Autumn is a mindful time for music listeners as tastes and moods turn with the leaves
But it sees the dwindling of opportunities to enjoy live music outside, including here in the DMV where some of the larger venues are wrapping up after an eventful season.
A festive and vocal crowd of revelers seized the chance on Oct. 8 to enjoy not one but two widely beloved songwriters at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore as Ray LaMontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov co-headlined the 4,600-person Charm City venue that extends into the Inner Harbor.
These two celebrated artists both executed magical sets last Tuesday night before the sold-out audience as wind whipped all around the massive tent and fans underneath it hooted and hollered.
Listen to the new studio album from Ray LaMontagne, Long Way Home, via Spotify:
Ticketholders had good reason to be enthusiastic about the remarkable pairing of two conjurors, currently out on a 17-stop tour being produced by Live Nation.
Isakov released Appaloosa Bones late last summer, but the South African-born guitar player and vocalist has been a guest on numerous recordings since then, including an appearance on the latest Shovels & Rope release.
All the while he’s been in lockstep with his tight-knit crew of talented players, touring extensively. Those on hand in Baltimore were treated to a mesmerizing, transportive set that spanned Isakov’s catalogue and featured the likes of “San Luis” from 2018’s Evening Machines, a solo rendition of “She Always Takes It Back” from 2013’s The Weatherman and an encore take on “The Stable Song,” a classic recorded to That Sea, The Gambler in 2007.
Listen to Gregory Alan Isakov’s 2023 studio album, Appaloosa Bones, via Spotify:
A native of New Hampshire who broke through in 2004 with his unforgettable premiere, Trouble, LaMontagne released his ninth studio album in August. Long Way Home hears the 51-year-old proffering some of his most beautiful songs yet, including the stunning title track, and his passionate fans in Baltimore enjoyed this and other early favorites from the record, like “Step Into Your Power” and “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing.”
To bring Long Way Home to life, LaMontagne enlisted the help of Seth Kauffman, a widely respected producer, engineer and do-it-all musician who records his own material as Floating Action and is a key part of several outstanding touring outfits.
Kauffman played bass at Pier Six, and to his left was his close friend Mat Davidson, who records and performs as Twain and is also an increasingly in-demand musician. Davidson handled the pedal steel guitar, electric guitar, violin and added vocals, while Ariel Bernstein, who drums on much of Long Way Home, rounded out the band on the kit and with the acoustic guitar for what was a terrific showcase of LaMontagne’s songs.
Heeding countless loud requests, LaMontagne and company closed the set with “Jolene” and encored with “Trouble.” Though attendees were ultimately rewarded with these tracks — a couple of his earliest and most cherished hits — they also received the man’s gratitude.
“I’m just so grateful that you’ve allowed my music into your life and given me this path,” LaMontagne said as the set ended.
“I mean that sincerely. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have found that path, and my spirit would not have grown in the same way. So, thank you.”
Ray LaMontagne Setlist
It Takes Me Back
Step Into Your Power
Strong Enough
I Wouldn’t Change a Thing
Roll Me Mama, Roll Me
Let’s Make It Last
Such a Simple Thing
My Lady Fair
Supernova
The Way Things Are
So, Damned, Blue
Long Way Home
Jolene
Trouble
Gregory Alan Isakov Setlist
Southern Star
The Fall
Amsterdam
San Luis
This Empty Northern Hemisphere
Miles to Go
Big Black Car
She Always Takes It Back (solo)
Watchman
Sweet Heart Lightning
Liars (Ron Scott cover)
All Shades of Blue
The Stable Song