Ray Lamontagne, New Hampshire native, comes back to New England to present his “Monovision” tour. The artist is taking his tour to 18 cities in America and tonight he brings his well-known folk rock-bluegrass-style sound to the city of Boston
The singer was inspired to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter in the year 1999, when one day he woke up to the sound of the radio playing “Treetop Flyer” by Stephen Stills. He then recorded 10 songs for a demo album while he worked part time as a tutor. The singer started performing his songs in small bars and venues near his hometown, where he was discovered and invited to be an opener act for John Gorka and Jonathan Edwards. He proceeded to write songs for his first album, “Trouble”, which sold over 250,000 copies in the United States after being released.
The opener act for the “Monovision” Tour is Lily Meola. She is best known for her participation in the TV show “America’s got Talent” where she impressed the crowd and judges with her own song “Daydream”. She performs this same song for the crowd at MGM Music hall, and the fans receive her with great enthusiasm. Other original songs she sang during the show were “Sunshine”, Flaws” and “Butterfly”.
Ray Lamontagne joins the stage and the fans cheer along as he sings “No Other Way”. The singer performs in dim lighting in front of a backdrop with a printed image of the glass dome. This set up creates a relaxing and soothing environment, almost as the spectators of the show have been transported to another place in the world. The windows in the dome change colors as the singer goes through his set list.
Ray Lamontagne brings us the classics that formed his career. In songs like “You Are the Best Thing”, “Jolene”, and “Hold You in My Arms”, the crowd sings every single word along with the artist. In his latest album “Monovision”, he explores themes like love, perseverance and growth. His new music possesses the same storytelling qualities that his previous work presents.
There is something truly special about experiencing a singer close to home. The bond between the fans and the artists in these shows always seems to go beyond admiration for great music. There is a sense of belonging and homecoming in the air. Ray Lamontagne gave us a night of introspection and beautiful tunes. I hope we get to experience another live show by Ray Lamontagne in the near future. In the meantime, we can enjoy his latest album “Monovision” on all music platforms.
PHOTO GALLERY BY María José Torre
