Last night I went to see one of my favorite singers, Suzanne Vega, at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom. It was great to see her again - the last time I’d seen her live was in 1991 or so during her “Days of Open Hand” tour. I was long overdue!
She sounded great and kept up a funny, easy patter between songs. Some singers never establish much of a rapport with the audience, but she did a great job. Because she’s such a New York-y performer - with many songs set in New York, especially from her latest album, “Beauty and Crime” - seeing her here really added to the vibe.
My only criticism: Her band seemed just a tad too loud, and she seemed a bit strained by the end of the night - probably from trying to sing over them! The show was originally supposed to be at Town Hall, a fact that seemed to vex some people around us, who were bewildered by the seating in the new venue (admittedly kind of bewildering) and missing Town Hall’s “more intimate” atmosphere. Personally, I was happy to see her anywhere.
She didn’t play “Small Blue Thing,” which remains a favorite of mine, but she did tackle a wide variety of old and new stuff. Here’s a partial set list, not in exact order:
Tom’s Diner
Marlene on the Wall
New York is a Woman
Frank and Ava
Caramel
Blood Makes Noise
I’m Not Your Maggie May
Gypsy
In Liverpool
Ludlow Street
Pornographer’s Dream
Left of Center
Angel’s Doorway
Bound
Unbound
Luka
Tom’s Diner (DNA reprise)
Zephyr & I
The Queen and the Soldier
It still bewilders me that everyone’s favorite Suzanne Vega song is “Luka.” It’s a damned upsetting song about child abuse, yet the people behind me were singing along and bopping around like they were listening to the Go-Go’s. I was like, “Are you hearing the WORDS?”
Anyway, thanks to my friend Brian for prompting me to go to this show. For some reason I don’t do concerts very often. I sometimes need a little push!
(Photos: My blurry attempts at concert photography.)
It must be wonderful to live in the center of the arts world.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of hers, too. "Small Blue Thing" is a part of every one of my singer/songwriter CD's for massage. Love the blurry photography ... it captures the scene just perfectly.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good night. We all need a little push now and again!
ReplyDeletesmall blue thing is my fave of hers too. maybe coz i is a small blue thing at times?
ReplyDeletei was going to see her here next year, but i just got tix to see pj harvery and also joanna newsom
have a cool weekend reedy
;o)
Suzanne Vega is definitely one of those musicians that truly "performs". She tells stories, she laughs, she connects with the audience.
ReplyDeleteSmall Blue Thing is probably my fave. I like all her stuff tho.
ReplyDeleteooooo i'm jealous!
ReplyDeletei saw her live here once, quite a few years ago.....
she is fab.