It is a challenge when you release a song that defines your career as a musician. Some acts are unable to follow up that success. With his monster smash album, White Ladder, fourteen years in the past, David Gray successfully forays into the future with a stellar sound and songs that resonate. On Wednesday, June 17th he eloquently performed to a sold-out crowd at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Gray still speaks to a generation that grew up on his nuanced love songs. The crooner did not disappoint on this night. He started by sharing selections from his critically-acclaimed 2014 release, Mutineers and they are classic Gray – filled with resonance and insight into the human condition. A special moment was when the angelic voice of LeAnn Rimes joined in for two songs and their harmonic blend was a special one. The sit-down crowd remained stagnant throughout until jumping to their seats with the opening chords of his monster-smash, “Babylon” which Gray played as if it was the first time. Other highlights included the ditties “Please Forgive Me” and “This Years Love.”
David Gray w/ LeAnn Rimes “Snow In Vegas”:
A poignant moment occurred during “Sail Away” as the troubadour led us through “Oh all the times I’ve tasted love, Never knew quite what I had, Little darling if you hear me now, Never needed you so bad.” No one delivers loves songs in the manner that Gray does, complete with his patented head swaying. His one and a half hour set ended too soon with fans clamoring for more. Gray proves that he is more than a one-hit wonder but rather a special talent still ripe with passion that delivers exquisite songs.
– Chadbyrne Dickens