What: Ray Lamontagne
Where: Usher Hall, Edinburgh
When: 9th September
Reviewed by: Lynsey Ure
This was Ray Lamontagne’s fourth visit to the Edinburgh in recent years, this time in a bid to promote his third album, ‘Gossip in The Grain‘, and boy, he didn’t disappoint. Bringing with him support from Ethan Johns and Josh Ritter to wet the audience appetites before he graces the stage.
Ray Lamontagne is certainly not a man of many words, the shy and retiring singer is about as well known for his lack of between-song banter as his gorgeous songs. But as refreshing as the newly refurbished Usher Hall and to great surprise Ray proceeded to embark in a lengthy and witty conversation with his adoring audience.
“New Hampshire!” a female shouts out indicating she is from his neck of the woods.
“New Hampshire, Huh?” he replies, “Its the Black Sheep of New England. Crazy Drivers there - they never use their turn signals.” As the lady makes a cry of acknowledgement he continues ” Yeah, see, I’ve driven behind you,” he laughs
“What are you doing here?”
“What are you doing here?” the shouter slams back, “What does it look like?“ he blushes, “ I came to see you” was her reply sending the audience into fits of laughter. As another punter exclaims “I’m from Virginia.” Lamontagne looks on in disbelief
“Well, you got me there,” he smiled, barely believing he was actually conversing from the stage, for once.
Lamontagne brings with him his usual backing band of female bassist, a drummer who quiet frankly looked like he was itching to be let off the leash and a pedal steel player. They open with ‘Meg White’ and followed with incredible track after track. Mixing new songs ‘Sarah’ and ‘Let it Be Me’ with some old familiars like ‘Shelter’, ‘Empty’ and ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’ all flowing so naturally together.
Rockier tracks in the shape of ‘Hey Me Hey Mama‘, and a tune thrusted out via a distorted-sounding harmonica, indicated Lamontagne can still write a good, old-fashioned toe-tapper when he wants to.
As his band departed from the stage Lamontagne delivers ‘Winter Birds’ a song filled with every cliché that a singer can write when it comes to love and leaving no doubt in our heads that ladies are his first love. As he pours his soul into the performance the audience lap up every word that flows from his lips.
Ray winds down with one of his finest ballads, the hauntingly brilliant Jolene. Then, with coy wave and a shy thank you, Lamontagne bowed out, ensuring that he left the stage to a standing ovation.
(9.5/10)
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