Ray LaMontagne Trouble CD Review

By: Brian Holland

ray lamontagne trouble Released in September, 2004, “Trouble” is the debut album from guitarist/singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne. The New Hampshire-born musician has a gritty, yet passionate voice. Though he says he’s influenced by the work of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and others, Van Morrison and Jeff Buckley shine through his singing style. LaMontagne’s songs are melodic, satisfying, and story laden, and his rhythm guitar is rich in acoustic color. This gem was made with producer/musician/engineer Ethan Johns, who also played numerous instruments on the CD. Johns’ fine bass playing is definitely worth a mention. Johns has been associated with Ryan Adams and the Jayhawks, among others.

The opening song and title track, “Trouble”, immediately displays Ray’s passion and rhythmic mastery. It draws the listener in as he cries “Trouble — trouble, trouble, trouble,” singing that trouble and worries had dogged him until he found love. “Shelter”, among others, is redolent of Joan Armatrading. Come to think of it, Ray’s voice reminds me a lot of Armatrading. Though passionate and high-pitched, it’s coarse and relaxed. “Hold you In My Arms” is a beautiful song, in which Ray sings, “Love is a poor man’s food. Don’t prophesize — I could hold you forever.”

The next cut, “Narrow Escape”, reminiscent of a relaxed Neil Young, is yet another song of love, trouble, and situations gone awry. The haunting “Burn” leads into “Forever My Friend”, which is vibrant and uplifting. This song about lasting love has a pleasant rhythmic flow throughout, and is one of my personal favorites. “Hannah” is an earthy song of love with a long-haired beauty from the Ozark Hills. It’s another that possesses that Neil Young-like flow to it, with Sarah Watkins adding fiddle and backup vocal.

“How Come” opens with Johns’ fine electric riffing, and rocks things up a tad. “Jolene” is about love lost and substance abuse. The CD closes with a beautiful song entitled, “All The Wild Horses”, a song of freedom. It’s a perfect finish to a fine album.

There’s plenty of good music here, just right for that perfect setting. Nothing flashy instrumentally, the songs are simple and earthy stories of love and life. When in the mood for some folk/rock with a melancholy twist, Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble” is up there with the best of them. I like this CD, and will be listening to it a lot – perfect for that long awaited jaunt through a favorite getaway spot in the springtime, which is right around the corner.