Geoff Achison review…March 21, 2017…

GEOFF ACHISON

ANOTHER MILE, ANOTHER MINUTE

JUPITER II RECORDS  GRACD 19 J2

HIGH WIRE–DELTA DAVE–WORKING MY WAY BACK HOME–I’M GONNA RIDE–A NEW BAD HABIT–I WISH YOU WERE MINE–ANOTHER MILE, ANOTHER MINUTE–MAKE NO MISTAKE–DREAMING I’M AWAKE–SUM PEEPLES GOT ALL DA FONK–BABY COME BACK–I NEED HELP–MAKE MY STAND–FRONT PORCH FAREWELL

We sho’ nuff got a holiday-themed postcard back around Christmas from Australian blues man  Geoff Achison, alerting us to the March release of his first album in nearly ten years.  It’s here, fans, and it was well-worth the wait!  Over the last ten years, obviously the face of the musical landscape has changed, but Geoff has kept his fingers on the pulse of the times, so, over the course of these fourteen originals, we are treated to some fine electric and acoustic blues, soul, funk, and even a gospel-ish cut.

Geoff has won numerous awards for playing and composing, and was named one of the “Top 50 Australian Guitarists Of All Time,” and, as you listen to the varied shades of blues contained herein, you can see why.  Check out the Mississippi-style tale of ol’ “Delta Dave,” whose philanthropical side was his best asset, as he played for tips, and “took what he needed and gave the rest away,” helping any one in need until he “took his last ride in June of “99.”  Geoff gets in a mellow, soulful mood after giving up all his vices, and finds himself in dire need of “A New Bad Habit!”  He closes the set with that reverential, almost-gospel instrumental, the sweet “Front Porch Farewell.”

We had two favorites, too, both on the funky side of the fence.  First up is the mythical tale of a letter belonging to St. Peter that holds the key to “who stays in and who stays out,” and begs for a chance to do it all again, this time vowing to “Make No Mistake.”  And, speaking of funk, “Sum Peeples Got All Da Fonk” takes a tongue-in-cheek look at those of us who have got none, and name-checks Dr. John, Larry Graham, Bootsy, and ol’ Henry Roeland Byrd as great examples!

With killer guitar stylings and that seasoned, burnished vocal delivery, Geoff Achison breathes vivid life into the characters and events of “Another Mile, Another Minute,” making this one a stone groove fest, indeed!  Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.