Like most of the dates of his tour, the Calvin Theatre in Northampton, MA was sold out to host acclaimed singer-songwriter Ray Lamontagne. The opening act, the Low Anthem, opened up the show with an eclectic blend of folky Americana and Tom Waitsian growls. Recently signed to Nonesuch Records, the Providence-based trio played musical chairs on drums, pump organ, and a litany of stringed, bowed, and brass instruments. Their second number, “Ticket Taker,” featured Jocie Adams on clarinet, lead singer Ben Knox Miller on acoustic guitar and harmonica, and Jeff Prystowsky on upright bass and vocal harmonies. A few tunes later, Prystowsky was on drum kit, Adams on bass, and Miller on a cranked up Fender Mustang. They thanked Ray for having them, and closed their set with the transient ballad “To Ohio.”

The man with the beard strolled out on stage wearing blue jeans and a a shirt unbuttoned displaying a slender chest. Ray Lamontagne’s set was half Motown, half Nashville, and all soul, as the vibe and the tunes meandered between the acoustic rock of the 60s and 70s. The first raspy word sang the night, “Baby,” set the crowd on fire. There was a goof in the first song—he sang a verse where the guitar solo was supposed to be, and everyone laughed, and a rare grin broke over Lamontagne’s face. Afterwards he said, “I’ll take full responsibility for that.” The stage was set for a lively, interactive night; but unfortunately, the cute, talkative Ray disappeared after the second tune. The most he said between songs for the rest of the evening was the names of the band members, and “Thank you very much,” a few times. Not to say the music wasn’t ensgaging; his voice echoes Otis Redding, and the band would have pleased Berry Gordy and then some. He played a handful of mesmerizing tunes mid-set by himself that were particularly magical, as well as the crowd favorites from his first record, “Trouble,” “Jolene,” and “Shelter.” Zac Taylor