Xavier Rudd

Overview

Multi-instrumentalist, yes, multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd returns to New Zealand for the third time in nine years.

He has become prominent in the festival scene across the Tasman, notably Bonnaroo twice, gaining him popularity which provided him with opportunities to play with Jack Johnson and Ben Harper.

Rudd is a one-man band who plays surrounded by instruments in a complicated array. Typically, he has three didgeridoos placed in front of him on a stand, a guitar on his lap, a stompbox by his habitually bare feet, and an assortment of drums, banjos, harmonicas, bells, and bass guitar near at hand, or near at foot as the case may be. Several of Rudd's songs incorporate socially conscious themes, such as spirituality, humanity, environmentalism and the rights of Aboriginal peoples. His songs include stories of the mistreatment of the indigenous people of his homeland. Rudd has included both Australian and Canadian Aboriginal vocals in some of his songs. He tends to play the Didgeridoo in many of his songs.

I will spare you the full list of his musical artillery and you can witness this talented Australian for yourself this April.