Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers

Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers

Geoff Achison is an Australian blues, rock, soul and funk guitarist, singer and bandleader who moves between solo acoustic performances and work with The Souldiggers, a line-up he assembles from local musicians in different touring bases. He is based across Australia, the UK and the USA, and his career takes in more than two decades of touring on three continents.

Background and style

Achison grows up in rural Australia and teaches himself guitar in isolation, developing a blues-funk style shaped by a limited record collection and by inventing his own playing techniques without pedals or gadgets. As a result, his live performances are known for a stripped-back set-up that produces a wide range of sounds. He also sings, with a soulful voice that draws comparisons to Joe Cocker and Warren Haynes.

Career and recognition

His first trip to the United States takes place in 1994, when he begins exploring American-rooted blues, rock, soul and funk from Melbourne. The following year he wins the Albert King Award in Memphis and later secures an endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars USA. In 2007 he is named Band of the Year in the Australian Chain Awards and is also voted Best Blues Band in Australia and Best Male Performer in previous years. In 2008, readers of Guitar Player Magazine vote him one of the Top Ten Hottest New Guitarists in the world.

Collaborations and touring

Achison tours and plays with a wide range of musicians, including Jorma Kaukonen, Les Paul, John Mayall, John Mayer, Levon Helm, Tommy Emmanuel and Hubert Sumlin. He also serves as a guest guitar instructor at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. He has taught there for many years.

Recordings

He releases 10 CDs, which establish him as a guitarist, bandleader and vocalist. His work with The Souldiggers reflects his stated aim of making music that draws on blues philosophy and emotional honesty, while retaining the influence of his Australian background.