Ray LaMontagne at the Roxy
By: Mark Runyon | Category: Concert Reviews | 08/20/05 | 08:00 AM
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Grade: A | Genre: Folk
Summary: Ray was sincere relating to the crowd, his music had intensity and feeling that the disk had alluded to and he seemed to envelope the listener until they saw these special melodies through his inspired eyes.
Date: August 17, 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Supporting Opener: Sarah Blasko
Ray LaMontagne dazzled the sold out audience at the Roxy Wednesday night with his quiet manner and intense emotional punch, flowing from his music. It was a moment I'd waited for since the first time I heard Trouble after peeling the recommendation from the pages of Razor Magazine oh so many months ago. You just knew that the depth and the stewing inner anguish of this modern day Van Morrison couldn't be conjured up in the studio with a smoke machine and a few well placed mirrors. Ray is the real deal, and he gulped from that overflowing cup of talent in stunning form during this performance. There were times he took it down to the quietest, all acoustic moments and commanded an aura of silence from the crowd, a powerful statement to captivate the undivided attention of so many. |
The evening started with Sarah Blasko giving us her hushed vocal melodies in a manner very reminiscent of Emiliana Torrini's latest. The Australian played a good set that was light, non-threatening and set the appropriate tone for Ray to step into. Then Ray hits the stage, scruffy as hell with beard and hair that swore off the virtues of scissors. He had the all around "I'm missing Woodstock" kind of vibe going on, factoring in his dime store t-shirt. If you didn't know better, you'd peg him as a struggling artist playing the open mic at your favorite local pub. He wasted no time establishing his unique presence plugging into the emotionally thick "Burn." The air seemed to charge up around the tune's flickering flame as he built up its meager strength. The audience could sense they were witnessing something special. After "Burn," he launched into two of the various new songs that he would sample from throughout the evening, hinting at the potential resting in his next studio effort.
He introduced one of these jems, "Allie (You Should Be a Married Woman by Now)," by etching out a picture of admiring a businesswoman from afar while tucked in at a coffee shop. Some random woman is out there right now unknowingly the inspiration to this great song. He was very soft spoken, and you had to concentrate to make out his words at times. Its interesting that such an expressive person in his music would be so reserved in relating to the world when he's outside of that shelter. The first crop of songs were a very intimate affair, coupling just him and the guitar then he brought in Chris Thomas on the upright bass to add another layer to the composition. On a few like "Forever My Friend," he brought on Larry Ciancia on the drums to flesh the song out to live up to its album pleasing shine. This piece and the single "Trouble" seemed to receive the healthiest reception of the evening. It is amazing that the single still garnishes the most attention even among those of savvy music taste, but to its credit it is a great song. Although I enjoyed seeing the fuller vision of these pieces, the shining lights of the evening were those supported by Ray's raw, unfiltered feeling.
"Shelter" was one of these searing moments. It was as if he was looking to connect with every person in the place. "Jolene" had to be the highlight of the evening. It was gut wrenching in its sincerity and just laid all his emotions on the table to be tossed about like a rummage sale. It was a defining moment that opened a window to his soul for us to watch the troublesome strife if only for a song. It was so entrancing you couldn't have averted your gaze if Bob Dylan had parted through the shadows, onto the stage.
He played his debut pretty much in its entirety save the somber "All the Wild Horses," and closed on the heavily muted "Can I Stay." It was a bittersweet moment, as we knew the musical tap had finally run dry while we savored those last fine notes like a cultured wine. Ray didn't leave much left to be desired. He was honest and sincere in relating to the crowd, his music had intensity and feeling that the disk had alluded to and he seemed to envelope the listener until they saw these special melodies through his inspired eyes. He played a fabulous set and marked himself as a must-see on future sweeps through Hot-Lanta. With a slightly stronger opener this could have been marked as one of my all time favorite shows, but alas it will have to settle for dazzled and amazed. If you have the chance to see this talented man, make sure you've got your well-worn copy of Trouble in mind so you can bask in this wondrous experience. You will not soon forget it.
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