Geoffrey has been blind from birth, is largely self-taught, and plays the guitar “upside down.” He’s left-handed, and the first guitar he was given was strung for a right-hander, since there were no left-handed guitar players in the community where he grew up. He also plays drums, keyboards, and didgeridoo. He fronts The Saltwater Band, and was formerly with another Australian Aboriginal group named Yothu Yindi.
It seems that he’s finally coming into his due, playing festivals, the famed Sydney Opera House, and other venues throughout Australia. He’s also appeared in Europe and in a special performance for the Queen of England.
It’s very refreshing to listen to a musician whose lyrics contain no political or monetary agenda. Geoffrey says “it is just his role to tell these stories, and reorganize and recreate them as his own songs,” according to a quote attributed to his producer and bassist. The simple purity of Geoffrey’s voice will stay inside you long after the CD player has shut down. All instruments and vocals are performed by Geoffrey, except for a subtle double bass played by Michael Hohnen, and occasional vocal accompaniment by four others who, by their surnames, are probably Geoffrey’s relatives. The CD was recorded in Melbourne, mixed in Darwin, and is sold by Skinnyfish Music.
You can find additional information and music at the International Herald Tribune, at the Australian ABC affiliate, at MySpace, or at YouTube.
And, finally …
Hey! Listen up, booking agents. According to Skinnyfish, they’d be open to talking with somebody about US booking for Geoffrey. The ball is now in your court.
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