Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne is a notoriously reclusive artist. When it comes to giving interviews, he may well be music’s JD Salinger. Okay, maybe he’s not that isolated. But, seriously, how many in-depth profiles have you read about the guy? Precisely. Good for him, then, that his music needs no introduction. With three acclaimed albums already under his belt, LaMontagne just issued his fourth effort, God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise. This one, credited to Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs, was produced by the singer-songwriter himself in his home studio. While there are a few jauntier numbers here, LaMontagne’s at his level best when the pace is slowed and his gorgeous croon is swathed in moaning pedal steel. While he was understandably cast in Van Morrison’s shadow at the front end of his career, LaMontagne has since established himself as an esteemed troubadour in his own right, one whose music speaks volumes.