Xavier Rudd ran through my blood!
by foreverrudd on 8/21/09McMenamins Crystal Ballroom - PortlandRating: 5 out of 5Awesome! Unforgettable!!! I would not miss another concert!!!

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Since the very beginning, Xavier Rudd's ability to connect with people has been his most powerful gift. The more he has toured the world, the more hearts he has touched and the more of the world he has put back into his music. Now, fronting a band aptly named The United Nations, Xavier Rudd has assembled a lineup of musicians from around the world as a one-people musical force. Making their debut in 2015, Xavier Rudd And The United Nations finds the iconic Australian solo artist in full band mode for the first time in a long and successful career, and introduces new album Nanna to Xavier's diverse and acclaimed discography...
Enthralling audiences with his ability to wield so many instruments at once, Xavier's 2002 debut album, To Let, introduced a sound that was a mix of guitars, yidakis (didgeridoos), stomp box and percussion, blues harp and vocals. Something distinctly new, yet tied back through time to the spirit of our ancestors. With a sound established, Xavier's 2004 sophomore album, Solace, was testament to the power of his songwriting abilities. Solace debuted in the top 20 of the ARIA charts and was met as an instant classic; going platinum and earning Xavier two ARIA nominations, with three of its songs – Let Me Be, Shelter and Solace – voted into triple j's Hottest 100.
Only a year later, Xavier was receiving his third ARIA nomination, this time for third album Food In The Belly. Celebrated for Xavier's abilities to effortlessly weave genres together - from the reggae sway of The Mother, to the irresistible tribal jam of Manã - Food In The Belly impacted strongly in Australia and Europe, landing Xavier on the Dutch album charts for the first time. Xavier's gold-selling follow-up, White Moth, continued on this path of international success. Released in 2007 on Epitaph sister label ANTI-, White Moth reached #30 on the US Billboard charts and earned Xavier another ARIA nomination back home.
Nudging ahead of White Moth one spot to peak the ARIA charts at #5, 2008's Dark Shades Of Blue was Xavier's biggest musical departure, yet resulted in massive fan and critical acclaim. Gritty, dark and introspective, the album connected deeply with fans, and reintroduced Xavier as formidable lap steel player. 2010's Koonyum Sun - recorded as trio Xavier Rudd And Izintaba - was a return to lighter shades. Featuring a new sound courtesy of a collaboration with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo - yet abundant in the blues'n'roots charm of his earliest work - Koonyum Sun brought Xavier Rudd full circle.
Debuting at #2 on the ARIA charts, Xavier's 2012 album Spirit Bird was the triumphant pinnacle of of his entire solo career – capturing the most beautiful aspects of his voice, his songs and his spirit. Led by the wonderfully delicate Follow The Sun, Spirit Bird saw Xavier Rudd yet again tour the world, bringing together old fans and new, regardless of their culture or country of origin. Now, this ability to connect is at the heart of Xavier Rudd And The United Nations – a band with a strong message of all people coming together around the globe to return to spirit, respect the ancient ways and protect the Earth and the very essence of creation.
Mixed by Errol Brown at Tuff Gong Studios, Nanna is Xavier's ninth studio album, but his first with Xavier Rudd And The United Nations... finding one of the great solo artists of our time fronting a full band with impeccable results. Once again diving into new musical waters while still holding true to the music in his heart, Xavier Rudd has added another remarkable milestone to his already epic journey, solidifying his place as one of Australia's greatest artists, activists and spirits.
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Awesome! Unforgettable!!! I would not miss another concert!!!
If you've seen Xavier in the past this was a little bit of a change. Playing as part of a "band" 2 others was a change and it took some adjustment. It was nice to see him interact with the crowd a little more, dancing around the stage. Always good to see Xavier, maybe an outdoor venue next time?
I deeply enjoyed the venue, the line up and xavier's performance was stellar. The crowd was the only thing that was disappointing - I was hoping for more dancin' and play - although the encore seemed to bring the life out of them!
I have now seen Xavier Rudd perform at the Crystal Ballroom twice. My first time was extraordinary and introduced me to the amazing sounds of Xavier. With this performance, I was able to not disappointed by the one-man-band. The sound of the didgeridoo (yidakis) resonates through the floor, thus it gets your entire body involved in the experience of the music. During the first song, the speakers were a little too loud, but this issue was resolved quickly. The rest of the set was engulfing. The mood of the crowd was receptive and positive. And that is all i have to say as I need to get back to studying.
Xavier Rudd is a very talented musician with complicated pieces of jam infused music. Rudd was joined by two other musicians the night we saw him at The Pageant in St. Louis, MO. The Pageant is a great place to see an intimate show. Rudd was on fire that night and his fellow band members were as tight as a tiger. Great family atmosphere at the Pageant as was evident by a small child being called onto stage by Rudd at the end of the show. The little girl was a star that night. My wife and I had no complaints. J
I HAD A GREAT TIME AND MET ALOT OF COOL CATS. I EVEN SHARED MY BUBBLE GUM
This was one of the best show i've seen in a really long time. His music live is even better then his albums. I would def. go see him live if you get the chance.
The Pageant in St. Louis was a small and quaint place which was great! However, their sound person was terrible and the people Xavier choose to play with completly drowned him out! I was disappointed because I drove 6 hours to get there and Xavier only played for little over an hour and he rushed through his songs never singing one in it's entirety! He came out and started the show playing "The Mother" and right off the bat he sang the wrong lyrics and was drowned out by his bass player and especially his drummer! I first saw Xavier back in 2004 when he opened for Ani DiFranco all by himself and he completly blew her, the audience and myself away! This time it was well... a joke!
First time seeing Xavier Rudd in concert, but certainly not the least! I'd been anticipating this show for months and it didn't disappoint. It was awesome. I danced my socks off!
Loved Xavier Rudd at The Vic on August 11th! The man is amazing! Xavier played despite not feeling well. Diggin' the new bass player and drummer!
When I saw Xavier Rudd for the first time last summer, I was impressed to say the least. This year, he was even better than before. He is an extremely talented individual, being able to play several instruments at one time. A guitar on his lap, a didgeridoo at his lips, he creates some wonderfully intricate music. Furthermore, his mastery of the didgeridoo is unparalleled. I have never heard anything quite like the sounds that he produces from the didgeridoo. He creates a positive atmosphere for concert-goers, and if you're feeling down, his charming smile is likely to lift your spirits. At times during the concert, he will dance freely, jumping and spinning around the stage. At the end of the concert, he even pulled two fans up on stage to join him in his dance. Overall, Xavier Rudd puts on a great show. Unique instruments, great energy, and a warm, friendly atmosphere were the highlights of the show. So, if you see that Xavier Rudd is coming to your town, don't miss the opportunity to attend his show!
This was one of the best musical experiences you could ever imagine. He is a talted musician who keeps the crowd entertained and in awe! Cant wait for him to cme back
Absolutely amazing and uplifting in more ways than I can count.
Xavier Rudd graced Chicago with yet another incredible display of music surrounded by high energy and heartfelt messages. His energy filled the less-than filled Vic and it made it feel like it was overflowing with people. This time around was a bit different from the several times I've seen him in the past. He had a band. Not just his guest drummer, Dave Tolley, but a new drummer and a bassist. It put a very different spin on original tunes done by Xavier himself years ago, but pleasant. The only downside to the evening, I was again, since his appearance at the Vic last August, turned away with my recording rig so I have been unable to share the sounds with other since 2007, I'm sorry. It appears that going forward, he is enforcing a "No Audio" policy. All bitterness aside, a great experience over and over with Xavier. THANK YOU!!!
Another great show by Xavier, with a very high-energy crowd. I've never been disappointed by a performance by him, and last night was more of the same. Great instrumental talent and a solid entertainer.
I didn't stop moving the entire show! He is such a deep, soulful singer/performer and at the same time can make his shows so fun and crazy! I wished the show would never end. If you don't know Xavier Rudd yet do yourself a favor!
This was an average show by musical standards, but the worst show I've seen Xavier do. He was clearly ill with something, and seemed to avoid playing his signature didgeridoo, which is the part of his sound I love the most. According to a crew member, he had a bad case of the flu, thus the lack of many energetic songs and a seemingly short set. He was, however, hilarious and doing some wacky dances and things at least.
Even though he was under the weather, Xavier brought great energy and still put on an awsome show. He gets ultimate props for pushing through and explemifying the maxim that the show must go on.
Xavier never ceases to amaze me! His unforgettable beats and lyrics always keep me coming back for more!
I have seen Xavier four times. Three of which have been at The Vic. The Vic is decent venue but charges four bucks for water which is a sham because if you are getting down at Rudd concert (it's hard not to) you will be in dire need of H2O. Anywho, getting down to the good stuff. . . of the times I've seen him this was the least energized show to date. He'd mention being a bit under the weather but I think the lack of energy, in part, was on the audience. The clapping died off nanoseconds after the songs began. And usually a majority of the fans down in front are dancing for their lives but not so much this time. This setlist wasn't as conductive to the frenzied mass dancing of past shows. It was unevenly weighted with his poignantly somber songs, songs I enjoy but would rather listen to on my own. Don't get me wrong, I will most definitely go the next time he's in town. It should be known to potential concert goers that Xavier is an amazingly talented musical artist and that he only gets better with love and appreciation from the audience. He is there to entertain you first and foremost, but you there are certain points he will pause to take in and process overwhelming reactions from the audience only to reciprocate that energy tenfold. I would tell anyone to go see this concert, even my friends who don't like "hippy" music because the experience is really so much more.