David Gray

Shot at The Point in Dublin, Ireland, during the last show of his tour, David Gray shines from the moment he takes the stage. Clearly a hero to the 9,000-plus Irish youth who have packed the venue, Gray feeds off of their energy and flashes grins of acknowledgment as he maneuvers through a set that includes songs from all five of his records. Opening with the mood-inducing "Sail Away" from his breakout album White Ladder, Gray gets his patented head swagger going early in the show. It's clear that his modest singer/songwriter days are behind him as his stage show features a video screen, eclectic lighting, and a stellar backing band. His pacing is excellent as he leads the audience on a journey through upbeat anthems intertwined with soulful ballads. The shows denouement comes in the form of an all-out assault on the senses during "Please Forgive Me." At the apex of the song, Gray is not playing for the crowd, but rather with them, creating a celebratory magic that only comes from a live performance.

Included in the DVD is the documentary Up to the Point, which chronicles the days leading up to the show. Clips from the concert are inter-cut with commentary from Gray, the band, and a host of introspective characters. The documentary provides an insight into Ireland, the banality of touring, and the reasons why it is all worth it: the fans and the music. ~ Erik Crawford, All Music Guide