On a crisp, clear night in Portland, David Gray took the stage at Keller Auditorium, delivering a mesmerizing performance that showcased both his timeless classics and deeper cuts from his extensive catalog. With a career spanning over three decades, Gray proved once again why he remains a beloved figure in the singer-songwriter realm, effortlessly blending folk, rock, and electronic influences into an emotionally charged set.

The evening opened with “After the Harvest” from his 2021 album Skellig, setting a contemplative tone before the energy picked up with “My Oh My” and “Be Mine”, both met with enthusiastic applause. Gray’s signature rasp carried through the auditorium with haunting beauty, particularly on “Dead in the Water” and “The Other Side”, each song swelling with emotion as his band provided rich, textured arrangements.

The setlist offered a journey through Gray’s evolution, from the brooding “Singing for the Pharaoh” to the infectious “Babylon”, which had the audience clapping along and swaying in their seats. A surprising highlight came with his soulful take on Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough”, injecting fresh life into the ‘80s classic.

Fan favorites like “Please Forgive Me” and “Sail Away” from 1998’s White Ladder record maintained the momentum, but it was the encore that truly sealed the night. A stripped-down, intimate rendition of “Coming Down” left the crowd spellbound, before “This Year’s Love” drew a collective sigh of nostalgia. The evening closed with a powerful rendition of “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” a fitting farewell that had the audience singing along.

With his rich storytelling and unwavering passion, Gray delivered a set that was both poignant and uplifting, a perfect soundtrack to a cold winter night in Portland. Fans left Keller Auditorium with full hearts, reminded once again of the enduring magic of David Gray’s music.