Give the Black Keys Dan Auerbach credit. Auerbach produced singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne’s new album, Supernova and really lit a fire under his ass, providing some much-needed spark to the man’s tempered music. That energy didn’t entirely translate to last night’s show at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, though LaMontagne did perk up by set’s end. Backed by the indie pop outfit Belle Brigade, who also opened the show, LaMontagne, who sounded a bit like Van Morrison with a huskier voice, kept things low-key for most of the 100-minute set (his constant need to adjust the levels of what he heard in the monitors was rather distracting — the sound mix was really sharp).
“Supernova,” the punchy first single from Supernova, added some life to the concert, but LaMontagne followed it up with the somnolent “Ojai,” a gentle song about hitching rides up the California coast. “You still with me?” LaMontagne asked mid-way through the show during one of the few moments when he spoke to the audience. A smattering of applause confirmed that the audience, which filled about three-fourths of the pavilion, was still paying attention, even though you could often hear people having conversations during the soft tunes. Ironically enough, the concert became a bit more lively during an acoustic segment. “Jolene” had a real crispness to it and so did the bluesy “Trouble.” LaMontagne carried that momentum to the set’s end, plugging his electric guitar back in to deliver spirited versions of “Meg White,” on which his whispered vocals actually sounded rather sinister, the free wheelin’ “Julia” and the set closing “God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.” LaMontagne loosened up again in the encore, which featured “Hey Me, Hey Mama” and the infectious “Drive-In Movies,” one of the best songs on Supernova. Ultimately, however, a Ray LaMontagne concert is the equivalent of a chick flick. It’s an emotionally charged experience that brings couples closer together (and you could see plenty of cuddling going on at last night’s show) but has limited appeal.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2014.
So because you believe Ray Lamontagne appeals to women his music has limited appeal, typical male chauvinist reviewer.
He said it brought couples closer together….relax.
Haha
Imagine a Ray Lamontagne show where he held the audience from start to end, was himself immersed in the delivery, and his personal clarity carried from his slightest wisp to his loudest roar. No need for him to change the words to nick the oblivious late sitting guests. I’ve been a part of that before. But that wasnt tonight.
This show had it’s high points. Ray himself is more confident in his interactions with the crowd ‘Never wanna see your face again’ almost came across personal. I especially liked When Ray brought it back with an on the fly rendition of ‘Shelter’, instructing the bassist from bow to pluck. He projected angry introspection when rasping ‘I’ll be the one who stays’ and ‘You should be here with me now’ A slight internal pause surfaced during the last verse of ‘Drive in Movies’. All very touching. The drummer of this ensemble was the best fit for Ray, IMHO. I felt more comfortable with Ray wrapped around the tightness and sound of the Pariah Dogs and also missed the slide.
Consider I’m a long time Ray fans who has seen him 5 times in 4 different cities over the years. Saw him twice in Indy, once with Guster. David Gray in Nashville, and most recently ( before yesterday )in Columbus. Had tickets but missed a show in 2008. Seen many times when Ray bends his knees when singing it sounds like the voice is coming from deep within him. When I listen to the new album I can connect with ‘Airwaves’ and ‘Ojai’ as that is what I have always came to hear. Ray I applaud your venturing out sonically and am hoping you get a marathon running hit that will ring the bell for you long into your golden ages. For now I’ll just watch this tour run its course, see how time treats us both, and, if the time comes, check in with you next time around. Good luck