TOTNES’S RISING STAR BEN HOWARD TO SUPPORT XAVIER RUDD
Support for Xavier Rudd’s forthcoming headline show at the Lemon Grove in Exeter will be Totnes’ singer/songwriter and rising star Ben Howard.
Ben first caught Rudd’s eye when he performed at a festival in Jersey a few years ago, from that point on it was clear that there was a huge amount of mutual respect between the two artists & surfers.
Rudd went on to invite Ben to support him on some of his European dates and they have continued to tour together culminating in this latest tour to promote Rudd’s latest album release ‘Koonyum Sun’. Under the unified banner of Xavier Rudd & Inzintaba, this marks a fresh, new musical and spiritual awakening for Rudd, perhaps most notably as it’s his first with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo.
Howard is already in his own right critically acclaimed but is no ordinary singer-songwriter. Based between the wild expanses of Dartmoor and the rolling wave-sets of Devon’s south coast, the stark beauty of his surroundings infuses his music, giving it a depth and authenticity that is as honest as it is compelling. His unique percussive guitar techniques, stunning vocals and evocative lyrics have won him a loyal following on the live music circuit and cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting new artists.
Ben’s latest EP is soaked in the salt -water and summer sun that was its inspiration. Recorded in a barn nestled amongst fields and trees, Ben’s blend of percussive folk and raw acoustics are fitting acknowledgements of his roots: both scenic and musical. The likes of John Martyn, Joni Mitchell and modern counterparts such as Bon Iver and Ray Lamontagne are all cited by Ben as heavy influences.
The two artists musically complement each other in so many ways, for fans of Rudd’s this has to be the dream bill!
Also just confirmed to open for the show will be new upcoming folk acoustic singer songwriter Liz Lawrence, who will be touring with promoters SW1 Productions in Cornwall on their latest ‘introducing style’ tour prior to opening for Rudd’s Exeter show.
Liz Lawrence first picked up a guitar at the age of eight and started playing in bands as a guitarist at the age of thirteen. She went on to discover her singing voice when performing and writing with a ska band. Now studying Art in Devon she splits her time between the South West and the Midlands, playing gigs all across the UK.
Her sound has been influenced by many genres of music from reggae through to folk, echoing Bob Dylan, Joe Strummer and Feist. Liz Lawrence has a unique vocal with depth in her lyrics commenting on her experiences of life, she can communicate with a broad range of audiences. Her performance can sway an audience from melancholy to joy exaggerated by her stage energy and presence. Her music develops and expands continually as she writes and performs. Liz was described by Tom Robinson on his BBC 6 introducing show as ‘amazing’.
www.myspace.com/lizlawrencelive
Tickets are £15 in advance and are on sale from www.seetickets.com 0871 2200260 or Guild Box Office 01392 263518 www.exeterboxoffice.com, Exeter Phoenix Box office 01392 667080 www.exeterphoenix.org.uk and in person from Onionheart Records in Exmouth. All subject to booking fee.
Doors 7.30pm, under 14’s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
