|
|
 |
This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
For the latest information on what's on at The Bullfrog Blues Club click here
Barking Spider Promotions Mailing List |
|
One of the most memorable blues gigs EVER at The Bullfrog Blues Club was an appearance by Geoff Achison and The U.K Souldiggers - and theyr’e back at The Bullfrog - (at last!!!) - on Thursday 3rd October! Geoff is one of Australia’s greatest blues guitarists with a blues/funk style all his own - his remarkable ability has won him fans all over the world. Geoff’s invented some personal techniques - without the aid of pedals or gadgets. He's also a very capable vocalist with a gritty, soulful quality. Inspired by the greats ofblues and R&B, Geoff’s live set features an infectious mix of gutsy original tunes, improvised jams and dynamic new arrangements of blues & soul classics. In 1995 Geoff won the coveted Albert King Award for his guitar skills at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis., and accepted an endorsement deal with the Gibson guitars. He's also conducted guitar workshops for Jorma Kaukonen’s of Hot Tuna & Jefferson Airplane in Ohio. Geoff spent time in London in 1997 to establish a UK following. His and perseverance led to appearances on BBC radio and a live album with the Souldiggers. He was also featured on the cover of Blues In Britain magazine July 2009. Geoff’s won a massive array of awards over the years for writing, performing and recording. In June 2008 Guitar Player Magazine readers poll voted Geoff one of their 'Top Ten Hot New Guitarists' Geoff’s U.K Souldiggers are a top notch band, consisting of members of Sam Kelly’s Station House, one of the best loved blues bands on the UK club and festival scene. Bassist Spy Austin and the legendary drummer Sam Kelly are the “engine room”, whilst Paul Jobson plays masterful keyboards. The legendary drummer Sam Kelly - justifiably included in Blues in Britain“Gallery of Greats”. Sam’s drummed for many top names including Linda Lewis, Billy Ocean, Desmond Dekker, Roger Chapman & the Shortlist, Kevin Coyne, Michelle Shocked, Eddie Floyd, Johnny Mars, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Dr. John, Chaka Khan, Zoot Money, Precious Wilson, Ben E. King, Eddie Floyd, Mojo Bruford, Billy C Farlow, Texas Bill Thomas, Sonny Black & the Dukes, Hershey & The 12 Bars, Gordon Smith, and Shakey Vick’s Blues Band - to name but a few! Recordings of Sam’s first band Cymande, who toured and recorded in the U.S.A. in the early 70’ s, have been sampled by Fugees, De La Soul and others, and also featured in the Spike Lee films “Crooklyn” and “25th Hour”. Spy Austin has been playing bass & singing blues -and also reggae, soul and funk - for more than 20 years. Apart from Sam Kelly’s Station House, he’s toured Europe as the singer and bassist for Braido Plays Hendrix. In a different genre, Spy’s performed with some of Jamaica's most prominent artists, including Gregory Issacs, Desmond Dekker and I Roy, as well as with U.K. artists such as Boy George, Mad Professor and Benjamin Zephaniah. Paul Jobson has played keyboards with an array of top artists including Chaka Khan, Boney M, Linda Lewis, Bad Manners, Madeline Bell, and the Anti Nowhere League. He’s also a talented drummer and bass guitarist. Paul’s own band, Cut The Funk supported the James Taylor Quartet in February this year, and their debut album is imminent. So... don't miss this gig at The Bullfrog Blues Club on THURSDAY 3rd OCTOBER at The Bullfrog Blues Club, at the N.B.E.S.C.A.Club (a,k,a, The Dockyard Club), Onslow Rd., Southsea. Doors open at 8.p.m, and tickets are just £8 in advance via the website www.barkingspider.abelgratis.com or from "Saraband", Goldsmith Avenue (nearly opposite Fratton Park - next to the Shell Service Station & Lidl) during shop hours. Otherwise tickets available on the door.