GEOFF ACHISON

 

Geoff  Achison was born on Phillip Island in 1965 and raised in the rural town of Malmsbury, Victoria—the third of five siblings. His musical spark ignited when he discovered an old guitar beneath the family stairwell. Encouraged by his trumpet-playing father, Geoff began lessons and got his first taste of performance playing in his dad’s old-time dance band. A chance mentorship with local jazz musician Alan Watson introduced Geoff to the world of jazz, improvisation, and rhythm. Watson encouraged him to switch to bass for a time, broadening his musical foundation before Geoff returned to guitar with a newfound appreciation for groove and feel.

In the quiet isolation of the Australian countryside, Geoff developed his own approach to sound and tone, improvising effects and techniques that helped define his unique voice on the instrument. Geoff moved to Melbourne in 1987 and quickly found his place in the city's blues scene, landing the role of lead guitarist with Dutch Tilders. His talent and drive soon pushed him to pursue a solo career, and in 1994 he released 'Big Machine', the first in a string of acclaimed albums.

The following year, Geoff represented Melbourne at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, taking home the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist. That pivotal moment launched a truly international career. He began touring the US and UK regularly, often assembling local versions of his backing band, The Souldiggers to overcome the prohibitive costs of touring as an independent artist.

On his first major US tour, Geoff received a custom acoustic guitar from the famed Gibson Guitar Company— a gesture that reflected his rising status. After recording the album 'Gettin’ Evil' in the U.S. with an American lineup of The Souldiggers, Geoff returned to Australia and assembled an all-star local version of the band featuring Mal Logan on keyboards (ex-Chain, Healing Force), Roger McLachlan on bass (ex-Little River Band, Stars), and Gerry Pantazis on drums (ex-Stylus). This powerhouse ensemble became known as The A-Team, providing the perfect vehicle for Geoff’s musical vision to truly take flight. Known for their exhilarating live performances, The Souldiggers captivated audiences with their extended jam sessions—transforming tight, four-minute songs into epic, ten-minute sonic journeys that left fans wanting more.

Whether fronting the full band or playing solo, Geoff Achison is a commanding presence on stage. His acoustic showsshowcase delicate fingerpicking and slide guitar mastery, while his electric performances with The Souldiggers channel the raw power of blues and funk into a thrilling, live-wire experience. Geoff is also a gifted storyteller with a dry, witty stage presence that keeps audiences engaged between songs. His sets are equal parts musicianship and entertainment. A respected educator, Geoff conducts guitar workshops across Australia and internationally. He’s been a regular guest instructor at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio, USA, sharing his knowledge with players of all levels.

With dozens of albums, international tours, and countless live performances under his belt, Geoff Achison remains a driving force in the Australian blues and roots scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians. In 2020, he was honored with induction into the Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame - a fitting recognition of his influence and contributions to the genre.

SINGLES

''Eyes On The Prize'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records
''Dragon Wings'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records
''Footy Cards'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records
''Secret To Life'' [with The Souldiggers] 2022 Jupiter 2 Records
''Capricorn Pilot'' [with The Souldiggers] 2022 Jupiter 2 Records

ALBUMS
'Big Machine' 1994 Jupiter 2 Records
'Genevieve' 1995 Jupiter 2 Records
'Mystery Train' 1996 Jupiter 2 Records
'Gettin’ Evil' [with The Souldiggers] 1999 Jupiter 2 Records
'Chasing My Tail' [with The Souldiggers] 2002 Jupiter 2 Records
'Little Big Men' [with The Souldiggers] 2005 Jupiter 2 Records
'One Ticket, One Ride' 2008 Jupiter 2 Records
'Box Of Blues' [with Chris Wilson] 2012 Jupiter 2 Records
'Another Mile, Another Minute' [with The Souldiggers] 2016 Jupiter 2 Records
'Sovereign Town' 2018 Jupiter 2 Records

References 

About — Geoff Achison