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Ray LaMontagne literally eschews the spotlight. He seems to have it trained on other members of the band whenever possible. Failing that he spends a lot of time standing at its edges. He doesn’t talk much, opening up only to introduce the band, thank the crowd, and occasionally respond to shouts from the audience. He’s relatively still, preferring to stand in front of the microphone rather than wander around the stage. These traits point to an artist that is shy, perhaps filled with self doubt, or at very least a lack of confidence. However, with a quiet “One-Two-Three-Four” the band begins to play and those labels seem ridiculous.
LaMontagne and his band performed to an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd at Bethesda, MD’s Strathmore Music Center tonight. Through two hours of songs and two encores Ray’s magical voice and superbly crafted songs entertained and enlightened.
Ray sings with an intensity that ranges from a quiet smolder to a growling inferno. Every word, even the softest whisper, holds the audience in rapt attention. In fact, the quietest parts are some of the most engaging, forcing the listener to active focus on what is being said. The work required to hear the lyrics pays off however. LaMontagne is one of the most skilled songwriters working today. He deftly paints images on the imagination, with evocative lyrics burgeoned by masterful delivery.
The band plays a critical role in completing the effect of many of the songs. Ray’s lyrics are punctuated with everything from mournful pedal steel guitar to bawdy honky-tonk piano. The band makes up-tempo songs like “You Are the Best Thing”, “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)”, and “Three More Days” legitimately rock, and add color to slower songs like “Hannah” and “Shelter”. At times Ray dismisses the band and sings only accompanied by his guitar. These songs, especially “Winter Birds”, show the true power of his songs. Stripped down to their barest essentials they still carry emotion and weight, and keep the audience engaged.
The highlight of the evening was during the second encore, when Ray sang “Jolene”, accompanied by his bass player. The Strathmore’s flawless acoustics acted as another instrument, adding clarity to the guitar and resonance to his voice. Ray’s touching, though slightly creepy, love song to Meg White, and “Roses and Cigarettes” were also particularly memorable. In all it was a show I will not soon forget.
“Winter Birds” (not from tonight’s show, but very close to what he played tonight)
11 comments
October 15, 2008 at 9:01 pm
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October 15, 2008 at 12:39 pm
c
love your comment about the meg white song lol. the only thing about the show that was a bit weird for me was that everyone remain seated until the encore – when we should’ve been up and dancing during songs like henry and 3 more days. only reason people stood during the encore was because many thought the show was over and those that wanted to stand didnt sit back down.
cant wait until he returns to the area, but hope it’s not a seated show
October 15, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Sean
I agree that being a seated show made things a bit odd. But the acoustics of the Strathmore made for a decent trade-off in my book. That being said, I imagine the best way to see Ray is in a small bar with about 30 people. Unfortunately I think those days are past…
October 15, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Rob
Thank you so much for providing the link to the “Winter Birds” peformance. That was easily my favorite NEW song of the evening. I got a lot of Transcendentalist and Buddhist undertones from it, with its vivid depictions of nature and a supernatural love that is so in touch with its place in the world and the worlds place in its love. Maybe its just me, but I felt like it had a real Walt Whitman, “Leaves of Grass” feel to it.
I have been a big fan of “The Mountain”, LOL, for a few years now. I hadn’t heard many of the new tracks prior to last night, but after what he threw down in that gorgeous concert hall, it is clear that the man is on top of his game, both lyrically and melodically. I cherished every moment of every song.
As for the crowd, I agree with the comment above. Its is a shame that people weren’t more animated, I know I could barely contain my excitement. But I don’t necessarily think that was so much a problem with the crowd as it is a problem with he venue. I mean I love Starthmore Hall and it is absolutely spectacular, but almost to a fault. I saw 1964, The Tribute (a Beatles cover band) there a few weeks ago. The band actually encouraged people to get up, dance around and sing, after all it was, for all intents and purposes, a Beatles concert. But even then the crowd was subdued. I think the beauty and immaculate design of the building itself makes cat calls, thunderous applause and dancing in the seats seem almost inappropriate. I almost feel like I am going to church when I’m there, there is just something reverant about the place.
Nevertheless, the show was absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see him again.
October 15, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Sean
Last night was also the first time I heard “Winter Birds”, and I was completely transfixed by the lyrics and the interplay of the melody and harmony during the chorus. The first thing I did when I got home was try to track down which song it was, then find other live performances of it.
The guy that filmed “Winter Birds” has a bunch of other songs from the same show on his site: http://schoberg.net/2008/10/ray-lamontagne-gossip-in-the-grain-exclusive-live-videos/. “Roses and Cigarettes” is another great song.
October 15, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Rob
First time for me too. Thanks for the link!
October 15, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Mark
I agree with Rob (not just because he’s a friend of mine) that “Winter Birds” is a masterpiece. The lyric “The days grow short as the nights grow long, The kettle sings its tortured song” not only pierced the dark music hall, but seemingly came from a tortured man himself. I have only been a fan of Ray’s for a short time, but instantly gravitated towards the genius of his lyric, the stories he paints with them and the source from which they came: he himself. Seeing him live only corroborated my conclusions that Ray LaMontagne is one of the few artists of our day that truly connects with the music. It comes from his soul; and in a day where artists and record labels seem to be more concerned with their appearance and the ability of their lyrics to be feautured in a sports drink or car commercial, it’s a breath of fresh air to witness someone who truly uses the medium to connect not only with his audience, but seemingly the world itself. It’s almost as though he would be nothing without his music.
Modestly dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans and boots – Ray stood to the side of the stage the entire show. It’s something I actually pointed out from the very start. “He doesn’t want center-stage… that says something” It is not about Ray LaMontagne, but rather Ray’s stories. The band was amazing in my opinion. Such a wide array of musical instruments gives Ray’s music a dimension of Folk, Bluegrass, Country, and more – painting musical environments filled with trees, streams and railroad tracks.
The show was great – and I thought Ray’s subtle rapport with the audience was clever and endearing. When one audience member suggested Ray take his shirt off (after ever-so quietly whining that it was ‘so…so…so….so….so…..so….so hot’ on-stage) his only response was “Oh c’moooon…” All-in-all, it was a great show, with a great artist at an absolutely amazing venue. Standing up would have been nice, but at the same time – sitting added a hint of reverence to the show – and he certainly warrants that.
….the opener was great too! Leona’s voice is amazing and she definitely wins the prize for funniest comment when she introduced a member of her band, who looked suspiciously like Ray and told the audience “if you get laid by Ray LaMontagne tonight… it’s probably just Jay” (i think that was his name)
two-thumbs up, a head nod and a commitment to see him again when in town.
October 15, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Sean
Thanks for weighing in Mark. From the comments I’ve gotten so far I have to conclude that the brilliance of Ray’s lyrics either inspires people to write eloquently or attracts people who naturally do so.
About Ray’s rapport with the audience: the best part was when someone asked if we should stand up. He replied “you can stand up if you want. Stand up just in time for a ballad. Nothing personal. It’s on the setlist”
October 15, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Rob
That was a trip!! He kinda reminded me a bit of Dylan cerca ’64 (specifically the live at the Philharmonic, Bootleg). Granted, Dylan’s tone (with the audience) was more jovial, but the shy, awkward interactions and witty comments were similar…at least to me.
Anyone ever figure out where the “rough show” was? I’m guessing Philly. I had visions of Eagles fans pelting Santa when Ray mentioned that last night.
October 15, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Sean
It may have been the show in Boston a few days ago:
http://raylamontagne.yuku.com/topic/1896/t/ray-flipped-out-in-boston-tonight.html
Though Philly wouldn’t surprise me one bit…
October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Mark
he did mention “Boston loves the Mountian” – so I believe he was indeed referring to this show.
And I agree Sean. I forgot about the “you can stand up…” comment. Well-played by Mr. LaMontagne…
(thanks for the compliments as well)