Apr. 23rd: Concert review - Ray LaMontagne

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne might get labeled as a shy dude most of the time, but that doesn't mean he lacks a sense of humor. Before introducing his band on Wednesday night at The Pageant, LaMontagne asked the crowd if anyone had been backstage, because there was "a wall back there with all the bras that had been thrown on stage."

The crowd paused, suddenly timid.

"Well, I was just hoping...," he then quipped.

And then they knew it was ok to laugh—yes, the flannel-and-jeans-clad LaMontagne was opening up before their eyes. Up until that point—in between beautiful renditions of heartfelt songs that spanned three albums—all they got was a "thanks" here and there, which would have been just fine, too.

LaMontagne opened his 90-plus minute set with 'Gossip in the Grain's' leadoff hit, "You Are the Best Thing," which produced many cheers from the sold-out crowd. And although the brass section was missing, LaMontagne's stellar band, which consisted of Jennifer Condos on bass, Eric Heywood on steel and electric guitar and Jay Bellerose on drums, made sure the anthem still carried quite a spark. 

"Hold You In My Arms" and "Let It Be Me" followed, two ballads that reveal everything that is wonderful about LaMontagne's songwriting ability; both songs are direct, peaceful letters to the opposite sex that work because they're honest. A later performance of "Empty" echoed this theme as LaMontagne sang, "See I've been to hell and back so many times, I must admit you kind of bore me."

"You Can Bring Me Flowers" allowed LaMontagne's band to let loose for a bit before a stunning acoustic segment that featured two favorites—"Burn," and the highlight of the night, "Jolene," which was every bit as good as the recorded version.

"Meg White," which was performed before a red backdrop (coincidence?), didn't hit the magical levels of the two tunes that closed out the main set, "Shelter" and "Trouble," but it was still fun to see LaMontagne sing about something that doesn't torture him—the talented drummer of The White Stripes.

LaMontagne did come out for an encore that consisted of three songs, the most special being the last, "All The Wild Horses," which he performed solo acoustic. It was a perfect way to end the evening, to just let everything go—and also know that the Ray LaMontagne you know and love is still going stronger than ever.