A five-year absence in U.S. touring can be a death blow to any musician, even if he is a certified star in his Australian homeland. Yet here’s Xavier Rudd, back with a new band, new sound and plenty of excitement over his latest album “Koonyum Sun.” Not only has the absence not damaged Rudd’s fan base, as evidenced by their buzz on fan boards, MySpace and elsewhere, it’s allowed him to reinvent himself musically. Gone is the heavy, occasionally lumbering, sounds of the music on “Dark Shades of Blue,” replaced with a sprightly, spiritual sound.
“I am really lucky that people come and see me and I get a good response to my music,” said Rudd, reflecting on his fans’ loyalty. “Getting people involved and connected is an added bonus for me. It’s almost like an energy exchange with the audience.”
| Onstage |
| Xavier Rudd |
| When: 8 p.m. Friday |
| Where: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW |
| Details: $20; 9:30.com; 800-955-5566 |
Expect that energy to be even higher now that Rudd is on his first tour with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo under the name Xavier Rudd & Izintaba. “Koonyum Sun” is the trio’s first collaborative collection of songs, though the members have toured together for a time. Rudd notes that the music they have made is something of an artistic breakthrough with variances including vocal harmonies in different languages.
“It’s been the most inspirational musical experience of my life,” said Rudd about his writing with Tio and Andile. “We have an undeniable connection — musically, spiritually and emotionally. I feel like they were sent to me.” Such spiritual connections are not uncommon for Rudd, who takes almost not credit for his song. Instead, he consistently likens them to gifts that are visited upon him by a muse. The result is a swirl of folk, reggae, rock and world music all combined to make the unique sound of the multiinstrumental Rudd.
“I never sit down to write a song,” said Rudd. “The songs come when they come. A lot of music just comes through me.”
That’s been true since childhood, when Rudd first found music the ideal way in which to express himself. He’s intent on not overcomplicating or overthinking the process.
“I’m always looking for way to make things bigger and better sounding,” he said. “I think that has always been my main goal in music.”
