and brush your heart. Pure and simple, involving and personal.”

SONGWRITER’S MONTHLY

“Any solo recording is an act of courage and/or foolishness. BOXWORK is a very pleasing session with a skilled acoustic guitarist. Brady’s playing is excellent. ‘My Creole Belle’ just may be the best rendition ever. Should the name Ry Cooder pop into your mind while listening to this CD, you wouldn’t be alone in that idea.”

Martin Fullington-MUSIC REVIEWS QUARTERLY

“Cowabunga! Will Brady’s “BOXWORK” is incredible. Ya gotta check this dude out.”

Corky Carroll-“THE WAVE”

“This CD is a joy to listen to with a very tasteful approach to the subtleties of acoustic music. You’re gonna love this!”

Tricopolis.com

The double-entendre of the title "Boxwork" isn't fully realized until you read the credits, wherein Will Brady dedicates this CD to his grandmother who worked in a box factory all her life. When I finally "got" it, the image of James Taylor's heroine in his song "Millworker" subliminally registered with me as a poignant preamble to much of the mood wafting from this solo acoustic guitar recording. Will Brady says that he "went for feel, mood, adventure -- most of this is improvised". Hence, some of "Boxwork has the feel of John Fahey... rough, raw, spontaneous. Brady proves himself a capable country blues picker on Mississippi John Hurt's "My Creole Belle", Brownie McGhee's "Trouble in Mind", and the traditional "Blessed Be the Name". His fingerpicking on the latter tune is in fact reputed to halt Civil War battles (you'll have to buy the CD to "get" that one...). This CD gets an "attaboy".

“Minor Seventh”