David Gray and Amos Lee Make Magic at Hollywood Bowl

Stephanie Hernandez

UK born and bred, singer/songwriter David Gray began his path towards musical stardom back in the early nineties. What began as a way to share his love of music, Gray’s busking around town eventually led him to release his first album, “A Century Ends” in 1993. While he initially experienced little to no commercial success, but his soulful voice and personal lyrics gained him a notable underground following. Making the decision to add light electronic elements alongside some more alternative rock influences to his acoustic sound in 1996, helped Gray find a more mainstream audience. However, it was not until his 1998 album, ‘White Ladder” did Gray truly hit it big. Fast forward to today, Gray has been busy touring around the world in promotion of his latest album “Mutineers” and teamed up with fellow guitar hero Amos Lee and the LA Philharmonic to bring audiences at the Hollywood Bowl one hell of a weekend spectacular Friday, July 17.

The opening night of the two-night event began with a bang. Amos Lee took the stage guitar in hand, with the support of the LA Philharmonic behind him he immediately won over the crowd with his warm voice and engaging banter. The deep connection between Amos and his band was palpable, resulted in some of the most on point harmonies, and beautifully blended melodies of the evening as they played through songs from his latest album, “Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song.” The depth added by the symphony was truly something to be heard and Grammy award-winning conductor Bramwell Tovey clearly knew just how to accent Lee’s unique style. The show flowed right into David Gray’s set, the crowd cheering as he took the stage to delve into “Birds of the High Arctic” and “Sail Away.” His soulful acoustic rock came stood on its own for most of the evening but made good use of the symphonic accompaniment on his slower more ballad like songs. His eleven-song set came to a smooth end with the crowd pleasing “This Year’s Love,” “Babylon” and finally “Alibi.”

The evening was relaxed and allowed Amos Lee to highlight his husky voice and laid-back style alongside Gray’s more polished vocals and earnest acoustics. Both musicians brought their own strengths to the table and successfully turned the night into something truly magical.

David Gray and Amos Lee performed at the Hollywood Bowl July 17 and 18.