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‘The Love Mechanic’ is a piano driven shuffle with lyrics along the lines of Doc
Pomus’s ‘Body And Fender Man’. The ‘Money Tree’ is a haunting tale laid down with

some fuzz-wah guitar work whilst ‘Train Song’ is a good old style blues boogie. The
album closes with the title track ‘The River’ a slow burner paying homage to their
local hometown river.

The band play well together with Rob “Tank” Barry and John Butters on bass and
drums respectively holding down the rhythm section. Craig Fillbrook adds some
tasteful touches on guitar without overplaying, whilst Adam Whyatt really enhanc-

es the overall feel with his use of piano and Hammond sounds. Tim Aves has a vocal
delivery which is reminiscent of the late great George Melly but does come across a
little strained at times. Tim’s harp work really suits the band and adds to the overall

blues vibe.

For a debut album the production and arrangements are ok although I think the
band could benefit from having a producer with them in the studio next time. Please

do give this a spin and go check them out.
Ged Wilson

Eddie 9V—Saratoga—Ruf Records ASIN: 0DFS
4DM8S

I loved Eddie’s (Wayne Brooks) first two albums
which were guitar-led raucous raw blues but his last
album 2023’s “Capricorn” was more southern soul

and this new one also sees Eddie (currently on tour
in Europe – including Britain) firmly in soul territory.
The title track is a pleasant enough mid-tempo

groove with some nice guitar and ‘Halo’ is like sub-
dued Prince, while ‘Love Moves Slow’ is pure Al Green. ‘Cry Like a River’ is a

pleading soul ballad with Eddie’s emotive vocals – this album definitely showcases
his vocals rather than his guitar – and some great brass both ensemble and tenor
breaks and ‘Red River’ is laid back with slide guitar and electric piano – a bit like JJ
Cale.

The funky but restrained ‘Delta’ has Eddie on drums and ‘Wasp Weather’ is a bit
more raw and bluesy, it reminded me of G. Love & Special Sauce. The melodic

‘Truckee’ also has slide guitar and is a cross between blues and country but with
‘Love You All the Way Down’ we’re back to hybrid Al Green/ Prince-style soul with
superb interplay between Eddie’s vocals and the backing and even a bit of lead

guitar. ‘Chamber of Reflection’ is a nod to modern R&B, while ‘The Road to No-
where’ is a weird throwback – a dramatic, cheesy 1950’s country and western
ballad with ringing guitar chords and sickly backing vocals. The younger ‘Eddie’

was mentored by Tinsley Ellis who advised him to keep the name 'The Wayne