Blues Rock bands are rarely formed in the same way as the Swiss Ellis Mano Band. It's not like young musicians got together and moved their first rehearsals to their father's garage or private basement, but rather that fully-grown musicians with all the tricks of the trade got together here after numerous gigs with other bands. Ambedo, after three previous singles and the album Here And Now released in 2019, once again announces the excellent musicianship and high quality of the songs. Influenced by Led Zeppelin, J.J. Cale, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jimi Hendrix and more recently John Mayer, the band has put its own unique stamp on the blues. Featuring Chris Ellis' raspy voice, Edis Manos' vintage-tuned guitar playing, the unstoppable rhythm section of drummer Nico Looser, and with bassist Severin Graf, Ambedo was recorded live in Edis Manos' Studio E10 with plenty of vintage instrumental gear and just the occasional later overdub, including backing vocals and horns. Each song reflects American roots music, from the early blues of the American South to the blues and rock revolution of the 1960s in Britain.

Rather rarely does one encounter an album as perfectly played and produced all around as Ambedo is. "The Horrible Truth" ignites fireworks as the album's first song, bursting upon the listener in full opulence and leaving him open-mouthed in the face of the pounding violence of the rhythm section, over which the guitar sparkles colorfully and Chris Ellis' vocal stature shines. "Ambedo Mind" ties the voice of the impressively toned singer, who need not hide here from the vocal greats of the sixties, into soulful horn sound. The blues-soaked "The Fight For Peace" presents the band in an atmospheric sound, whose purposefully used reverberation optimally carrying the instrumentation with Hammond organ and background singers, who nostalgically caress the guitar solo.

"Johnnie & Susie" turns out to be pure Springsteen, and "Long Road" circles with heartrending vocals ballad-like around anonymous regret of missed opportunities intoned country-style. "The Question" lives in reference to Deep Purple not least from the ingenious Hammond work of none other than Lachy Doley, one of the legendary greats of this keyboard instrument. "Breakfast" reflects the pace of Fleetwood Mac in the form of a slow blues grounded by the skillful use of drums and bass. The album closes emotionally charged and Springsteen-tinged with "Heart 'n' Mind."

Ambedo is a strong album, which demonstrates the outstanding qualities of the Ellis Mano Band after the successful debut album Here And Now sustainable. One can be curious, what this Swiss band will deliver in the future albums.

Ellis Mano Band:
Chris Ellis, vocals
Edis Mano, guitar
Severin Graf, bass
Nico Looser, drums
Additional musicians:
Manuel Halter, keyboards
Leslie Bogart, backing vocals
Cathryn Lehmann, backing vocals