![]() ![]() An accomplished finger-picker and percussionist, and an evocative slide banjo player, Rudd also brings in guest musicians to fill out the sound, incorporating an array of other instruments and even a children's chorus into his music. Rudd addresses both on "Pockets of Peace," as well as the hunger that inflects so many on "Famine," a song at least partially inspired by Jimmy Cliff's "Sufferin' on the Land." Yet even these horrors can't overcome Rudd's overwhelming optimism, prominent on "Connie's Song" and the hope-filled "Generation Fade," while counseling us all to be grateful for what we have on the title track.Ĭounterpointing the upbeat messages is the music, often in a decidedly bluesy vein. Rudd opens Food in the Belly by taking stock of himself on "The Letter," a song bookended by the highly contemplative and autobiographical "September 24, 1999." Both lay the groundwork for his life-affirming philosophy that revolves around our connections to this wonderful planet, a theme explored on "Energy" and the paean to "The Mother" Earth, and reflected in the ecologically minded "Messages." In nature one can find a tranquility of soul that permeates this entire set, but that doesn't mean that the terrible disturbances of war and disease don't inevitably impinge. He is helping his own country to reconcile its past, and he is beloved as both an icon and a human being.As stereotypes go, a surfer with something worthwhile to say is a contradiction in terms, but Xavier Rudd is no cookie-cutter mold, but a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist with simple, yet profound, thoughts on life to impart. He has inspired thousands of people and been the catalyst for others to find their own voice. He truly loves his fans and feels constantly blessed to be able to perform in countries all across our beautiful planet. He has continued to tour the world and make incredible records – showing absolutely no desire to rest on his achievements. Each live album is an essential snapshot of a moment in Xavier's career, documenting his path and commemorating the bond he shares with his fans.īut in spite of all his success, Xavier Rudd has never stopped working. ![]() This alone would be impressive enough, but in that time Xavier has also released eight live albums, recorded around the world in Canada, The Netherlands, Brussels, and different parts of Australia. In return, ARIA nominations, chart placings and Gold and Platinum records honoured each release, spurring Xavier even further and producing a stellar discography: To Let (2002), Solace (2004), Food In The Belly (2005), White Moth (2007), Dark Shades Of Blue (2008), Koonyum Sun (2010), Spirit Bird (2012), and his first album with The United Nations, Nanna (2015). Each new record, always accompanied by breathtaking singles, gave his fans everything they wanted and more. Then it was Europe.the snowball kept rolling.Īs his popularity grew worldwide, so too did Xavier's musical palette. Australia was the first to fall in love with Xavier. The further the ripples of his career reached, the bigger the wave got. Since then he has played in a variety of solo and band formats, each with an unmistakable personality of its own. He was distinct, unique and unforgettable. His earliest live format was a wonderful spectacle, placing Xavier inside a forest of yidakis (didgeridoos) from which he dexterously crafted layers of guitar, percussion, blues harp and vocals. There are no borders that apply to Xavier Rudd's music. It was the start of a journey that would span well over 15 years (and counting) taking Xavier to almost every continent on the planet, where he has connected with people from all cultures and walks of life. Fans from all over the globe were drawn to the distinctly Australian-looking musician, activist and surfer. Produced by Chris Bond (Ben Howard, Tom Speight) and mixed by Tim Palmer (Pearl Jam, Bowie, U2) it is a record that reflects the power of Xavier's songwriting – his timeless, philosophical lyrics and his masterful sculpting of melody.īeginning his career with 2002's definitive To Let, Xavier Rudd put his message out into the world and was answered immediately. Led by the radiating single Walk Away, Storm Boy is both classic Xavier and something a little new. Storm Boy, Xavier's ninth studio album, continues this upwards trajectory. Yet, with each new release, Xavier Rudd continues to surpass expectation and produce his finest work to date. Already one of Australia's most loved artists, he has earned accolades of every kind, Gold and Platinum certification, and legions of fans worldwide. ![]() Looking back over Xavier Rudd's stunning career, one could easily ask what is possibly left for him to achieve.
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