If they can feel that connection through my music, then I feel like Ive truly given it my all. https://youtube/watch?v=fagsItX6qyA Much like the ascending Koonyum Sun ushers in a new day in New South Wales, the record of the same name by world son Xavier Rudd carries a similar aura of refreshment, of rebirth. From 2002s To Let, his first studio album, through to 2007s White Moth, Rudd gradually refined his globally-influenced collage of world music -- a matchless mixture of reggae, funk, blues, folk, and nearly every other sort of song with the ability to stimulate peoples spirits. With 2008s Dark Shades of Blue, though, the world was welcomed into a darker, more somber side of Rudds music. The album was indeed musically rich, with an international influence still inherent; however, the overall aura carried a different tinge compared to that of his previous work. As he explains it, his musical output at that time may have been a slight glimpse of what was soon to come. Dark Shades Of Blue represented what was coming to me, explains Rudd, and it was something that I didnt realize at the time. It was like I could feel the shudder of an earthquake, but I didnt know it was coming. That metaphorical earthquake manifested in the form of the most tumultuous year in Rudds personal history, and one he was more than happy to put behind him when starting to pen Koonyum Sun. The album marks a fresh, new musical and spiritual awakening for Rudd, perhaps most notably as its his first with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo under the unified banner of Xavier Rudd & Inzintaba. Though the trio has been performing together for many months, Koonyum Sun is their first collaborative collection of songs -- a triangle of influence that carries a piece of each individual member, yet keeps them all connected. Thanks to the input of Inzintaba, theres a staggering amount of vigor to this release that Xavier Rudd fans havent seen to date. Theres also more vocal variation, with colourful harmonies in several different languages soaring atop the music. Its been the most inspirational musical experience of my life, shares 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. While trying to reconnect with the stream of positive energy that had lifted him prior to his arduous 2009, Rudd relied heavily on the fortitude of his newfound friends. They basically held me up. They were such strong spirits to have around me during such a traumatic time. In fact, Inzintaba is the Zulu word for mountains, and when hes with Tio and Andile, either playing or simply being, he feels as though hes standing on a mountain. The album was laid down at 301 Studios in Australias Byron Bay, which Rudd believes to be a beautiful part of the world, and theres no question that his pastoral surroundings have influenced his output. He absorbs energy and influence from anywhere on Earth his music may take him -- influences that stay with him and build up his body of cultural, spiritual, and musical experience. Over the last few years, hes graced stages at festivals around the globe, including the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, The Great Escape, Bumbershoot, and Austin City Limits, to list a limited few. Indeed, where hes physically been has an immense impact on where hes musically going. He explains: Ive absorbed so much culture and energy from where Ive traveled, and it becomes a part of me. His musical output has always kept a consistent focal point, surrounding which is an ever-expanding pool of musical and spiritual influence that grows with each release. Koonyum Sun is the culmination of where Rudd wants to be musically, and along with Inzintaba, hes ready to make his music mobile once again. Ive never been more excited to tour, he says, and his fans are undeniably ecstatic about his assertion. Rudd believes his music is a gift from his ancestors and part of his journey is to share it and use it to connect with others. With Koonyum Sun, hes poised to re-link with old and new listeners alike, and couldnt be more eager. He says: If they can feel that connection through my music, then I feel like Ive truly given it my all.
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 20:27:07 +0000
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