Before people discovered artists online through music-streaming platforms, UK musicians often struggled to find their foothold across the pond among American audiences. In the late 1990s to early 2000s, David Gray happened to be one of those cases.

A bona fide singer-songwriter and major figure in the UK and Ireland's musical landscape, Gray is most well-known for his fourth album, White Ladder, self-released in 1998. It did not take off in popularity initially. It was not until Gray started touring as the opener for the Dave Matthews Band that Matthews rereleased the album in 2000 on his label ATO Records, which catapulted Gray onto the charts.

Although it earned him a 2002 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, Gray saw comparatively less success in the US than the UK and Ireland. But nowadays, he has amassed a loyal base of American listeners after many more years of album releases and touring throughout the country.

His most recent project, Dear Life, sees Gray continuing to demonstrate his chops, exploring motifs of emotional crisis and resolution, mortality and faith, reality and illusion, loss and acceptance. Gray gave the audience a taste of it, as well as covering the popular highlights of his back catalogue, while on tour in Seattle at the Moore Theater.

Chemistry with the audience

Gray had palpable chemistry with his audience immediately upon entering the stage. He received a standing ovation and graciously bowed before starting the first song, "Live in Slow Motion." It was clear throughout the night that Gray's work lends itself to an atmosphere of love and self-acceptance. Several Gay and Lesbian couples embraced one another during his heartfelt performances.

The most compelling element that night was Gray's openness and vulnerability. There were several moments in which he relayed tales of his life that led to the creation of much of his music. For example, "Last Boat to America" was inspired by the mixture of emotions Gray faced after his father's death in 1998, in the mists of his White Ladder tour. "Grief takes time, like a shadow cast over your life afterwards," he said. Gray explained how his father opted to have a celebration-of-life party instead of a traditional funeral, and how it felt playing golf with his father only 24 hours before his passing. Gray's stories clearly resonated with the crowd, demonstrating why people find his music relatable.

There were also lighthearted and humorous moments during the night. In the middle of the set, someone from the audience threw their wallet onto the stage at Gray. Before the next song, Gray teased, "If anybody throws something else onto the stage, I'll punch their lights out!"

The evening ended jovially however, with Gray and his band playing "Babylon" in an encore, which had everyone standing up, dancing, and singing along. Saying their final goodbyes to the cheering crowd, Gray rallied his bandmates to the front, who cheerfully waved goodbye and made heart symbols with their hands.