2008 Woodie Awards
Jeff Leblanc: The music you shouldn't be without
Jeff Leblanc
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: A & E
- Page 1 of 1
Artist: Ray Lamontagne
Album: Trouble
Label: RCA Records
Genre: Folk/Acoustic Rock
Sounds like: Bob Dylan,
Ryan Adams, David Gray
While at first glance, the only thing that appears interesting about singer-songwriter Ray Lamontagne's debut record is the eccentric cover artwork.
The absence of the artists' face and instrument may cause one to easily pass over the disc. However, released in the fall of 2004, "Trouble" has finally begun to take on a significant amount of well-deserved attention. With no illustrious lead 'radio single', the Maine-grown singer-songwriter delivers raw, simple and soulful acoustic jams pasted with unique heartfelt lyrics and an almost haunting voice.
"Trouble" is a disc which deserves the attention of a rainy Sunday morning or a gloomy afternoon, where the listener has the opportunity to lose her or himself in each one of the ten cuts.
Standout tunes include the defiant title-track, the mournful ballad "Shelter", and the shuffling "Forever My Friend".
There is no doubt to Ray's artistic and creative ability, as he continues to gain respect from his fellow musicians. Besides headlining his own shows, he has seen time at this past summers' Bonaroo Festival, Dave Matthews' side stage, and as the John Mayer Trio's fall opening act.
Probably the most exclusive portion to his brilliance has been his ability to balance and maintain his small town cabin-grown roots and the clarity of his message.
Album: Trouble
Label: RCA Records
Genre: Folk/Acoustic Rock
Sounds like: Bob Dylan,
Ryan Adams, David Gray
While at first glance, the only thing that appears interesting about singer-songwriter Ray Lamontagne's debut record is the eccentric cover artwork.
The absence of the artists' face and instrument may cause one to easily pass over the disc. However, released in the fall of 2004, "Trouble" has finally begun to take on a significant amount of well-deserved attention. With no illustrious lead 'radio single', the Maine-grown singer-songwriter delivers raw, simple and soulful acoustic jams pasted with unique heartfelt lyrics and an almost haunting voice.
"Trouble" is a disc which deserves the attention of a rainy Sunday morning or a gloomy afternoon, where the listener has the opportunity to lose her or himself in each one of the ten cuts.
Standout tunes include the defiant title-track, the mournful ballad "Shelter", and the shuffling "Forever My Friend".
There is no doubt to Ray's artistic and creative ability, as he continues to gain respect from his fellow musicians. Besides headlining his own shows, he has seen time at this past summers' Bonaroo Festival, Dave Matthews' side stage, and as the John Mayer Trio's fall opening act.
Probably the most exclusive portion to his brilliance has been his ability to balance and maintain his small town cabin-grown roots and the clarity of his message.