Austin-based roots artist Mark Ambrose head up to Nashville to record his third release, Put The Hammer Down. His task was facilitated by an offer to work in the Nashville studio used by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch. Ambrose had previously played on their "Soul Journey" release, so, returning the favor, the three of them, along with drummer David Steele (John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle), set to work on his tunes. Part storyteller and part observer, with a Dylan-esque acoustic blues style, as filtered through a Texas Troubadour, Ambrose expresses himself through a dry, but thoughtful, tone. In true Austin form, he effortlessly manages to fuse all of country, gospel, rock, folk and blues into one easy to swallow sound, leaving Put The Hammer Down an earnest and relaxed effort from a talented writer and performer. (Redbird)
