May 2007

The Soul of the Southern Hemisphere

by Mosun Agnini

Minneapolis has a lively and talented music scene full of many burgeoning local musicians.   So I apologize to all you local talents as I take a moment to set the spotlight on some music from down under.

Two great Aussie musicians are making their way to Minneapolis this summer.   Both Xavier Rudd and The John Butler Trio are touring North America and are making a huge impact along the way. They have shared the stage with musical icons such as Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson and John Mayer. Although their music is uniquely their own, they both stand firmly in their political beliefs and pass the message along through song.

John Butler, originally from California, was relocated to Australia when he was eleven where music continued to grow and define his life.   When he inherited his grandfather's guitar his passion grew and his dedication to his voice and spirit became evident.  

His sound is rich and full with strong blues and roots backbone.   His guitar playing punctuates his clean voice through funky rock songs such as "Funky Tonight" while the melodic source of "Better Than" flows flawlessly. His Grand National North America Tour finds him in Minneapolis in early June.



Xavier Rudd, from Bell's Beach in Southern Victoria, is truly a one- man-band.   He studied the art of the didgeridoo beginning with hours of practice on a vacuum cleaner hose.   Now he performs live with three didgeridoos in different keys.   As he sits behind them, he picks his guitar and gives the feeling that he is playing several instruments at the same time. Multi-tasking is definitely one of his skills.

His U.S. release of Food in the Belly finally brings him to a new level in his career.   Songs such as "The Letter" and "Messages" are poetic and introspective lending a spiritual beauty to the experience. "The Mother" brings out Rudd's vocal power and soul.   His music is hopeful, exotic and poignant.   He finds his way to Minneapolis in late June.

 








The John Butler Trio
First Avenue Main Room | Thursday June 7th | 6 PM 18+ | www.johnbutlertrio.com
$18

Xavier Rudd
First Avenue Main Room | Wednesday June 20th | 8 PM 18+ | www.xavierrudd.com
$18 in advance

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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