Dad got me into Geoff many, many moons ago and we’ve been to see him several times since. Always warm and loving his music and his band, he seems to love sharing it with anyone with ears.
Web: http://www.geoffachison.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/geoffachison
Geoff Achison – Mystery Train
1996
Mystery Train (as far as I can tell) was Geoff’s début album… And what an intro!
It’s a purely solo acoustic album with some great interpretations (I’m reluctant to call them covers) of classic blues tracks as well as some originals (at least I think they’re originals!). From toe-tapping, upbeat numbers to brooding, contemplative & reflective tracks, this has it all… and from just one guitar, too!
If you like the blues, acoustic guitar or even just some great musical craftsmanship, you can’t go wrong with Mystery Train. Even if you’ve simply wondered about blues but didn’t know where to start, then start here!!
This is an album that after many years still hasn’t gotten old, and I can’t see it happening, either.
Standout tracks are That’s Alright Mama, Gimme Some Lovin’, Walkin’ Blues, Chaser/Well Alright and Rain Song.
9/10
Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers – Souldiggin’ In The UK
2000
Souldiggin’ In The UK is a 2 part live album with tracks 1-5 being solo acoustic and 6-11 being with a band (I wouldn’t say The Souldiggers are ever a backing band with the music Geoff gets out of them).
This is another great example of the blues by Mr Achison. Whilst I’m not quite as fond of the acoustic set on this album as I am with his other 2 solo albums, they are still good, solid and faultless tracks (the thing that I’m not so keen on is the actual sound quality of the recoding/guitar; it sounds more tinny than the studio recordings).
The electric set has captured the energy of the bands performance well and it translates onto the recording well, even down to Geoff’s banter that takes you just that little bit further into the bar he was playing at.
This album is a great mix of electric and acoustic blues.
Standout tracks are Begging Bowl, Castles Made Of Sand, Whipping Post, Walking Blues and 24 Hours
8/10
Geoff Achison - Acho Solo
2006
Essentially a revisit to Mystery Train, I won’t go on about Acho Solo. Suffice to say, I love this album as much as Mystery Train (perhaps even half a mark more).
Whilst one might say there’s nothing new to Mystery Train, the album is about interpretations of songs (even his own songs).
Again, highly recommended.
Standout tracks are Queen Bee/Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes, The Gloves, Apparatus, Monica, Superstition and The Wind Cries Mary.
9.5/10
