Live at the Point

AMG Review of Live at the Point

Erik Crawford
All Music Guide

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 allads. 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.