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Biography
Growing up Rudd learned to play the guitar, clarinet and saxophone however sought ways to overlap and interweave various instruments at once. These skills were honed and expanded on during his years travelling and busking.
The list of instruments Rudd is able to play cannot be counted on a single pair of hands, from Weissenborn slide guitars and banjos, to harmonicas and Aztec Organettes, the Australian musician’s set up surrounds him with the capacity for sound. Rudd has also perfected the art of circular breathing on the didgeridoo, often seen with jazz musicians, he is able to produce a singular drone sound that never falters.
Rudd’s first recording titled “Live in Canada” was released independently in 2001 and made way for his debut studio album “To Let” in 2002. His sophomore released named “Solace” saw Rudd’s introduction to the Australian music chart debuting at No. 13 and became a platinum selling album, due to distribution via Universal Records Australia. Becoming more well know Rudd toured with Jack Johnson and G. Love & Special Sauce and later released the live album “Good Spirit” and the Studio album “Food in the Belly” in 2005.
Rudd is widely known and appreciated on the festival circuits in Australia and Canada, and is equally appreciated in both countries for his socially conscious lyrics often regarding the mistreatment of aboriginals. Rudd’s 2007 tour in support of his 2007 album “White Moth” was lauded by critics for being entirely carbon-neutral and the album introduced darker themes which are observable in his follow-up “Dark Shades of Blue” in 2008. 2010 brought a new album and a new band to fit including bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo.
Live reviews
When I first saw Xavier Rudd I had no idea what to expect, he was largely unknown to me. I was travelling ‘down under’ at the time and had heard his name banded around but was yet to hear what all the fuss was about. Me and some friends had tickets to see Jack Jackson in Byron Bay and luckily he was the support, and what a support! To say he's a multi-instrumentalist is an understatement! He is a complete one man band, he sat on stage hid behind an array of instruments, a drum kit, extra percussion instruments, a number of guitars and didgeridoos. He is also a great songwriter, many of his songs had a theme of spirituality, peace, nature running through them, kind of a modern ‘hippy’ feel to them. But all were catchy and I found myself hearing them in my head in the days following, especially the tracks like ‘Solace,' and ‘Let me Be’! He has kept this message in his general style as well, by using the didgeridoo in most of the tracks and through the use of aboriginal sample harmonies he's able to give the tracks a distinctive and earthy feel. He was also quite the performer, at one point he went bouncing round the stage with his didgeridoo and address the audience throughout with a confident and entertaining manner.
All in all a great show, one that took me back. A must see!
aaron-perrins
Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd really does embody the free spirited laid back nature associated with his home country. His folk stylings have earned him a loyal fanbase globally and his natural approach to live show is particularly impressive. Playing an impossible amount of instruments, he mainly uses the guitar this evening to recreate the downtempo material of 'Spirit Bird' for adoring crowds.
Looking as though he had just stepped off the beach, his entangled hair is illuminated by the stage lights as the opening strings to 'The Mother' fill the room with those easy listening vibes. He thanks the crowd sincerely for coming out to see him and jokes that without their support, he probably would be busking somewhere on the beach.
Playing a number of reimagined tracks from early album 'Food In My Belly' demonstrates the progression of his career whilst a cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' shows his talents as a musical inventor.
sean-ward
I first saw Xavier in Melbourne about ten years ago , l attend every concert he has in Melbourne , he brings tears to my eyes and my heart fills with love listening to his music l listen to him everyday , if the governments of the world could only really listen to his words the world perhaps could find peace , what an amazing soul , l sat at the Thornbury theatre listening to his music speaking to his parents who sat next to me the love for their amazing son was beautiful only wish there were more people in the world like him , hopefully one day his true words will help the beautiful Aboriginal people of this land , Thank you Xavier you are a wonderful soul
liz.janczer
A great days entertainment.
I feel that the bands didn't compliment each other...as a Xavier Rudd fan, no other bands appealed to me.
They were all so different to each others styles.
But...the day was well managed and we had fun.
Thanks.
rob-lewis-5
Amazing, inspiring and fun ! The songs were great, musicians excellent. All the spiritual messages were always beautifully expressed in music. I will definitely go to see him again if he plays in the future.
hervelefeuvre
You where absolutely amazing, you guyz raise my spirit from start to finish, you sing The Great Spirit language thank you so much, long live your work to this planet Giai
God Bless
Namaste
Agape
michel-lebeau
Nice concert!
Xavier brings always good vibes with his songs!
The band was enjoying the music and the crowd was feeling it. Also, good interaction with the public, from Xavier.
Very good!
JoaoVasconcelos
He was incredible, he played reggae, surf rock, and he rocked, the place rocked, what a night, the venue was layed back friendly helpful. If I ever get another chance to see him I will.
michael-foster
A bit disappointing really. Xavier called the town we were in "Norah Point" when it's known as "Norah Head".
The concert was a bit too business-like and transactional without theme.
niceven7
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