Xavier Rudd
(Salt X Records)
Perennial troubadour and independently minded musician Xavier Rudd has been purveying his personal take on world music for nearly a decade now, gaining a rabid fan following in the process, one drawn to his reggae tinged rhythms, his exhortations about ecological awareness and extraordinary ability to play every instrument in his arsenal single-handedly, both onstage and off. While Koonyum Sun allows him the luxury of a backing band, the music's no less compelling and the message remains ever so insightful.
Sounding something like a blend of Sting and Bob Marley, he continues to make a compelling case for environmental activism, using his mellow, laid-back vocals to ruminate over percolating tempos and an insistent yet amiable ethos. "Sky to Ground" builds and billows, a sprawling showcase for his spiritual circumspect. "Fresh Green Freedom" drifts along like a sunshine daydream while the lithe, acoustic "Love Comes & Goes" allows Rudd opportunity to elaborate on more emotional concerns. Regardless, it's the title track that offers the most expansive example Rudd's new aggregation put to good use, with masses of voices, atmospherics and purposeful platitudes yielding an idyllic brew.
Ultimately Koonyum Sun gels as yet another example of Rudd's expansive yet idealistic vision, an album that lifts the spirit and encourages the body to follow it stride.
Standout Tracks: "Koonyum Sun," "Sky to Ground," "Love Comes and Goes" LEE ZIMEMRMAN
