Xavier Rudd & Donovan Frankenreiter & Nahko and Medicine For The People
08.10.13 The Tivoli
Xavier Rudd, Donovan Frankenreiter and Nahko Bear; three powerful souls, three powerful voices and three powerful songwriters with one love of social change and one love of music. There were no doubts that after a draining Tuesday, this feel-good line-up could warm the dreariest of souls and allow a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The good vibes began to flow as soon as Nahko & Medicine For The People took to the stage. Personifying the presence of somewhat of a spiritual leader with an American Indian flair and a guitar, Nahko Bear preaches of cultural, environmental and social injustices with a voice that warms your soul and echoes in your mind long after. Shirtless and with long hair, similar to Nahko, bassist Dustin Thomas grooved crazily (both on the bass and on his feet) alongside female percussionist Hope Medford with her vivid Cajon and Djembe tribal rhythms. With a stage-full of energy, the dynamic group of troubadours delivered curative vibrations leaving the audience with lips infectiously upturned and with no choice but to move their feet. Their combined contagious charisma left the audience singing “I believe in the good things coming…,” truly music to feed your soul; medicine for the people. (Aptly named… right?!)
With his overgrown mop of hair, cow boy hat and signature mustache, on came Donovan Frankenreiter radiating a different kind of good vibe. Accompanied by long time bassist and friend, Matt Grundy, the two combined in masterful guitar work showcasing acoustic versions of his surfer-esque music. Perfect chill-out songs, Grundy’s impeccable harmonica skills and Frankenreiter’s warm honey-thick vocals had the capability of bearing the intimacy of a back porch or camp-fire performance; however with lack of talking and audience engagement on Frankenreiter’s part and subsequently a surplus of talking on the audience’s part, his heartwarming performance wasn’t felt by all. It wasn’t until members of the crowd were bought up on stage to help ‘sing’ (if you could call it that) fan favourites “It Don’t Matter” and “Life, Love and Laughter” that everyone appeared to be on Donovan’s “good vibes” train. Despite the audience natter, musically it was the perfect recipe to soothe the soul.
Before long, the lights dimmed, giving way to the sounds of birdlife accompanied by images of Australia’s flora and fauna. The bird sounds drifted into the delay of his guitar and Xavier Rudd took to the stage. Known for his dynamic live performances, the multi-talented singer, guitar, drum, harmonica and didgeridoo- player joined forces with Gold Coast drummer, Bobby Alu, bringing influences of Latin and Pacific rhythms to Rudd’s songs. Floating between a range of favourites, including “Spirit Bird”, “Follow The Sun,” “Food In My Belly” and “The Letter,” Rudd kept the majority of the set almost too folky and mellow. The set saw every song drawn-out for five-to-ten minutes with extended instrumental jams and minimal singing. With exceptional rhythms, Alu, appeared to be trying to drive Rudd a little higher but every time Rudd would bring the tempo right back down again. After a drum-off, showcasing Alu’s incredible musicianship, Rudd continued solo, playing guitar, drums and didgeridoo all at once. It’s no secret that Xavier Rudd is an amazing musician and a valuable political voice, but something was missing, the show didn’t quite take off.
Incredible musicianship, raw sounds, powerful messages and a love for music and Mother Nature, it was fairly easy to hop on the “good vibes” train for the night. There’s no doubt that the audience were taken on a journey of peace, love and social change throughout the night, however, the first stop, Nahko & Medicine For The People, played the set of the night. Reminded of the unifying power of music, it’s a shame the “good vibes” train came to an end.
