LaMontagne can sincerely reel ‘em in

The moment singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne made his unassuming way onto the Avalon stage on Thursday, the buzzing crowd in the cavernous venue, which regularly reverberates with slamming rock and thumping dance music, fell as silent as an audience at the famously quiet little Fairfax District nightclub Largo.

That was a testament to the pull of this new artist’s distinctive tenor, his strongest asset, with its gruff edges and sweet side well suited to his nakedly emotional debut album, “Trouble.”

LaMontagne, 31, was a shoe-factory worker in Maine when he heard a Stephen Stills song on the radio and decided to take up music. He devoured Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Ray Charles and other singular stylists, and now his voice, along with his folk- and blues-flavored pop melodies, is earning him comparisons to such soulful luminaries as Van Morrison and Otis Redding.

There are similarities, but the bearded LaMontagne’s low-key showmanship had its own charms. First performing solo with guitar and harmonica, he hooked listeners with such understated numbers as the jealousy-soaked “Burn.”

Gradually adding a stand-up bass, drums and a string quintet, he reeled ‘em in with the sensual “Hannah” and the saved-by-love title track of his album.

Some songs proved trifling, but LaMontagne negotiated familiar territory with a disarming sincerity that had genuine appeal. And that itself was an impressive achievement.

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Ray LaMontagne

Where: The Wiltern LG, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.

When: July 18, 8 p.m.

Price: $25

Contact: (213) 380-5005