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“Fugitive” works as a reminder of how likable David Gray is.  The mid-tempo tune has some nice guitar work in the middle portion of the song and Gray’s vocals go down like warm gravy.

The new album Draw the Line is out September 22 on Downtown Records; he’ll perform “Fugitive” for David Letterman on September 25.  His tour begins in Boston on October 23.

Luckily, Tracy was cool enough to catch his secret show here in Portland and couldn’t say enough good things about his performance.

TOUR
October 23, 2009      The Wang Theatre       Boston, MA
October 24, 2009     WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden     New York, NY
October 26, 2009     Massey Hall     Toronto, ON
October 27, 2009     Tower Theatre     Upper Darby, PA
October 29, 2009     Chicago Auditorium Theatre     Chicago, IL
October 30, 2009     Orpheum Theatre     Minneapolis, MN
November 01, 2009     Paramount Theatre     Denver, CO
November 02, 2009     Kingsbury Hall     Salt Lake City, UT
November 04, 2009     Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall     Portland, OR
November 08, 2009     Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium     San Francisco, CA
November 09, 2009     Orpheum Theatre     Los Angeles, CA

Last night David Gray called me a “Cheeky straggler,” here is how it went down…

On a slow Thursday night in Portland, the Irish troubodour, David Gray, swept into town and under the radar.  After a quick stop at the Kink Live Performance Lounge, he gifted approximately 50 dedicated fans to a private set to promote his new album, Draw the Line. 

As fans sat in the lobby lounge of Hotel Monaco, David sang tunes from the new record along with the classic hits like ”Babylon.”   Although short and sweet, this intimate performance was better than any of his large scale concerts.   If anything, he should be admired for his flexibility in agreeing to play a hotel lobby.   

A few lucky raffle winners won the chance for a private meet and greet with Mr. Gray afterwards and despite my dedication of standing in line for almost five hours, Mother Karma did not shine on me and provide me with the winning numbers.  Not wanting to be left out, I charmed a crew member and was gifted with the used guitar pick and handwritten set sheet.  Yes! 

Back at the table to make the most of happy hour’s dying minutes, I was still feeling sorry for myself and decided to give it one last college try.   The magical door of the room where David was sequestered opened; this was the time to make my move!   I plead my case to the doorman who obviously felt sorry for this sad sack and let me walk through the gates of “DavidDom” with my friend as a sidekick.  Upon greeting him, he pronounced that we were “cheeky stragglers,” but humored us with signed posters and photos nonetheless. 

To get your own nickname from a celebrity musician, craft a sad story of dedication.  Or, have a nice rack.