Photo: Elly Roberts
The notoriously shy Ray LaMontagne strolled on to soft lighting and was greeted with a wall of cheers and whistles at the latest installment of his sold-out shows. For the opening songs – ‘How Come’, ‘You Should Belong’ and ‘Three More Days’ - he spent most of the time in subdued lighting, speaking only to his three-piece band and count-ins. In fact, at one point, he sang in virtual frofile, indicating a man ill at ease with live performances. For us snappers in the pit, we were given strict instructions to remain well away from the stage front and side. Ray and his band were quite some distance from the stage front. Each song would be punctuated by, what seemed like very long pauses, and working UV light, creating a somewhat strange atmosphere.
Thankfully, by the time we reached ‘Forever My Friend’, the lights went up and the incredible voice kicked in on this soulful song. A fan aptly shouted, “Good to have you back Ray !” “It’s good to be back,” he replied. “It’s very nice to be here with you tonight,” in his trademark hushed tones. Beguilingly, Mr LaMontagne looked like a man ready to chop logs than play a gig – heavily bearded, long black hair, check shirt and jeans. After a quick band intro, he delivered a delicate ballad ‘Hold You In My Arms’, dripping in pedal steel allowing Ray to add more rasp to that cavernous voice.
Ray likes to travel light, not much gear on stage. Everything about him seems minimalist. This also goes for his presentation. Basic. He’s a bit like Clapton – he allows the instrument to do the talking. And what an instrument that voice is. Adding harmonica, a cool ‘I Won’t Be Around’ sailed by sweetly to big cheers once again. Going country, he got seriously loved-up on ‘You Can Bring Me Flowers’. ‘Atmosheric Burn’, once again allowed his voice to be the main feature, as did Shelter, which amazingly brought Ray out of his shell with, “Thank you very much, ” wiping his brow. A personal favourite Barfly was one on the main highlights, stricking a major vocal high that seemed to swirl around the Apollo. When he hit signature tune ‘Trouble’, he raised the roof, as you’d expect. But all too soon he was gone.
Back after a noisy ovation, three rousing songs - ‘Be Here Now’, ‘Till The Sun’ and newie ‘Coda’ - were followed by another , “ Thank you,” and off. As fans began to leave, he returned, to everyones surprise. One more, a stirring ‘Jolene’ with just Ray and Marybeth, bass player, brought the house down. A quick tip: Never leave a Ray Lamontagne gig until he says, “Thank you.” And “ Goodnight”.
