Ray LaMontagne On World Cafe

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Ray LaMontagne and his Pariah Dogs perform on World Cafe.

courtesy of the artist

Ray LaMontagne and his Pariah Dogs perform on World Cafe.

courtesy of the artist

Known for his raspy vocals and folksy sound, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne has drawn favorable comparisons to the likes of Iron and Wine, Van Morrison, and Tim Buckley for his earthy, retrospective style. With simple lyrics and a natural acoustic underlay, LaMontagne's music is at once private and universal.

LaMontagne had a late start to his musical career. Post-high school, he was working long shifts at a shoe factory when he heard Stephen Stills' "Tree Top Flyer" and promptly decided to become a musician. He developed his distinct singing style, recorded a 10-song demo, and began to make the local venue rounds. He was soon signed with a publishing house and paired with producer Ethan Johns. His solo acoustic debut, the critically acclaimed Trouble, was released in 2004 by RCA Records.

No longer a solo act, LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs released God Willin and The Creek Don't Rise earlier this year. The country-tinged album, complete with banjo and slide guitar, was recorded in LaMontagne's backwoods home in Massachusetts.

This World Cafe performance originally aired on Oct. 8.