The Cabaret Club is set to be transported back to the 1860’s as veteran Aussie blues and roots musician Geoff Achison debuts his new album, Sovereign Town.
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Created and recorded in Ballarat, Mr Achison is keen to take The Cabaret Club audience on a trip with his new gold rush inspired album.
Speaking to Mr Achison, he made it clear why he chose Ballarat as the place to record his latest project.
“Why? Because it’s paradise.” said Mr Achison.
“Well actually, it was somewhat circumstantial,
“It was while I was here, teaching a guitar workshop that I developed the idea, and that’s where the name and theme of the album came from.”
Sovereign Town is an exploration of the concept of the chase for wealth, much like the thousands of prospectors who flooded into Ballarat during the gold rush.
“The chase for fortune is what everyone is looking for in life, whether it be financial, or spiritual, or emotional. Everyone is looking for an opportunity for fulfillment.”
Growing up in Malmsbury, Mr Achison was introduced to the history of the gold rush from a very young age.
“We kids would explore the discarded mine-shafts and tunnels, daring each other to leap over huge holes in the ground. It was fascinating history, so much work that had been suddenly abandoned.”
“My father’s from Ballarat, so we would make frequent trips down here and I was always fascinated by the history and wonder of it.”
“The regular trips there helped me reconnect with the history and atmosphere of the place and the whole thing started coming together.”
Adopting more intimate and organic approach than past releases, Mr Achison will lead an all Ballarat band of Andy Fry on double bass, Dave Clark on drums and Liam Kealy on Hammond organ.
“I wanted a different sort of sound on this album. I wanted that hard hitting double bass and an actual Hammond organ, and I’ve been so lucky to be able to work with such a fantastic group of musicians.”
Vocalist John McNamara, who lent his voice to a few track on the album, will also be joining the band for their show.
Mr Achison is very excited to be able to perform in front of the Ballarat audience, reminiscing about playing at the now closed Sturt Street Blues bar.
Any fans of blues and roots music should be at The Cabaret Club Friday 5 September to witness one of Australia’s premier performers.
The official release is set for August 25th distributed worldwide through Landslide Records USA, and is available at all good stores through Only Blues Music.
Tickets are available online here.
Check out the lead single, Skeleton Kiss below.
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