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Mark Ambrose Put The Hammer Down Red BirdRecords |
Published July 6, 2005 in Volume 2, Issue 30 |
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Simple and sparse instrumentation envelops Mark Ambrose's rich vocals on this twelve song compilation of new tunes. The Austin, Texas native recorded in Nashville's famed RCA Studio B. The ensuing album releases the spirit of the blues and folk sounds that vintage equipment so long held captive. With guest accompaniment by David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, David Steele and Matt Andrews, Put The Hammer Down scores well on most cuts. Only the up-tempo Going To New Orleans seems out of kilter and out of place. While most of the tunes here bring to mind a Bob Dylan-esque folk sound, "Old Willie The Outlaw" is reminiscent of the era of singing cowboys. "Out Of Control", the first cut, is anything but out of control, rather it sets the tone for the entire album, one that drips with the ambiance that can only truly be found in the confines of a small venue with cigarette smoke hanging in the air and a beer in your hand. -Wynn Hayden* |
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