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I know for sure there's quite a few blues fans in Letterville, so I thought I'd share this with you. A friend from the old days does Delbert McClinton's web site and I've been bugging him to try and get my buddy Geoff Achison a gig opening for Delbert so he can get more exposure in America. Geoff's from Melbourne Australia, currently living in Atlanta on a 2 year visa and he is, without a doubt, the hottest guitar player I've ever heard and a very nice guy.
When Delbert invited him to play at a benefit concert Wednesday night in Nashville, there were several other acts on the bill, so he was only given a slot for 3 songs solo/acoustic. The crowd went crazy on his version of "Whipping Post" and gave him a standing O. Then during Delbert's set, he got Geoff back up on stage to play electric guitar with the band and he blew everybody away again.
The next day, Delbert's wife called Geoff and asked if he'd like to be a featured performer on the Blues Cruise (Delbert.com)sailing out of San Diego in January. It's great to see somebody with this kind of talent get some recognition from a bluesman of Delbert's stature.
The guy playing guitar on the right is Delbert's longtime guitarist Rob McNelley, who just finished an album with Buddy Guy.
This is me, Delbert, Geoff, and Page, the web wrangler. It was a magical night and I hope a stepping-stone in Geoff's career. If you get a chance to see him play, don't miss it. Trust me now, thank me later.......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4117 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I forgot to mention the website: geoffachison.com
He's opening for Leon Russell in Atlanta next week and will be playing Charleston, Pensacola, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and several dates in NY, NJ and PA in the next few months......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4117 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I saw Delbert quite a few years ago on a PBS-type program, by accident. Blew me away. I've been a big fan since. It amazes me to this day that people like him, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and others who have tremendous talent and great music, are still second-class citizens.
They have their following, but just can't make the 'big-time', thanks to all the filthy rap-crap out there now. Delbert and the rest have more talent in one toenail than all of these mumbling goons put together. Go figure.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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That's neat Sonny. Is that the guitar player I missed when he was here at a local bar? That is a great break for him! Delbert McClinton has always been a favorite of mine. Great blues voice!
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Dale, you're right - some of the best musicians we have are more respected in Europe and Japan than here - and that includes jazz and soul as well as the blues.
Mark - yes, this is the guy I've been telling you about - next time he plays in Monkeytown I'm coming down and personally making sure you bring your guitar so you can sit in on the last set - if you can stay up that late......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4117 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Delbert has been a long time favorite. First heard him years ago in Kansas City. Kathy and me have followed him to many concerts. A couple of years ago, Diaz's saw him one weekend and we saw him the next. He gave a free concert in St. Louis in a little bar in Union Station that was just great. Got all his albums and "Have a little Faith" is one of our songs.
-------------------- Tom & Kathy Durham House Springs, MO Posts: 654 | From: House Springs, MO | Registered: Apr 1999
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Think I'm gonna have to take a drive over to Alpharetta one evening in May.
-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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I'm with TomKat ... Delbert's the one. He puts on a good show and he's always showcased talent. Seems like he's done it again. Nice photo, Sonny -- that would hang next to my desk if I had been lucky enough to be in it.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2110 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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Fantastic, Sonny. I'm so happy you had such a great experience. First it's Escher museum and then this! and, I am a diehard of the Allman Brother's Whipping Post. What a true tribute to them, and an excellent song to blues out with!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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