38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 6, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com MUSIC Even though the Macy Gray craze was at its peak in the early 2000s, her latest studio album, Ruby (2018), might be her finest—emotional, funny, lyrically brave, political and deeply personal. It’s clear that the veteran performer will draw from her familiar hits, such as “I Try,” on Dec. 2 when she takes the stage in Monterey, but will she play from Ruby? “Probably,” says Natalie Renée McIntyre, who took her stage name, Macy Gray, from a mailbox of “some old dude in Ohio.” Her favorite track on the album is “White Man,” the most humorous song on the record and, at the same time, a true Black feminist manifesto. It has a haunting yet giggly chorus: “You come for me, let me make it clear; I’ll whoop your woo.” But there are other true gems on the album, which is Gray’s 10th studio production. These include the heartbreaking and daring “When It Ends,” and the sadly sweet “Just Like Jenny.” Gray started journaling as a teenager and that evolved into writing songs. She had no intention of singing. That perhaps explains why her lyrics are so strong. They contain everyday philosophy and acute psychological self-analysis. Yet Macy Gray was never meant to happen. Both of her parents admired great singers, but her voice was never considered beautiful by them. It was hoarse and “funny,” she says. And if the performer who was supposed to sing Gray’s compositions would have shown up at a recording studio as scheduled, Gray—then a college student—would not have been forced to sing the songs herself. People responded to her funny voice and genuine, clever lyrics. In 1999, Gray released her debut album, On How Life Is. The collection included her most recognizable and enduring single, “I Try.” In 2001, Gray won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song. And the name? Feeling that “everybody had a nickname” back then, she picked one for herself, borrowing it from the man who lived across the street—Macy Gray. They never spoke, but in a way, she made him famous. These days, Gray says she spends a lot of time writing scripts rather than lyrics. “But I love touring,” she adds. Macy Gray 8pm Saturday, Dec. 2 Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St, Monterey. $39.50-$89.50. 649-1070. goldenstatetheatre.com COURTESY OF MACY GRAY A Gray Day Grammy-winner and R&B star Macy Gray is coming to the Golden State Theatre with old favorites and new works. By Agata Pop˛eda Macy Gray is preparing to release a movie for the 25th anniversary of her debut album. In the meantime, you can see this iconic singer-songwriter on Dec. 2 in Monterey. 10% OFF your order with this ad Valid until 12/31/23 Taste of the World sweet & savory crepes • paninis • bagels • tea • 11th Hour coffee THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ @ @ @ @ 1123 Fremont Blvd, Seaside 831-901-3900 Mon–Fri 7am–4pm (Sat & Sun 8am–4pm) Explore our expanded coffee menu featuring drinks from around the globe • Café Bombon (Spain) • Lagrima (Argentina) • Turmeric Latte (India) • Yuanyang (Hong Kong) • and more! Woody don’t know Santa, Woody knows Holiday Cheer Try a Wild Woody Kir-Royale, our favorite holiday drink Call Tim or Chris and customize your holiday gathering – 831-373-1232 WOODYSMONTEREYAIRPORT.COM
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