Ray Lamontagne

Ray Lamotagne stunned the sold out City Hall audience last night with a performance not to be forgotten. Lamontagne and his band took stage shortly after nine o'clock when his beautifully voiced support act, Leona Naess had performed five songs from her self-titled album.

Lamontagne walked onto the stage in complete darkness to his adoring fans that had waited for over an hour to witness the blinding talent that has earned him the credibility that he deserves. The only distinct feature that separated Lamontagne from the other average Joe's in the room was his smoky voice, which is what his fans had come to here. Without any verbal acknowledgement to the ecstatic audience, Lamontagne stood, poised at the microphone for his opening song, the beautiful 'Be Here Now,' taken from his second album, 'Till The Sun Turns Black.' His second song, taken from the same album was 'Empty' the poetically structured lullaby that was sung and played with precision from Lamontagne and his band.

The highlight of the night was the third song of the set. The cool, melodic features of 'Barfly' were intensified by the eccentric keyboard sounds and Lamontagne's ability to add jazz-like features to this soulful song, in which he mesmerised fans by hitting spectacular notes to the lyrics, 'Slow down slow down baby now.'

The rasping voice of Ray Lamontagne continued to please his adoring followers as he reverted to songs from his debut album 'Trouble,' for the next two songs. 'Hold You In My Arms' proved to be a crowd favourite, as well as the beloved 'Forever My Friend.'

'Three More Days' his first single from 'Till The Sun Turns Black,' was next on his list, and was bellowed out from the depths of his soul, and provoked dancing from one girl who was only too pleased to let Ray know how much she loved him. With only an embarrassed smile for recognition, Lamontagne stayed focused, staring ahead to break into the gut-wrenching tale, 'Till The Sun Turns Black.' By this stage Ray and his band were in full swing and had no intentions of stopping as he strummed his way into the emotionally thick 'Burn,' in which he surprisingly forgot lines to in its first take, was followed by another of Ray's most honest songs, 'Lesson Learned.'

It was nearing ten o'clock and Ray had still not played his two most infamous songs. Before roaring into 'Trouble' he took a moment to address his fans, still holding his guitar as if it were his own child. Ray softly spoke to the audience, regularly mumbling words that only the most acute listener could make out. After constant stoppages in speech, roars from the crowd of "just sing ray!" could be heard. Never the less, Ray's sincerity and honesty shined brightly through to his audience, and earned him the credibility he deserves.

It was time, 'Trouble trouble trouble trouble trouble ' The City Hall erupted when the song began. This was the song that has made this incredible talent known in the music industry. The word of mouth and the power of truth can go a long way and this song proved it. Ray's last song was the powerful shelter, again another popular song that Ray had written to his mother. The night ended with the audience on their feet when Lamontagne and his band exited the stage, but no one dared move from their seats.

After two or three minutes, Lamontagne took stage again to his eager followers and performed a four song encore, playing tremendous solo renditions of 'Hannah,' 'Narrow Escape' and 'Can I Stay,' followed by the much-loved 'Jolene' which was played with Ray's electric guitarist who accompanied him off stage.

Overall the 15 song set was incredibly emotional, and complete with sincerity by Ray and his band. The sound in the City Hall was a fantastic attribute to a great night that I shall not forget. I hope to see Ray again soon and recommend him to any folk/soul music fans.