My favorite songs of the night were probably “While I’m Gone” because of Rudd’s ridiculous vocal variations and “Hanalei” because of its uplifting dance beat and lyrics. ![]() These are two of the best voices a listener can hear, and they were both on stage together. The end of the show featured a spirited “Radiate,” and a song that he brought Mike Love on for. He plays so many instruments himself, so in combination with this talented group, magic happens. It sounds a little like Bob Marley’s, in its own very unique way. My eyes truly circulated throughout the stage at every instrument player because of their talents. Each one played a significant role in the performance. In the second set, after a few more off of Nanna, Rudd gave prayers and props to all grandmothers of life in “Nanna” and “Bundagen,” and then introduced the members of the band all from either Australia or islands around the land down under. When they played “Flag,” one of the band members danced around with a flag, while the whole band danced around. It was all amazing, but the crowd woke up after “Follow the Sun,” and we really started dancing along. It’s Rudd’s ninth album and was mixed by Errol Brown at Tuff Gong Studios. Coming off of their new album, Nanna, which is one of the best albums that I have heard since Beck’s Morning Phase, they played much of it throughout their show. This year was the first time that solo artist Xavier Rudd decided to play and tour with a full band, and I firmly believe that it added a power that was well worth it. Just their presence gives the audience a warm feeling. Rudd came on with his vest and hat with feathers in it and medicine bags hanging. Some had on tribal gear and others army fatigues. Most of them were dressed in their native clothing, but no one dressed the same. Xavier Rudd & the United Nations wandered on stage next. It is simple mesmerizing to see even after a short thirty minute opening set. Love was on stage alone using his pedals to create all of the loops and beats that accompany his guitar and vocals. He ended his show with “Permanent Holiday,” which as songwriting goes, may be one of the best reggae songs ever written. His lyrics make you nod your head and want to clap. He is from Oahu, Hawaii, and comes from a very musical family. But Mike Love is a true modern day musical revolutionary who is rising fast in the reggae world. ![]() ![]() The combination is what made this a night to remember.Īfter missing most of Mike Love’s set because of frustrating guess list confusion, I was able to catch at least the last two songs. Not only do they both make their listeners feel really good, but they also are some of the best at their crafts in the business. While inside the giant barn type structure, the amount of talent that oozes out of both the opener Mike Love and Xavier Rudd is something that every person needs to see for themselves. ![]() There were people having picnics on the lawn, while others threw Frisbees under the setting sun. The landscapes that surround the foothills of Boulder make an aesthetic canvas for a perfect evening. Experiencing these musicians in one of the most beautiful places to see live music, the Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, CO was a wonderful experience and a memory that will stay.
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