August 16 , 2007 issue
Australian Blues Guitarist Geoff Achison Rocks Canyons August 23
Story by David Brewer
No music in the world has traveled over seas, penetrated borders and spoken to people of all races and nationalities like the music of the American South. A perfect example of that statement is Australian-born Geoff Achison. Currently based in Decatur, Ga., the smoking guitarist first heard the blues at age 17. He knew immediately what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
On Thursday, August 23, Achison his band the Souldiggers will make their High Country debut at Canyons in Blowing Rock. The show will start at 10:00 p.m. and there is a $5 cover charge.
A guitarist since age 10, Achison started out playing waltzes and foxtrots in his father’s dance band in the Australian countryside. After moving on to more instrumentally challenging jazz groups, Achison had a moment of clarity upon his first listen to a record by legendary Chicago and Texas bluesman Freddie King.
“From that moment on, I decided what I wanted to do—I wanted to be a blues guitar player,” said Achison. “It was just a defining moment in my life. I don’t know why I reacted to it.”
With Achison’s appetite for blues seriously aroused by King, he went on to absorb the sounds of B.B. and Albert King, Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jeff Beck and many more players who have left their indelible mark on blues and rock guitar. Achison also immersed himself in the works 1960s soul masters like Otis Redding and tunesmiths such as Randy Newman, Nick Drake and The Beatles.
Moving to Melbourne while still a teenager, Achison further developed his guitar technique and becoming known for his six-string skills. However, as the guitarist advanced in the music world, he harbored reservations about his interpretation of the blues. “I suspected that my perspective on the music was not quite right,” said Achison. “Perhaps my take on [the blues] is just a little bit different.”
Achison’s raspy voice and penchant for social commentary and storytelling give his funky blues-rock a more modern quality, showing off his skills not only on the guitar, but also lyrically. Over the years, Achison has documented his musical progress by recording 10 CDs and a DVD.
For his band the Souldiggers, Achison has employed lots of different players over the years. The rotating lineup of the band has, according to Achison, been necessitated by the high cost of taking bands on the road, especially on his frequent international trips prior to his recent move to the United States.
“Over a bit of time you get to know who the most applicable players are,” said Achison. “The cost of bringing a band was prohibitive.”
However, Achison relished the opportunity to play with a variety of people. “For me, I got to work with great musicians all over the world,” said Achison.
For his upcoming show at Canyons, Achison’s Souldiggers will feature super funky Codetalkers drummer Tyler Greenwell and lauded Atlanta bassist Charles Wooten. “[Wooten] has got quite a name here in Atlanta,” said Achison. “He’s a celebrity bass player.”
For more info on Geoff Achison, click to www.geoffachison.com or www.myspace.com/geoffachison.
Want To Go?
Date: Thursday, August 23
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Location: Canyons
Cost: $5
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