Many know of Suzanne Vega for her infamous tunes such as “Luka” or “Tom’s Diner,” but they may not know that she’s been a New York native since she was two-and-a-half years old and that her brand new world tour just launched here in Albany.
The tour, titled “Old Songs, New Songs, and Other Songs,” is in celebration of a new album she teased throughout her live performance. No word on a title or release date as of yet, but she did perform new songs and announced on-stage that it should be out late this year, if not early next year.
The stage of The Egg itself was dressed simply, with no fluff. A stool, two guitars (one with quite the pedalboard), and some mics. Suzanne Vega walked out and was accompanied by Guitarist Gerry Leonard.
Wearing a black pantsuit and a welcoming smile, Suzanne Vega walked to the microphone and graciously accepted the applause the Albany crowd enthusiastically gave. Taking a small bow and putting on a black top hat, she started in by leaning into the ‘old’ with tunes like “Gypsy” and “Small Blue Thing” and weaving back and forth in time throughout her catalog, reminding us of her soft, soulful, yet powerful voice and one-of-a-kind musical storytelling.
In between songs, she takes moments to talk to the audience and the intimate setting of The Egg is perfect for it. She tells the stories behind some of her songs and gives more insight to who she wrote them for and why. imparting a personal touch into the show and sheds light on things in her life, especially a specific camp counselor with whom she worked alongside at another nearby camp many years ago. Before letting any story get stale, however, Suzanne gets to the music and delivers.
Gerry Leonard’s smooth and airy, guitar blended with Suzanne’s acoustic guitar and vocal accompaniment seamlessly as he turned his solo instrument into a soundscape by employing looping pedals to sustain melodies and rhythms. This was best exemplified by the final song of the set “Tom’s Diner” where a makeshift drum beat was created and looped while guitar plucks melodically assisted.
In addition to his glowing performance on Tuesday, Leonard also co-wrote Vega’s 2014 album Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles and has worked with other talented musicians such as David Bowie, Roger Waters, and Duncan Sheik.
Suzanne Vegas world tour will continue on to the Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Flushing, NY on September 27 and at Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY on October 4.
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