Live Review: Suzanne Vega

Assisted only by guitarist Gerry Leonard, the enigmatic Suzanne Vega managed to wow an enthusiastic crowd at the Factory Theatre on Sunday with a setlist that effortlessly summed up almost 30 years of performing.
Adorned with a Marlene Dietrich-style top hat, Vega started with Marlene On The Wall – the track that launched her long-spanning career – and delved into her vault of past hits whilst still showcasing an impressive range of new material from her latest album Tales From The Realm Of The Queen of Pentacles.
An album influenced by tarot cards and spirituality, Vega's new material certainly did possess a certain ethereal quality. Vega's husky, measured voice proved to be the perfect instrument for these otherworldly concepts. Crack On The Wall detailed glimpses into another world and Fool's Complaint relocated spectral tarot figures into humane situations.
Vega's sultry vocals managed to successfully bridge the gap between old and new, with excited reactions for fresher material like Jacob And The Angel matching that of old favourites like Caramel. Don't Uncork What You Can't Contain saw Vega's first attempt at sampling, and not only worked quite effectively in a live setting, but also proved that Vega is making no move to slow down.
Twenty-seven years since its release, Vega's biggest hit Luka didn't disappoint. A song about child abuse that is disarming both in its lyrical directness and its 'happy' melody managed to awe the crowd. Boppy classic Tom's Diner immediately brought the mood back up, with its upbeat rhythm seeing more than a few fans enthusiastically rocking along in their chairs.
The unadorned nature of the show, a step down from her tour with full backing band seven years ago, proved to be the right step for Vega, who shone in the pared-down performance that fittingly showcased her skills as a lyricist and singer.