The Joe Acheson Quartet have been been making mind-melting head music for a few years now, gaining massive praise in the process. They style themselves apart from anything else around just now, using a mixture of samples, live cello, violin keys, bass and drums. The music is cinematic and very deep, evoking both Cinematic Orchestra and DJ Shadow in the same breath, but with a very Scottish undertone. Their live shows are essential viewing.
Gigs in Edinburgh since summer 2005 have included performances with Jaga Jazzist, Zero dB, Aim, Alice Russell and Gilles Peterson, and at Ninja Tune night Solid Steel with Bonobo. Festival appearances include Dialogues, Spectrum, Organic Beats, Fettes Jazz, Dunstaffnage, and the Graffiti Project.
Radio plays include appearances on BBC Radio 1, Radio Scotland and Radio Magnetic. We have played live sessions on the Vic Galloway show on BBC Radio 1 (Scotland) in November 2006, and Radio Scotland's The Jazz House in April 2007.
"...a gem of a group who have been bewitching Edinburgh audiences to great acclaim most of this year... Two drum kits, violin, bass, an array of keys and synths mix to produce dark soundscapes with driving snares and a completely absorbing sound; Joe Acheson Quartet are a must see."
Penny Green, Skinny Magazine