TORONTO -- Maine-based folkie Ray La Montagne's sexy rasp is his most distinctive trait, and an arsenal of emotive songs.

Good thing he's got that going for him because his stage banter and connection with his audience during a live show is seriously lacking.

The 35-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist arrived at Massey Hall on Wednesday night for a sold-out concert in support of his well-received third album, Gossip In The Grain.

But it was clear from the start of his hour-and-20-minute set that the ultra-private La Montagne was not comfortable in the spotlight as he played in a straight line alongside bassist-backup vocalist Jennifer Condos, pedal steel and electric guitarist Eric Heywood and drummer Jay Bellarose instead of out in front of the group, often in profile or with his back to part of the audience.

He also closed his eyes tightly every time he sang and barely said more than a few softly-spoken words during his entire set.

And when the band left him on stage alone, the lights were noticeably dimmed.

Now if this was La Montagne's first disc, I'd forgive him a little stage fright or shyness.

But he's had plenty of time to get used to the idea of being on stage - in fact he was just here last October at The Music Hall - and if an audience can't expect a more dynamic experience, why not just stay at home and listen to his CDs instead?

He could certainly pick up a few pointers from the often dramatic playing of drummer Jay Bellarose.

La Montagne certainly has passion and stage presence in him, as witnessed by his plaintive wail and stomping foot during such upbeat standouts as You Are The Best Thing, You Can Bring Me Flowers, Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame); Meg White, his fun-ode to the White Stripes drummer; the countrified Hey Me, Hey Mama; the soulful and bluesy Three More Days, and hushed numbers like Let It Be Me, I Still Care For You, Empty, Jolene (not the Dolly Parton song), Trouble and Till The Sun Turns Black.

His music has also been effectively used on such TV shows as ER, One Tree Hill, Bones, and films like 27 Dresses, Away From Her, and most recently, I Love You, Man, so obviously there's a cinematic quality to it.

La Montagne's Americana folk sound is equal parts country, soul and blues and is influenced by Crosby, Stills & Nash - it was a Stephen Stills song that inspired him to quite his job at a shoe factory and pursue a music career - The Band, Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

The main difference is that most of those men are decent to magnificent showmen.

La Montagne, who lives on a farm in Maine, that once belonged to Norman Mailer, with his wife and two sons, certainly walks the walk.

If I could just suggest, respectfully, that he get a little more comfortable in his own skin before he tours again.

We'd love to see the whites of your eyes Ray.