On An Evening of New York Songs and Stories, Vega revisits some of her most New York-centric repertoire in a stunning live recording on which she is backed by longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, bassist Jeff Allen and keyboardist Jamie Edwards. Recorded at New York City’s famed Café Carlyle in early 2019, the album includes both familiar songs like Luka and Tom’s Diner and deep cuts from her catalogue like Frank and Ava and Ludlow Street. The mix of repertoire also features New York Is My Destination from Lover, Beloved: Songs from an Evening with Carson McCullers, Vega’s one woman play about the Southern gothic novelist Carson McCullers, and a cover of her late friend Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has written and recorded numerous songs that have become part of the contemporary music vernacular, including Luka, certainly the only hit song ever written from the perspective of an abused boy, Marlene on the Wall, a surprise hit in the UK and Tom’s Diner, a strange little a cappella piece that was remixed by U.K. electronic dance duo ‘DNA’ and became a major club hit. Her albums, including her self-titled debut, the follow up, Solitude Standing and 99.9F have sold millions of copies.
Notably succinct and understated, Suzanne Vega’s work is immediately recognisable, as utterly distinct and thoughtful as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 30 years ago.
Theatre Royal Brighton has entertained audiences for over 212 years. This Grade II* listed building is one of the oldest theatres in the country and continues to delight audiences with pre and post West End shows.