Unparalleled intimacy
CONCERT
Suzanne Vega
4.5 stars
Astor Theatre
Friday, April 11
Review: Harvey Rae
Suzanne Vega was always an unlikely superstar. Were it not for Luka, her one genuine commercial smash, it's easy to imagine the public would have long forgotten about her quaint, poetic musings.
Even less likely was the success of DNA's Tom's Diner remix, which took Vega's a cappella original and looped bass and drums on top. Let's not forget it was 1990 - remixes were only marginally more common than superstar DJs. That is, rare.
Vega's mid-80s folk roots took inspiration from Leonard Cohen more than her major-label contemporaries. It was fitting then, that in introducing the night's oldest song, Gypsy, she referenced Cohen.
In the 70s, Cohen was yet to have the following he demands today, she explained, and prospective suitors were weeded out based on their admiration for his songs. "But only in certain kinds of moods," Vega was careful to explain. "Because you didn't want that new person to think you were sad."
Her poised humour had the audience in the palm of her hand all evening. Following the Gypsy anecdote, about a young man who passed the test and thus had a song written for him, Vega paused before finishing and added: "In return he gave me his bandanna."
Cohen and Vega also share a graceful minimalism that on Friday extended to the show's production.
Joined only by guitarist Gerry Leonard, a plain backdrop changed shades depending on the song (blue for Small Blue Thing, etc). It could have been underwhelming were it not for the unparalleled intimacy.
Leonard's playing was inspired. Often looped and layered for atmosphere, the musical director of David Bowie's Reality tour built a sound that ranged from perfectly intimate on Tom's Diner to riff-tastic on the awesome Blood Makes Noise.
Left of Center brought back memories of John Hughes' films, The Queen and the Soldier evoked a hushed sing along, Luka's sad story of child abuse was strangely affecting and triumphant, and Tom's Diner had the room clapping along.
Tracks from new album Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles fit snugly, I Never Wear White the charismatic stand-out.
The lucky Liverpudlian who inspired Gypsy reappeared on a second song when Vega opened the encore with In Liverpool. Following an audience request to play Some Journey, Rosemary gently closed the show.
Over far too soon, many songs missed out but the 90-odd minutes we had her for were something special.
