Ray LaMontagne

We all know he’s been saved (by a woman), and that seemingly makes him a one-hit wonder. If only it was so simple. He is the housewives’ favourite that ain’t so easy on the eye and he’s the top 10 album chart mainstay that really doesn’t like doing press. Ray LaMontagne's sure and steady success really just doesn’t make any sense.

As far removed a singer-songwriter as you can get from the Blunts and Morrisons of this world, Ray LaMontagne is a pure talent. Tonight is the first of two headline dates at London’s Union Chapel and these splendid, intimate surroundings complement him perfectly.

Creeping onto the stage, in front of the pulpit, he warily waves at the crowd and murmurs a brief greeting before unleashing from his bearded jaws a voice so totally uncharacteristic of the utterly introverted man that is seated there.

To begin songs he paws at his acoustic guitar almost as if he is psyching himself up for the main event, playing what seems like a few bars too many each time; but throughout he is greeted with the kind of silence only complete respect can command. The brief applause afforded to him between songs is rapturous and taken by LaMontagne with a nod a nervous grin.

Only on a couple of occasions during a 90-minute set does he really come to life. Once, when describing the grand set he performed at Shepherd’s Bush Empire with what was apparently a choir of midgets with kazoos, it is clear to everyone seated in this church that the big man only worships at the house of hemp. With the retrospection we are treated to some giggles and weary sighs as he realises that he really is talking an astounding yet hilarious amount of rubbish.

Afterwards, one regular at Ray’s London shows comments that tonight's appearance is the most animated and most voiced he has ever made in the capital. Indeed, a vibrant explanation of a Nina Simone cover is testament to that.

It’s the big hit single of ‘Trouble’ that most in attendance have come to hear. It is by far the most upbeat song of the set - while he could get away with his unearthly whispers for the rest of the songs, for this his heart and soul leaps out of his mouth. It is obviously the one that means most to him as his eyes are screwed shut and flecks of spit fly forth toward the front rows. Tellingly, it’s also the one that falls slightly flat, with Ray amazingly failing to hit a couple of notes.

The man is fallible after all. The thing is, Ray LaMontagne’s arsenal is packed full enough of sumptuous songs to lull you by, and with this performance you know he’s more than just your average fly-by-night singer, pulling at your heart strings. This man means every single word.