Suzanne Vega + Tyler Messick + Elizabeth Anka Vajagic @ Ukrainian Federation

Presented by POP Montreal and the Montreal International Jazz Festival

Suzanne Vega's career has remained a mystery to me since the initial swath of hits I heard as a child in the nineties. I wondered if Vega's "clinically poetic eye" had evolved at all since then, so I wasn't sure what to expect from her show when I walked in to the Ukrainian Federation. Vega has had a fruitful career in that time, releasing several albums, with her eighth released earlier this year as the singer turned 55. Tales From The Realm Of The Queen Of Pentacles, which arrived seven years since her last album, was released by Vega's own record label, Amanuensis Productions, which began after she was dropped by Blue Note in recent years. It was a blend of folk and rock, with lively guitar, straightforward lyrics, and soft vocals. The sound was not radically different from the Suzanne I knew and loved, and I wondered which songs her set would feature. 

The venue was close to full, and the audience was peppered with members of all age groups, even the rare birds of the 60-plus crowd. The show openers, Tyler Messick and Elizabeth Anka Vajagic, were received warmly. Messick was joined by Special Noise from Halifax, playing a good set of upbeat tunes with catchy lyrics and interesting basslines. Vajagic's set was low-key and consisted of dramatic vocals, and an acoustic guitar.

The crowd was enthusiastic as Suzanne Vega energetically started her set shortly afterwards, playing material from her new album. With a light, charismatic demeanour, she had no trouble making the crowd laugh. Her entourage was humble. She was joined on stage by her guitarist, as well as her daughter on backup vocals towards the end of the show.

A few songs in, Vega asked the audience if they wanted to hear some old songs, to which the response was marked quietness and a faint sound of crickets in the distance. After cracking a joke about the crowd's hesitation, she played "Caramel", but with a reworked bossa nova sound. The rest of the show featured songs from several of her latest releases, including "Crack In The Wall", and "I Never Wear White". The crowd went wild during "Jacob and the Angel", which Vega explained was very personal to her own experiences with making it through tough times. She closed the show with "Luka" and "Tom's Diner". The show finished with Vega wearing a top hat, being loudly cheered and applauded, and even received some standing ovations.

-- Mariana V. is a frequent magazine contributor and dedicated volunteer at CJLO 1690AM