On Saratoga, Eddie 9V blends southern soul, blues, rock, and funk into a captivating album that showcases his evolution as a storyteller and invites listeners on a road trip of raw emotion, infectious grooves, and southern grit.
With his new album, Saratoga, Eddie 9V takes listeners on a ride through the heart of southern soul, blues, rock, and funk. Released on the legendary Ruf Records, Saratoga captures Eddie’s evolution as a songwriter and storyteller, revealing a mix of raw honesty and infectious grooves that fans and new listeners alike will find irresistible.
Since his early days in Georgia, Eddie 9V (born Brooks Mason) has shown an uncanny ability to channel golden-era American roots music with a fresh perspective. His breakout moment came with 2022’s Capricorn, which hit No. 1 before Bonnie Raitt nudged it from the top - a milestone Eddie recalls with a laugh, “Hey, it’s a cool story to be able to say…” Saratoga marks his next big leap, and he’s brought a lot more than stories to the table.
This time, Eddie is joined by his brother, Lane Kelly, as co-writer and producer, leaning into an Americana sound that complements his trademark blues grit. They crafted the album’s eleven originals in their Echo Deco Studio in Atlanta, where the sweat, spontaneity, and vibe of the South fill every note. For a few tracks however, they escaped to the mountains at Crown Lanes Studio in Denver. “It’s nice to step outside and breathe fresh air,” Eddie says, “but at home, it’s just muggy with mosquitoes. Sometimes that’s good too.”
Saratoga's title track opens with a rush of horns, slide guitar, and disco-inspired harmonies, setting the stage for a narrative about feeling stuck in a one-horse town. "Halo" follows with Eddie’s falsetto riding high, while "Love Moves Slow" brings the warmth of vintage soul into a modern setting. More than just songs; these are snapshots of Eddie’s world, with life’s highs and lows woven into every riff.
On "Tides," inspired by a camping trip on California’s Truckee River, Eddie lets loose with shroom-fueled introspection. Meanwhile, "Wasp Weather" showcases his knack for quick-witted lyrics, while "Delta" and "Red River" explore more contemplative themes, each track laced with Eddie’s Southern wit and self-reflection. Another standout is his brass-blasting cover of Mac DeMarco’s "Chamber of Reflection," which he makes his own by giving it a soulful swagger. He brings the journey to a close with "The Road to Nowhere," a haunting, country-tinged ballad that finds Eddie trading his usual raw twang for a velvety croon.