Again, on God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, that unmistakable voice is front and center. Yet the first obvious difference on this record is that Ray LaMontagne shares the billing with his band, The Pariah Dogs. And he seems to find comfort in doing so. While there still are those intimate moments where Ray is isolated to just vocals and a guitar the album soars to new levels with full robust arrangements on songs like the country-tinged “Old Before Your Time” or the album curtain-call “Devil’s In The Jukebox.” And on the opener, “Repo Man,” The Pariah Dogs build a gutsy blues groove before Ray arrives with one of his most confident vocal performances.

The other difference, perhaps not as obvious but nonetheless notable, is that God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise was produced by Ray himself. This marks the first album without the help of producer Ethan Johns and Ray’s first solo attempt behind the board. The vision is clear on this new album and results are a testament to a musician who seems truly in control of his artistry.

Written by Mike V.

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Listen to a Full Concert from Ray Lamontagne

Hear smooth-singing Americana star Ray LaMontagne bring his rural soul to XPN's Free At Noon stage, joined by his Pariah Dogs: Jay Bellarose on drums, Jennifer Condos on bass, Patrick Warren on keys, Eric Heywood on guitar and Greg Leisz on steel guitar. Hear the Complete Concert