Brad Paisley Shows Off Guitar Skills on 'Play'

By Mary Morningstar
Nashville
17 January 2009

In addition to being a talented singer and songwriter, Country star Brad Paisley is a highly skilled guitarist. He showcases his guitar playing on his latest album, Play.

"Come On In" is one of four vocal tracks on Brad Paisley's new album. His late friend Buck Owens wrote and made a demo of the song shortly before his death in 2006. The Owens family sent it to Brad, who then added his own tracks. Brad also duets on Play with Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and blues legend B.B. King.

The remaining 10 songs on Play focus on Brad's guitar work in a variety of styles, including Country, rock, blues, jazz and even surf music. Brad understands that Play might not be a popular choice for his mainstream Country fans.

"This is a different album," he says. "It's the type of thing that my fans, I think some of them will buy it and say, 'Why aren't you singing more?' But, that's the point. This is kind of a side, curveball, art piece that we did just to, sort of, show who I am."

Brad wrote "Huckleberry Jam" for two-year-old son Huck. Play also includes the instrumental ballad "Kim," which he dedicates to his wife, actress Kimberly Williams Paisley.  

Brad Paisley

Brad won his first Grammy Award last year for Best Country Instrumental Performance. He recently earned two more Grammy nominations. Brad's up for Best Country Male Vocal Performance for "Letter To Me" from his previous album 5th Gear. He also shares a Best Country Instrumental nomination with seven guitar greats, including Vince Gill, Albert Lee and James Burton for Play's collaborative track, "Cluster Pluck."  

2009 will be another busy and exciting year for Brad. On January 15, he begins another round of dates on his "Paisley Party" tour. Weeks after he wraps up the outing in mid-March, Brad and his wife will welcome their second child.  

Brad is joined by Country star Keith Urban on the first single from Play, the Top 5 hit, "Start A Band."