![]() And good thing I did, because as soon as the lights went down and the mysterious black sheet on stage was removed to reveal Rudd’s extensive instrumental set-up, the rest of the previously distracted crowd came a runnin’ back. Content with my location, I allowed my better half and go-to concert companion to get a well deserved beverage and even visit the lavatory if absolutely necessary while I protected our seemingly unthreatened spots. If I’m able to rest my elbow on the stage, I can concede that I’m close enough. I took advantage of the somewhat dispersed crowd that was busy either socializing or making beer and bathroom runs between the opening and headlining sets, and I zigzagged my way right to the front. With 20 minutes left before show time, my pre-concert stress of securing close stage proximity was in full effect (5’1 at a GA standing room only show…not so ideal). I knew it would be a great night when at press check-in I was told that I was on the band’s list….aah, to say I’m “with the band” just once, even if not completely true, makes me giddy……….but, back to the show. ![]() The two level space comes complete with bar in back and tables and chairs upstairs for those more laid back fans who don’t feel the need to compete from prime spottage in front of the stage. What I’d do to be this coordinated! However you want to categorize Rudd’s sound (though you’re probably better off not even trying), there’s no denying it’s good, and his live shows are huge…filled with great positive energy and amazing music.Īs either my concert buddy or blog supporter (many thanks to both), you know that I’m a lover of small, intimate venues…so you can imagine how psyched I was when I got to Highline Ballroom and realized it was more of a club than a concert hall. All the while, he’s droning on a didgeridoo, blowing out a harmonica or using his mellow voice to pay tribute to the world, land and people around him. Hard to imagine that he plays 3 of these at the same time, right? Oh, and did I mention that he sings too! As his henna-like tattooed feet (looks like this barefoot thing is becoming a trend with me) are tapping out the beat, his arms and hands are flailing around his collection of percussion instruments or various guitars. His set up includes guitars, Weissenborn slide guitars, stomp boxes, djembes (skin covered hand drum) cascading sticks and cymbals, harmonicas and, perhaps the most unique of all, 3 didgeridoos (long wooden wind instrument of the Indigenous Australian people). Perched on the stage surrounded by his various instruments, Rudd creates unique, complex sounds by playing many of his musical apparatus simultaneously, almost as if they’re extensions of his own body. He’s an embodiment of pure, multi-faceted talent. While that’s an impressive skill in its own right, Rudd is, shall we say, more au natural in his musical approach….from the instruments he plays and how he plays them to his spiritually and environmentally aware lyrics. Forget the latest technology that lots of artists are using these days to loop guitar riffs live on stage for bigger sounds. ![]() Rudd is an incredible singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from The Outback whose sound is a blend of folk, rock, reggae and world music. Reject the dancing, and you would’ve been better off posting your ticket on Craigslist the night before. It’s virtually impossible to stand still and not let the energy of his live show take over your feet…and legs and hips and arms. Getting your groove on at a Xavier Rudd show comes with the territory.
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