Brad Paisley at rehearsals for the 43rd Annual ACM Awards Show in Las Vegas. Photo provided by the Academy of Country Music.
Oct. 9, 2008 — Brad Paisley is changing things up in November with the release of his next album, Play, a mostly instrumental project that focuses on his affection for the guitar.
While it’s built around his skills as a musician, it doesn’t stop Brad from singing. He shares vocals on several songs with the likes of Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and the late Buck Owens, recognizing that not everyone who buys music is a music expert.
"The last thing people want to hear is stuff that you have to have a music degree to enjoy," he told Billboard. "We made this record a little more relatable and commercial than expected."
Brad’s done a pretty good job of giving people what they want with his CDs. Time Well Wasted won Album of the Year from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, while 5th Gear went platinum and picked up Album nominations at both of those shows.
Brad’s keeping his fingers crossed that Play, despite its different approach, will likewise resonate with his audience.
"It is my love affair with this instrument," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t lose momentum with this record. If we do, then I’ll just have to work twice as hard to get it back, but it’s worth the risk because it’s such a labor of love for me."
The CD comes out Nov. 4. Eight days later, Brad and Carrie Underwood host "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" on ABC from Nashville’s Sommet Center.