By RACHEL FETROW, Staff
Intelligencer Journal

Published: Aug 06, 2007 12:16 AM EST www.lancasteronline.com

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. - Two artists starred in a blues guitar showcase that rocked Long's Park Sunday evening in the first double-bill performance at the park.

Tom Principato and Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers had spectators of all ages jamming despite the rain Sunday as part of the Summer Entertainment Series.

"We usually try to get one really good blues guitar player, and this year we got two," Stella Sexton, Summer Entertainment Series director, said.

Achison performed with Charlie Wooton on bass and Tyler "The Falcon" Greenwell on drums, and Principato followed with John Perry on bass and Joe Wells on drums. The evening concluded with a combination of Principato and his band improvising with Achison.

"I still count myself really lucky to do something I enjoy so much," Achison said.

Achison said he performs a lot of old blues tunes, but focuses on his own material. His performance varied between modern blues, rock 'n' roll and reggae.

"I'm a huge blues fan," Achison said, "but I don't think I'm a blues player."

While Achison shone in his diverse sounds and energetic performance, Principato was equally strong with a solid rock-blues mix.

The artists had both heard of one another and, according to one park volunteer, were sincerely glad to meet one another and perform together for the first time.

"They're each other's fans," Sexton said.

That positive energy was reflected on stage during the final set. The jam session that concluded the evening was riddled with talent, as demonstrated through bantering guitar solos and a cover of a classic blues tune.

Bill Wright of Lancaster attended the event with his two young sons and his wife, Joyce. He said he's been attending the summer concerts at Long's Park for eight years, providing early introductions to music for both of his sons.

"They're really two different styles, but they're both really phenomenal," Wright said.

"There's a lot of talent on that stage," he said during one of the final segments of the double jam session.

The event began 30 minutes early because of the threat of rain and the additional time tacked on by a combination performance.

Rain did send a number of people home as it began around 8 p.m. and continued intermittently throughout the rest of the performance.

Sexton said she estimated about 2,500 to 3,000 people attended the event over the course of the evening — about half of the crowd organizers expect on a clear and rainless night.

Wright said he had seen Principato before and is a huge fan. "We had to come out no matter what weather."

Geoff Achison - 'Acho Solo'

The release of Geoff Achison's first solo acoustic album in 10 years coincides with his imminent departure to the U.S.A.

In an exciting career move, Geoff and his family will re-locate to Atlanta Georgia for at least 12 months working with a local manager / booking agent.

If this outstanding new album of originals, instrumentals and covers (Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition', Jimi Hendrix's 'The Wind Cries Mary', The Beatles' 'We Can Work It Out') is any indication, this young Melbourne singer / guitarist with a deep understanding of the blues will make a lasting impression.

No gimmicks, just a world class musician doing his thing.

(Sound Vault) 8/10
Billy Pinnell - Music Australia Guide

Achison has been hailed as one of the finest blues players in Australia."
Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop - Aus.

"Possibly one of the most gifted musicians to arrive on the scene ... his playing verges on the miraculous."
David Sinclair, The Times, London - UK

"Anyone who saw Geoff Achison play guitar at his brilliant acoustic show at the Fine Arts Center, or plugged in and ripping it with the Souldiggers had to know they had seen the face of the new generation of stars."
Camden (SC) Chronicle Independent -USA

"I well remember a night when an Aussie guitarist named Geoff Achison took the stage with a gold top Les Paul and turned the club right on its ear. He reminded me of Jeff Beck, such control and authority. No pedals, nothing. In Guitar World, Geoff has what it takes for superstardom."
Frank Goodman, Pure Music - USA

"Geoff Achison, the great guitarist from Australia, opened the show for us, put on his incredible set and the sold out crowd loved him! It's such a treat to have him this tour with us at so many gigs."
Jorma Kaukonen, Hot Tuna - USA

"… simply a phenomenal guitarist, great singer, and a riveting live performer."
Cranleigh Arts Centre, Surrey - UK

"Geoff's influence on young blues players today is unimaginable, with all the young guns idolising Geoff and learning his licks."
Bluesletter, Melbourne, Victoria - Aus.

"Every one or two years, if you listen to enough music and go to enough gigs you finally get to hear something exceptional and Geoff Achison is certainly that."
Stoned Free, London - UK

"His mastery of both the acoustic and electric allow his guitars to achieve heights never reached by most accomplished rock guitarists."
Todd Prusin, Creative Loafing, Atlanta, GA - USA

"Geoff Achison has carved out a wide global niche for himself. Reviewers rave about his big, rich vocal timbre and mind boggling guitar skills. And evolving from his early label as a blues guitarist, he now has a welcome mat reserved around the growing US jam band scene."
Rhythms Magazine - Aus.

"Achison gets the true believers with a gruff, suitably soulful voice, and lets everybody else in with his winking wit."
Regan Kelly, Creative Loafing, Atlanta, GA - USA

"Achison's playing reaches a frenetic fever pitch during performances, a virtuosic intensity guaranteed to leave mouths agape."
Metro Pulse, Knoxville- USA

"During his performance Geoff informed us that he plays with his eyes closed because he is very shy. He's gonna have to get used to playing larger crowds than this - and soon. You can only clap for so long: it stings."
Blues in Britain - UK

"Newcomers to Achison's sound will find ample encouragement for the continued evolution of contemporary blues."
Blues Revue - USA