It was only a decade ago that Ray Lamontagne was working 65 hours a week in a shoe factory tucked away in the wintry depths of Lewiston, Maine. A shy and in some respects pained man, Lamontagne had no idea that years later he would spring onto the International music scene as perhaps one of the most groundbreaking new artists of the 21st century.
A mix of the bold introspection of Bob Dylan, the rich raspy bellow of Van Morrison, and the shy, cold demeanor of Kurt Cobain - Lamontagne is a rare blend of qualities. And though he draws many comparisons to great legends, he continues to blaze his own path with little regard for criticism.
In early 2005, I had a chance to sit down with Lamontagne as he began touring to support his first major release, "Trouble." Check out the January 2005 article "He Could Be the Next Ray Lamontagne" in the Massachusetts Daily Collegian here. He was shy, very intelligent, and semeed to give of the sort of eccentric energy that could mean the difference between a mediocre folk musician and a future legend.
Following the release of "Trouble" Lamontagne received immediate commercial success. Since, the album has sold over 500,000 copies. The Follow-up, 2006's "'Til the Sun Turns Black" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Music Charts, and his latest release "Gossip in the Grain" could prove to be his most successful, debuting at #3 on the Billboard charts.
Much of Lamontagne's success can be attributed to his great ability to provide a consistent sound and energy throughout his albums. Very few artists have figured out how to obtain a smooth flow from tune to tune, but it is apparent that Lamontagne's music comes from the heart, especially his darker material. It is also notable to mention that he has worked with the amazing producer Ethan Johns of Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, and Kings of Leon fame.
On Wednesday, Lamontagne visited the Valley for a set at the Calvin theater. He has played in the Valley several times in the past, but this is the first show he has played since he acquired a long-vacant farmhouse on Bullitt Road in nearby Ashfield, MA. While this marked a sort of homecoming, the singer/songwriter did not make mention of the purchase during the show.
The set was spectacular however. Following a rather lackluster, low-energy performance from the opening act the Low Anthem, Lamontagne and a full band shuffle out onto what was a simple but beautiful stage. The performers stood in front of a plain crinkled backdrop, underneath their own uniquely colored spotlights. During the entire nearly 2-hour performance, the band seemed completely polished.
Lamontagne seemed less anxious of a performer than he was just a few short years ago, but still keeps his act about the music. He performed a range of new and old hits including "Trouble," "Jolene," "Three More Days," "Ally, You Ought to Be a Married Woman Now," and "Be Here Now."
The only gaffe of the show appeared when Lamontagne forgot the lyrics during his opening number "You Are the Best Thing." He nervously quipped "I'll just sing this part instead" and kept going with the performance.
All in all the show was out of this World. His voice is impeccable, his band was hot, and his lyrics seem to hit a place closer to your soul than most artists can get.
If you haven't listened to Ray yet, make sure to check him out at http://www.raylamontagne.com/ or go see one of this shows sometime, you won't be disappointed.
A mix of the bold introspection of Bob Dylan, the rich raspy bellow of Van Morrison, and the shy, cold demeanor of Kurt Cobain - Lamontagne is a rare blend of qualities. And though he draws many comparisons to great legends, he continues to blaze his own path with little regard for criticism.
In early 2005, I had a chance to sit down with Lamontagne as he began touring to support his first major release, "Trouble." Check out the January 2005 article "He Could Be the Next Ray Lamontagne" in the Massachusetts Daily Collegian here. He was shy, very intelligent, and semeed to give of the sort of eccentric energy that could mean the difference between a mediocre folk musician and a future legend.
Following the release of "Trouble" Lamontagne received immediate commercial success. Since, the album has sold over 500,000 copies. The Follow-up, 2006's "'Til the Sun Turns Black" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Music Charts, and his latest release "Gossip in the Grain" could prove to be his most successful, debuting at #3 on the Billboard charts.
Much of Lamontagne's success can be attributed to his great ability to provide a consistent sound and energy throughout his albums. Very few artists have figured out how to obtain a smooth flow from tune to tune, but it is apparent that Lamontagne's music comes from the heart, especially his darker material. It is also notable to mention that he has worked with the amazing producer Ethan Johns of Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, and Kings of Leon fame.
On Wednesday, Lamontagne visited the Valley for a set at the Calvin theater. He has played in the Valley several times in the past, but this is the first show he has played since he acquired a long-vacant farmhouse on Bullitt Road in nearby Ashfield, MA. While this marked a sort of homecoming, the singer/songwriter did not make mention of the purchase during the show.
The set was spectacular however. Following a rather lackluster, low-energy performance from the opening act the Low Anthem, Lamontagne and a full band shuffle out onto what was a simple but beautiful stage. The performers stood in front of a plain crinkled backdrop, underneath their own uniquely colored spotlights. During the entire nearly 2-hour performance, the band seemed completely polished.
Lamontagne seemed less anxious of a performer than he was just a few short years ago, but still keeps his act about the music. He performed a range of new and old hits including "Trouble," "Jolene," "Three More Days," "Ally, You Ought to Be a Married Woman Now," and "Be Here Now."
The only gaffe of the show appeared when Lamontagne forgot the lyrics during his opening number "You Are the Best Thing." He nervously quipped "I'll just sing this part instead" and kept going with the performance.
All in all the show was out of this World. His voice is impeccable, his band was hot, and his lyrics seem to hit a place closer to your soul than most artists can get.
If you haven't listened to Ray yet, make sure to check him out at http://www.raylamontagne.com/ or go see one of this shows sometime, you won't be disappointed.
