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Ray Lamontagne is no stranger to the world Folk music. His fourth album, "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise," released in 2010, won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk album, and he subsequently embarked on the 2011 Pariah Dogs Summer Tour, so named after his new band The Pariah Dogs. With a soulful upper register and a breathless falsetto that adds hints of R&B to otherwise straightforward folk arrangements, LaMontagne's voice is always at the center of his performances. The typically reticent singer keeps banter to a minimum at his concerts, pouring his concentration into the songs, at times even singing with his eyes closed.
LaMontagne's journey to the spotlight has been anything but conventional. Though he released his debut album "Trouble" in September 2004, it didn't receive popular attention until nearly two years later, when it made a top five entry in the UK charts and eventually went on to sell over 250,000 units in the US alone. By the time of his second release, 2006's "Til the Sun Turns Black," LaMontagne was fast becoming a household ticket, his songs appearing in television shows like "Rescue Me," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Bones." Once again teaming with producer Ethan Johns, LaMontagne's critically-acclaimed third album "Gossip in the Grain" entered the Billboard charts at No. 3, his highest entry to date, entering the Billboard charts at No. 3.
Though not a radical departure from his earlier output, God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise marked a subtle changes to LaMontagne's sound and recording process. He opted to self-produce the album at his home in Massachusetts, and it marked the first collaborative release with his band the Pariah Dogs. While a few songs venture into slightly more aggressive territory (bookends “Repo Man” and “Devil's in the Jukebox”), the album is otherwise characterized by hazy Americana instrumentation and LaMontagne's yearning vocals.
I’ve seen Ray several times and am a big fan, but this show felt sleepy and a little uninspired. Not sure if it was just an off night, but I really wanted to see him jam and put his heart into it as I have seen several times in the past. It just wasn’t there this time. Also a bit disconcerting to hear a drum beat but have nobody sitting at the drums. Even so, I always love Ray. That throaty voice of his is always magical.
Beautiful voice and stage presence. Amazing experience.
Ray’s music was absolutely amazing, as usual. No surprises, he has consistently knocked my socks off, proving that he is NOT a performer who is made by a studio and amps. I was however surprised and delighted by the stories Ray shared. Haven’t seen him since his last visit to SF, and he was generous with his words. He gave the audience glimpses of his creative process, his personal history, new music and a beautiful film created by his son, all so much fun, and truly endearing, and a real gift to those of us who have been listening for a long time, as well as newcomers. Thanks Ray! Please, don’t be a stranger to San Francisco.
The stage was really poorly lit, and although Ray sang beautifully, the song choices were fairly subdued for a love performance. It pretty much sounded like listening to a record, which was both a blessing, and a curse. It’s great that his sound on his records is authentic however, it was disappointing that he didn’t pull out more stops and demonstrate a bit more showmanship for a life performance. There was also very little stage conversation with the audience aside from a brief introduction to the Setlist, which reflected audience request from prior to the start of the tour. We ended up leaving early.
Wonderful experience! My husband and I both had a great time. I listen to Ray's music often and it was a joy to close my eyes and take in these familiar sounds and lyrics live and in person. I really appreciate this special memory.
LaMontagne was an incredible talent and ondelible experience in person👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Rays voice is exactly… no even better live. He sings with his heart and plays with his soul. Really appreciate Rays love for his music, it’s pure art. I really love his passion to write such meaningful and honest lyrics.
It was amazing!! I only wish I could have convinced someone to go with me. It was a really good show though! I was also bummed all the seats weren’t sold. I really thought that he was bigger than that!! The venue is such a great venue!! I would love to see all my shows there!
Ray La Montaigne’s performance was outstanding . To hear him Live for the first time was an experience my wife and I will always remember . The sound and harmony was felt by the audience as his music and lyrics drew the crowd in . It’s good to know that pure artists still exist .
Ray always sounds incredible and puts on a great show that is so entertaining by just the music itself. It’s refreshing to go to a concert every once in awhile where you can actually hear the vocals and not get drowned out by screaming fans. The venue at Hard Rock is wonderful, a perfect size for someone like Ray. As always, he played his fan favorites along with a couple new songs. A truly enjoyable evening.
My husband introduced me to his music and got me hooked. I can't fault the band or Ray La Montagne. They play an excellent set, all top of there game. We really enjoyed the sound quality of the venue. The only thing that could have made it better would be if some of the other fans weren't quite so drunk. Apart from that it was a perfect concert!
Most genuine show we’ve seen. Ray really plays well at his show. A once in a century voice!!!
Ray is phenomenal live! I’m in awe of his talent and presence! ❤️
Great show, music. Love Ray LaMontagne. The hard rock live venue set up for this show not ideal, not great sound …worthy of LaMontagne’s songs, voice…etc.
Tomberlin and Ray sounded AMAZING, especially Ray.. it would have been a great evening if the people sitting around us didn’t have their phones up and on, shining lights in our faces. And then the couple in front of us talked the whole time.. the whole time!! It’s not like Ray is a rock n roll singer, you could hear every word she drunk lady was saying. If your venue says no recording then please enforce that rule!! Would have been a five star..but when other people ruin it for you and the over 200 for tickets, booooo.
Love Ray. So loved the music! The venue, not so much. Sound quality was poor and not loud enough at all. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a live show where the music wasn’t loud enough. Service is Hard Rock is also poor so high pricing on everything in there was harder to take.
From the first words you spoke my heart was filled with joy! Thank you for sharing your passion for music and your stories. Prayers for your Wife and your family for strength, courage and understanding through your seasons of challenges. God bless you and keep you.
3rd time seeing Ray. This was the best performance yet. The venue in Brown County IN was so much more intimate than in Indianapolis. He was at the top of his game and put on an amazing set full of hits and new songs. My wife and I will continue to see him every time he comes to Indiana.
Ray paired down was pure magic! Extra special at the Paramount!
This is my second time seeing Ray and I brought a friend this time. He now has a new fan. It was an enjoyable evening with old and new songs. His back-up band was a talented couple guys.
