Mammoth Jack

When they took their name from a mule traders' ad in Western Horseman, the members of MAMMOTH JACK, meaning large mule, thought it the perfect name for a group of "big asses" like themselves. The characteristics they share with their crossbred namesake are obvious: outstanding ears for a song, a hybrid of musical influences, and a stubborn streak to help them persevere on the crowded streets of Music City, U.S.A....

The accomplished musicians in MAMMOTH JACK - Matt Rossi (lead vocals/guitar), Clay Davis (bass/harmony vocals), Travis Carter (drums), Tom Irwin (steel guitar), and Willie Vanhook (fiddle/harmony vocals) - found that, along with that willingness to laugh at themselves, they shared a passion for music.

As a New England-native and Texas-transplant, Matt was honing his songwriting skills (including a 1998 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association album title cut, "Cowboy Up") after arriving in Music City, while fellow-Texan, Willie, worked as touring musician backing up major-label artists. Originally from Florida, Clay worked the infamous bar scene on Downtown Nashville's Lower Broadway and actually met the other guys. Tom Irwin from Montana and Travis Carter from Oklahoma made the line-up was complete. Bound by a common thread spun from talent and an affinity for hard work, the group bonded over their varied musical influences ranging from Merle Haggard, Don Williams and Keith Whitley, to ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers and The Eagles, all of which notably share a salt-of-the-earth appeal. MAMMOTH JACK returned to the studio to record with producer Bobby Terry. As foremost fans themselves, the members of MAMMOTH JACK reject attempts to categorize their music as anything but "real." Matt insists, "There's not a thing about us that is even remotely contrived or manufactured. This is who we are. We see people at our shows who are just plain hungry for authentic country music. It's like a big party and we're there to host it."