First Avenue & Rose present XAVIER RUDD

Date: 
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Performer: 

XAVIER RUDD

Photo by James Looker

A multi-instrumentalist, world class surfer, animal rights activist and nature conservationist, Xavier Rudd’s widespread appeal transcends genres and categories, creating an atmosphere that Aquarian Weekly describes as “easy, feel-good listening that musically keeps you interested for its entirety.” His legendary live performances replete with his indigenous didgeridoos, has been hailed by About.com as a communal dance party that “takes almost no time for the crowd to start its bouncing, twirling, and all-out dancing.” Fusing hypnotic ceremonial rhythms into tender and breezy folk songs, Rudd creates a vibe and tone that is unmistakably earthy and excitingly expansive. Eastern Surf Magazine says, “He doesn’t create music; music just comes through him.” Paste Magazine offers, “He combines soft, melodic vocals with unique instrumentals to create a sound that is all at once inspiring and heartbreaking.” 

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When he debuted in 2002 with the album To Let, Xavier Rudd began a journey that would see him become one of the most iconic voices in Australian music, literally and figuratively. With each new album, this journey has wound like a river making its way toward the ocean - twisting and turning, flowing and cascading as it relentlessly pushes forward. Introducing himself as an artist of both imagination and conscience, Xavier Rudd’s ability to marry uplifting melodies with thought-provoking themes and concepts produced music that, one way or another, made you feel good. With an array of guitars, yidakis (didgeridoos), stomp box and percussion, Rudd re-introduced a lot of Australians to the sounds and stories of the land’s original owners, while introducing the rest of the world to an entirely new sound altogether. And, over the course of a decade, he has taken this sound to every corner of the globe; producing six studio albums, two live albums, multiple ARIA nominations and a global fan-base of likeminded souls.

This journey – truly befitting a storyteller – continues with Xavier Rudd’s seventh and most moving album, Spirit Bird. Shaped by his history but continuing to break new ground, Xavier Rudd is at his most creative on Spirit Bird – once again painting breathtaking pictures with vivid, unmistakable tones. Hypnotic ceremonial rhythms ease effortlessly into tender folk songs. Gritty guitar blues sits perfectly alongside entrancing yidaki passages. Rudd’s voice, and the voice of his ancestors, yet again bearing truth and knowledge. Spirit Bird weaves together Rudd’s trademark mixture of blues, reggae, indigenous and folk music in new and familiar ways... at times recalling the simplicity of Solace, and at others the electricity of Dark Shades Of Blue. There is the youthfulness of To Let, but the wisdom of Koonyum Sun. It is Xavier Rudd by every measure. And whether it is a message, or just some words from the heart; Spirit Bird is a defining moment in the evolution of one of Australia’s most important artists. The moment where the river meets the ocean.

Special Guests / Opening Acts: 

YESHE

Hailing from Germany but a true world citizen, Yeshe has explored all corners of the globe in developing a rich tapestry of sound and a vivid collage of musical culture. He embodies the musical nomad, drawing heavily from his African teachings and expressing his music with a sophisticated style and distinctly cosmopolitan flavour.

Venue: 

First Avenue

Location

First Avenue
701 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1327
United States
Phone: 612-332-1775
44° 58' 43.3416" N, 93° 16' 33.762" W

Event Details
Thursday, November 8
Mainroom / 7:00 pm / 18+
XAVIER RUDD
with YESHE
$22.50 adv | $25.00 door
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