Byrnesys Blabberings

Last night we went to see Ray Lamontagne at Aberdeen Music Hall, in short it was great! Though it led to another late night, and some sore feet for Rachel who didnt expect it to be a standing gig.

I have enjoyed the RL music I have heard but kind of knew it would be much better live as the CD can seem, as can many other folk/acoustic CD’s, a little "blue". Firstly the support, that I cant remember the name of, were pretty good, a lady with a 12 string martin and some big ole sleeves, but the most notable was the lead guitarist who certainly had, what some might term as "skills to pay the bills" and really added alot to the overall complexion of the music.

After another good while of waiting around RL and his band came on, set up in a nice semi circle, jam-like arrangement. His band consisted of a similarly bearded drummer, who enthusiastically gave some great beats and worked a plethora of sounds out of one ride symbal. The bassist added some good bass lines to the songs though seemed to have some sort of muffler placed below her second pickup which I imagine was to remove buzz but really effected the tone to the detriment of the sound. The lead guitarist switching between his pedal flat (Ben Harper-like) guitar, blonde telecaster, classical, sunburst gibson acoustic guitars and was truly excellent, adding all the signature melodies to the most anthemic folk tunes offered by Ray Lamontagne. Ray himself showed why he is such a hit, an absolutely amazing voice and beautiful sounds coming out of his martin guitar.