Boxwave
Richmond, Virginia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011
Music
Press
Boxwave, "Roxy"
Posted by: Necci – Oct 11, 2013
Boxwave are the kind of unique band that make Richmond's music scene so fascinating. An instrumental two-piece, Boxwave features Brad Ellsworth playing a percussion instrument known as a cajon--which, yes, is just Spanish for box. He's accompanied by John Mustachio on bass, and despite the band's minimalist lineup, they get quite a lot out of their bare-bones, rhythm oriented approach to funk. As you can see in this video, Ellsworth sits on top of the cajon, playing it mainly with jazz brushes, though sometimes at more dramatic moments he just pounds on the box with his hands. Next to him, Mustachio sits on his amp, wailing away at some solid distorted riffing that will please fans of bass players like Les Claypool, Mike Watt, and Flea. And I don't use the names of such notably talented bassists lightly, as Mustachio shows off his skill during some sectons of this song with some melodic two-hand tapping, playing his bass more like a piano and creating multiple melodies at the same time. Boxwave may not have vocals or any conventional lead instruments, but they keep their music interesting through engaging songwriting and obvious musical talent.
"Roxy" is a new song from Boxwave, but they released an album last year entitled Broad Street Grease, and you can still grab a copy of it at Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon. The duo will be performing on Saturday in Fredericksburg, at the 909 Saloon (where "Roxy" was apparently filmed), located at 909 Caroline St in Fredericksburg. We're pretty sure the show is free, so if you're in the area, stop by and check these guys out!
By Andrew Necci - RVA Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Based out of Richmond, Virginia and formed in the fall of 2011, the instrumental duo Boxwave has forged a unique sound featuring melodic and driving bass rhythms accompanied with heavily percussive sounds of the cajon. Boxwaves sound fuses elements of both alternative rock and funk/go-go drawing from influences including Primus, Living Colour, Victor Wooten, Chuck Brown and DC's Junkyard Band. Boxwave's debut album Broad Street Grease was recorded at Montrose Recording in Richmond and produced by E.L. Copeland who has worked on two Grammy nominated albums and with numerous artists including Dave Grohl, Doug Wimbish, Karsh Kale, Nothingface and others.
Really different and cool Michael Mason, Richmond Radio DJ (96.5 Rock / XL 102)
Groove-first, original compositions equal parts Jaco Pastorius, Primus and go-go Richmond Times Dispatch
The kind of unique band that make Richmond's music scene so fascinating.
RVA Magazine
This low-end instrumental sound is unparalleled in the Richmond scene
Sounds of RVA
Their set was a rolling array of bass effects and pulsing rhythms; tribal, metal and all in between. RVA Magazine
Band Members
Links
