Ray LaMontagne @ The Troubadour

Someone posted on a Ray forum that Ray's performance at the Troubadour was dissapointing and he actually left early. What a shame, best show I've seen yet. I think that every concert experience is different from one individual to another and we can’t really base our opinions about a musician on that. I’ve seen Ray several times and have even flown to Ireland to see him and I can tell you that several things about last night made it one of the best concerts I’ve seen.

First off I got to meet both Isaac and Dave, two members from the Ray forum board, and that in itself was great. We talk to each other so much on there that it’s nice to meet people face to face. Thank goodness Isaac got there early and saved a space in the front of the line. The whole anticipation waiting in line was great. We talked everything Ray. Like Isaac put it, I think we all should get an honorary PhD in Ray.

We stood right side of the stage facing Ray and were exciting the minute we saw the set list. It was the entire TTSB album. I for one thought that is was great that he did the entire album. So many times I’ve wondered would I enjoy it more live or the recorded version, I must say live was amazing. I can’t believe how people rocked out to Three More Days. I agree with Dave, I felt like the roof was going to come down. People where pumping fist, singing along and genuinely into the moment. It was truly an experience. I cried when he sang ‘Lessons Learned’ it still moves me and hearing it live the effect was just the same if not more.

The set finished and he came out for an encore. Sang some songs off Trouble which on some people sang along and on others his voice alone stood out. He left the stage but we still didn’t have enough. We all started chanting Ray, Ray, Ray, Ray, and out he came again. He said something to the effect of “you know I can’t do this all night” and I replied, “sure just bring out your pillow”. I recorded Please and Burn. I was going to upload to youtube but it was taking ages so I've posted them on the live download section on the forum. YOu can click on the link to the right side of my page to access it. Forgive me but the sound on “Please” in the start is not good I was covering the mic and didn’t notice and the picture is somewhat dark it was dark in there but it’s the best I could do. I think Isaac recorded some more. I really want a copy of “Three More Days” that was so great I can’t even tell you.

So the night ended we all waited around and no Ray. We could see him upstairs but he wasn’t coming down. Finally, I decided to make my way to the security guard. Charm goes a long way, as I made my way up the stairs towards Ray. I walked in this tiny room and Ray was talking to another guy facing the door. He looked up as I was walking towards him and said “I remember you” while pointing at me. I kissed his cheek, hugged him and we chatted for a while. He signed my set list and said come say hello when you come to London. OMG, it was unbelievable. I asked him about the London gig and Union and he said it’ll just be him and a guitar the band is not with him so he’s a bit nervous about it but excited.

I could go on for ever but I’ll stop now. So to end, to each is own, no all experiences are the same. I’d say 17 songs, front row, meeting Isaac and Dave, hugging Ray would make it a pretty fantastic night in my book.