Xavier Rudd was perfect! Always is!
by Earthman22 on 2012-11-30The Phoenix Concert Theatre - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5Been to so many concerts and Xavier always puts on the best show. So much energy from him and crowd. Tons of love for this guy!

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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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Been to so many concerts and Xavier always puts on the best show. So much energy from him and crowd. Tons of love for this guy!
This was my first time seeing Xavier in concert. My son saw him a couple of years ago at the Key to Bala, in Bala, Ontario, and has raved about him ever since. His music is unbelievable and I am going out to buy one of his cd's asap. My only negative comment is the venue, as I recently had knee surgery and was only able to sit on a stool, I was not very comfortable. However the concert was brilliant.
What a show. Played for a couple of hours straight. 2 opening acts. Great evening all in all. Worth checking it out even if you don't know who he is.
I've seen Xavier Rudd at least three times before and have loved his concerts. This concert was a huge disappointment and it seemed that he was a novice musician making random noise instead of his unique eclectic music that many have admired and enjoyed in the past. There was no energy or connection that has been at all the other Xavier Rudd concerts. I didn't recognize much of the music and it was sloppy. The only people who seemed to enjoy the concert were louder than Xavier Rudd and their screeching voices only caused more agony. I would have loved to have given Xavier Rudd an amazing review as I'm a huge fan, however, this time I cannot.
Previous two show that we've seen Xavier Rudd playing in the BCT were fantastic, so what happened this time? Something was missing. Reverb background noise may have an attempt at musical art, but it distracted from his usually stellar performance. Not that I could even approach his skill as a musician, but he was more repetitive, and seemingly lost in space too often, and generally seemed worn out. We all have our off days. People in the audience seemed distracted in response - I have never been to a concert where people talked through the whole show, while at least four other FELL ASLEEP! Wow. The accompanying musicians and dancers were lackluster, one dancer kept having to pull up his pants! What a contrast to the fantastically talented accompanying performers at previous concerts (Australian and African, respectively). Should have left early or One True War should have played all night!
Enjoyed overall but couple of disappointing things: (1) having to wait +20 minutes after the 2nd act finished with no equipment set-up going on (that was done previously between the opening act and the 2nd act). (2) too much of the "tribal songs" and not enough of his songs he is known for ........ what was with that! The opening act was FABULOUS!!!
Xavier Rudd showed off his ability on a variety of stringed instruments, percussion, harmonica and didgeridoo. However, I found the vocal mix very muddy and there was a lack of variation in the music itself. Whenever Xavier used the stomp board it was with the exact same beat used on practically every uptempo number he played (which all started off slow). Overall I would say I was underwhelmed.
Rudd was amazing as always...even in the hot old Burt!
The show by Xavier was fantastic. He is so heartfelt, honest and talented.
Xavier Rudd's music really is something special. The entire theatre was electrified and had a really good energy. Very sad to see that Xavier could not have the MTS Centre totally packed with people. He is that good.
An amazing spiritual experience that can only be fully appreciated at a live event. The low frequency of the didgeridoo and the barefoot base drum boxes combined with a muppets like 'Animal' representation on the drums and a soulful Bruce Cockburn precision on the exotic stringed instruments provide amazing contrast to Xavier's passionate and unique style!
Amazing show, such great energy, couldn't stop dancing!
What can I say? He had everyone clinging to his every word for the whole show. He's an amazing artist, visionary and all round beautiful person. Thanks for another wicked show.
Absolutely amazing! Xavier Rudd has such positive energy that sooths the soul!!!
I loved the energy and harmonies of Good Old War. Xavier Rudd was too loud and not personal enough for me. He didn't seem to be totally present. It was still very enjoyable though. I would definitely go to see Good Old War again in concert.
The whole show was a masterpiece of life and love! It was like a prayer or a shout out to just living through music and the good vibes through a master of the craft. Xavier Rudd is a true spiritual leader in his own right, proving that if it weren't for the natural ways our ancients have lived and are still living today we would be in even more of a mess then we're already in today. SUPPORT THE FIRST NATION ABORIGINAL CULTURES! They go beyond our time and were here well before us and that is an absolute feet unimaginable. They deserve our respect and our attention as they know more about this world then we think we do.
This was the 4 th time I've seen Xavier and he gets better Every time! Unreal.
Xavier Rudd is one of the finest musicians on this planet. Socially aware he brings his passion for mother earth, it's inhabitants and music together to instill thought, peace and love to everyone listening. No matter what your preferred genre of music, age, or race, you can find something to appreciate in this beautiful man and his performance. Sheer joy! In attending both nights, seemed the second allowed the venue to work out any sound kinks that were from the night before. The openers, Good Old War also seemed a little more at ease too. The set lists were very similar night to night, however the rendition of songs altered to fit the audience. A great selection of songs from Rudd's spanning career. He shared a very moving story that nearly had the crowd in tears, or at least I was. The energy was amazing and a special treat to my son and I to have the opportunity to have one on one time with Xavier Rudd after the show. He is an appreciative man, kind, gentle with a dynamic smile.
Xavier is a treat to experience. I love the pure sound, not impressed with loops and dubs...but that's Xavier and I will accept as his mantra to the cosmos. Long live our earth!!!
Xavier is an amazing performer. I only wish that true Xavier fans were the only ones there as it was a pain in the ass trying to hear him over all the chatting in the crowd!