Ray Lamontagne at the Calvin Theater

Ray Lamontagne

We have patiently waited years to see this guy in person. It was well worth the wait. This guy is really soulful. His music touches me at the core. The song Empty was pure magic live.

"Lay your blouse across the chair

Let fall the flowers from your hair

And kiss me with that country mouth so plain

Outside the rain is tapping on the leaves

To me it sounds like they're applauding us

The quiet love we"

During the show it felt like we were on a slow river boat floating and bouncing through peaceful waters.

Hannah was spectacular. Kari and I were so happy to hear that. I love the intro:

"I lost all of my vanity

when I peered into the pool

I lost all of my innocence

When I fell in love with you

I never knew a man fall so far until I landed here

Where all of my wounds turn into gold when I kissed your hair"

His version of you You Can Bring Me Flowers was straight up honky tonk with soul. That to me was the highlight of the show. This show will be one we will not forget. But we couldn't help but feel that Ray has some issues with his confidence. He is so withdrawn and seems to have such a quite personality that his voice doesn't match his personality. I wish he would realize so many people love his work and he can relax and just jam. After the show I did some searching and found that he cancelled his summer gigs including Rothbury! Man I am glad I didn't spend money to go to that over crowded fest in Michigan. Look for Ray's new album int he fall. I am a bit disappointed Heaven is a Honkeytonk will not be on the album.

You Can Bring Me Flowers

"My eyes have dried, my hands are tied

Nothing I can say

If you feel the need to go

I won't stand in your way

Sit and think

Drown in drink

Sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

Fate has played his hand so cruel

There ain't nothing I can do

You say you lost your love for me

Me my love for you

Sit and cry

And say goodbye

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

So when you're lying in his arms

Think of me and know

The choice you made it free and clear

It cost me a heavy toll

Sit and think

Drown in drink

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone"-Ray Lamontagne

To close I think the reason I love this guys stuff is because I like stories of the hopeless romantic that story has always got me. His song Jolene epitomizes this theme of not quite getting to reach your self to give to others:

"Lately my hands they don't feel like mine

My eyes been stung with dust, I'm blind

Held you in my arms one time

Lost you just the same

Jolene I ain't about to go straight

It's too late

I found myself face down in the ditch

Booze on my hair

Blood on my lips

A picture of you, holding a picture of me

in the pocket of my blue jeans

Still don't know what love means

Still don't know what love means"

Here are some words and songs from Ray:
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2006/11/you-asked-ray-lamontagne-live.html
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/search?q=lamontagne