To say that witnessing Xavier Rudd performing live is a new and original experience does not give it the descriptive justice that it truly deserves. Xavier Rudd hails from Australia and his music has been described as blues, roots, rock, and folk. He is able to transform into a musical messenger through his use of guitars, shakers, didgeridoos, chimes and gongs, slide guitars, tongue drums, stomp boxes, djembes and harmonicas, all at once is his one-man-band mammoth stage set up. He brings the listener into the experience to share his energy for Mother Earth, the environment and its people.
The setting for the evening was the Carling Academy. This is a small venue compared to some of the halls he has performed in.

 In the past I have seen Xavier Rudd perform in sold out concert halls so I was looking forward to seeing him in a more intimate setting. The show precedes the release of his latest CD, Dark Shades of Blue, due to be released August 19.
 

The show was opened by Bobby Anderson of the local band, Fortune Drive. With just him and his guitar on stage, he was able to give a fantastic demonstration of his acoustic abilities and wide vocal range. He put his rock persona on hold for the evening and played to the audience and the overall spirit of the evening. 

With the crowd appropriately prepped, the show began. Xavier Rudd took to the stage and his seat, situated behind his platform of instruments. It was Rudd’s first time performing in Bristol but he still managed to draw out a large fan base. Those who were unfamiliar with his music were quickly converted. The music produced by Rudd and guests on stage was infectious and drew out even the most reluctant toe tapping. They played a mixture of songs from his previous albums as well as several songs from the new album. Each song held a message and was communicated through the musical combinations of voice and numerous instruments (frequently more than one played at a time by Rudd).The tempo of the music and the dancing that followed varied but the energy of the performance and the crowd was maintained throughout the entire evening.

To truly understand the feel and message of his music, it needs to be experienced live. If you missed Xavier Rudd’s show make sure you keep your eye open for the next time he comes to town. He is an artist you don’t want to miss twice.