Xavier Rudd - Messages

Wed 26th Apr, 2006 in Music Reviews

When likening Xavier Rudd to other already successful artists, he is placed alongside people like Jack Johnson and Donavan Frankenreiter, and it is no surprise, because he tours with them, and there is a lot of similarity to Paul Simon as well. All these guys are talented enough to create and perform cool and melodious music that has enriched our lives in more ways than merely through the ears.

Any feelings of belligerence or discomfort seem to dissolve when listening to Xavier Rudd, from the moment you press play the world goes away and he takes you on a journey that is far reaching. The diversity of instrumental talent he posseses, particularly shining through on the visual stage, is really something to marvel at. I want to ask Jack Johnson, God bless him, if he can play a didgeridoo as well as Xavier.

Xavier is like the Melbournian equivalent to Ben Harper, satisfying musical enthusiasts on his travels across the nation. His beautifully soothing studio album Solace has recently been certified platinum, and it is no wonder, it has tremendous potential to envelope the soul with a kind of musical blanket.

Xavier`s latest single Messages evokes more of this energy and emotion while remaining true to the heart with his spiritual sincerity and unique style musing about the world around us. This is especially true given what Xavier says about Messages, “Messages was written in hope that all the special places on this beautiful earth can be preserved for many years to come, so that our kids and our kids kids kids, and our kids kids kids…can breathe some similar air as to what we are so lucky to breathe”.

He is a very passionate and naturally connected artist, and all this shows through in the warmth of his calming and insightful performances. Messages is taken from Xavier`s forthcoming live album called Good Spirit out now through Universal.