Suzanne Vega: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
  • In pop-music circles, Suzanne Vega is known almost entirely for two songs from the late 1980s: the child-abuse ballad "Luka" and a song that launched literally dozens of dance remixes, "Tom's Diner." But Vega has been making vital, inventive music the entire time - much of it folk-based, though her sound has taken many smart detours along the way - and is about to put out her first album of original material in seven years, Tales From the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. The challenge, then, lies in capturing a snapshot of her career in only four songs.
    For this Tiny Desk Concert - performed with her brilliant guitarist and producer, Gerry Leonard - Vega splits the difference evenly between old and new, bookending her set with the aforementioned classics and tucking two about-to-be-released songs in the middle. Game and good-spirited throughout, Vega performed "Luka" and "Tom's Diner" as if she hadn't played them thousands of times before - aided greatly by Leonard, who's worked extensively with David Bowie and lends these songs an extraordinary amount of color and texture. (Check out the "bells" he adds near the end of "Tom's Diner.")
    Vega's songwriting gifts haven't waned at any point in her long career, and the new songs here - taken from a concept album about the way our world and the spiritual realm intersect - sound as sharp as anything she's done. It only makes sense that, nearly 30 years after her debut, she still examines new realms with grace, empathy and an explorer's spirit. --STEPHEN THOMPSON
    Set List
    "Luka"
    "Crack In The Wall"
    "I Never Wear White"
    "Tom's Diner"
    Credits
    Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Olivia Merrion; photo by Meredith Rizzo/NPR

Комментарии • 3,2 тыс.

  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  Год назад +42

    Hey Tiny Desk Fans,
    Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

  • @davewhiting9730
    @davewhiting9730 6 месяцев назад +115

    She has a unique voice and sounds just like she did in 1987. And yes, I realize this video is 10 years old. But still.

    • @prospero2121
      @prospero2121 27 дней назад +4

      That was funny I had the same thought: wow she sounds exactly like she did back in the day, oh wow this is 10 years ago. But then I realized, she sounds exactly like she did back in the day, on CD. This is live and she still sounds that good

    • @ГрицькоГудевітер
      @ГрицькоГудевітер 14 дней назад

      excuse me, what's wrong with your hearing??? what is the "uniqueness" of the voice? even a modern microphone cannot make her sing - she is telling something.

    • @winky1751
      @winky1751 13 дней назад +2

      ГрицькоГудевітер whats wrong with you? Can't you just enjoy the music and the voice? Where were you in 1987?

    • @ГрицькоГудевітер
      @ГрицькоГудевітер 13 дней назад

      @@winky1751 enjoy spoken language??? why a guitar? to tell stories with it? it's not rap.

    • @charlottejones8903
      @charlottejones8903 5 дней назад

      Not the same as 1987 but good all the same.

  • @velvetclaw2316
    @velvetclaw2316 Год назад +208

    I love her quiet contemplative unassuming voice - we are missing this kind of voice in the 21st century

  • @Proutt
    @Proutt 2 года назад +252

    Gerry Leonard is really a guitar player's guitar player. His playing is as delicate, precise and evocative as a grand master violin soloist. Truly impressive.

    • @tompelham7035
      @tompelham7035 10 месяцев назад +1

      That’s a pretty special PRS he’s got in his hands as well

    • @mattwilmshurst8456
      @mattwilmshurst8456 8 месяцев назад +1

      and I like his Can T!

    • @MrNiceGuy442
      @MrNiceGuy442 8 месяцев назад +2

      I keep coming back to hear luca, his guitar overdrives bridges are priceless and short.

    • @AxistubeToulouse
      @AxistubeToulouse 6 месяцев назад +1

      yep very poetic and effective . masterclass

    • @step4798
      @step4798 Месяц назад +1

      You are so correct, as guitarists we look up to the likes of Hendrix, Clapton, Slash, SRV, the list goes on but the unsung heroes are Gerry etc.

  • @torinoherrera
    @torinoherrera 4 года назад +558

    Fun fact: Even Prince was so impressed by the song Luka that he wrote (in his own handwriting) a letter to Suzanne how he really appreciated the song.

    • @EffingtonCouldBe
      @EffingtonCouldBe 4 года назад +23

      That's cool - I LOVE me some Prince!

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 3 года назад +31

      Prince loved the great ladies, like Joni and Suzanne! I didn't know about that letter to Suzanne Vega. Cool!

    • @ryke_masters
      @ryke_masters 2 года назад +37

      @@starlight0002 There's a live album she tells the story on. Apparently he requested to attend a show, waited patiently for that one song, danced to it and immediately left!

    • @ryke_masters
      @ryke_masters 2 года назад +11

      @@starlight0002 I don't remember for sure that it was Luka and not another song, but the dancing is part of the anecdote. He wanted one song, danced to it and left.

    • @kamuelalee
      @kamuelalee 2 года назад +5

      You know, I did the same thing. Addressed to Ms. Vega, mom of Luka.

  • @mlachaise
    @mlachaise 3 года назад +240

    Solitude Standing was one of the most perfect albums ever written. Suzanne Vega created the definitive soundtrack for 17-year-old introverts everywhere.

    • @christopherschott2401
      @christopherschott2401 3 года назад +15

      Solitude Standing was the first album I had purchased not long after I heard her song Luka.
      I loved how the songs transported my 17 year old mind and creative heart.
      I read your comment and i remember feeling that same way .
      Thank you ..

    • @bargainbassist
      @bargainbassist 2 года назад +10

      I was a 29-year-old introvert when her first album was released. I felt alienated by mainstream ‘80s music, but hers spoke to me.

    • @bostonseeker
      @bostonseeker Год назад +3

      I listened to a lot of mainstream and not-so-mainstream music in the 80s. Suzanne Vega was different enough to be in a category by herself -- the one-woman folk revival -- although the influence of Velvet Underground and Leonard Cohen was clear, as she's talked about. I remember buying Solitude Standing not long after it came out, because I heard and was impressed by her first album, a while before the two famous songs became famous.
      It is an essentially perfect album, indeed. But listen to her other albums too! They're full of treasures.

    • @patriciasalem3606
      @patriciasalem3606 Год назад +4

      And for 20-somethings trapped in miserable marriages...

    • @LtheGoddess7
      @LtheGoddess7 Год назад

      Completely agreed on all counts. SS is still epic and amazing!

  • @born09061957
    @born09061957 3 года назад +84

    She is a master storyteller. Her songs speak truth and come from the heart.

  • @EffingtonCouldBe
    @EffingtonCouldBe 9 лет назад +2053

    Her voice is still amazing. ☺

    • @portcullis5622
      @portcullis5622 9 лет назад +61

      EffingtonCouldBe I saw her sing live in London a couple of months ago and her voice sounded virtually the same as when I first saw her nearly thirty years ago. She sang about twenty five of her own songs and it was a nice mix of old and new songs-a truly great songwriter and live performer.

    • @garanceahran7953
      @garanceahran7953 9 лет назад +29

      EffingtonCouldBe in fact her voice didn't change

    • @pcapucion
      @pcapucion 7 лет назад +14

      I agree she still sounds the same...amazing!

    • @natid.6619
      @natid.6619 7 лет назад +33

      "still amazing".man, she´s not 120 years old.

    • @milkmandave66
      @milkmandave66 7 лет назад +16

      EffingtonCouldBe Wikipedia said that she was 119. So yeah, still amazing

  • @RanetkiFan
    @RanetkiFan 8 лет назад +1008

    her voice never changed.. its still beautiful and haunting Love her

    • @edosenin9873
      @edosenin9873 7 лет назад +2

      lol i wtach ur best video funny seing you here

    • @mattiaciani1
      @mattiaciani1 6 лет назад +6

      I felt the same thing!

    • @mikia10
      @mikia10 6 лет назад +13

      Why would her voice change? She is still a young girl

    • @clancykobane9102
      @clancykobane9102 5 лет назад

      hair neither

    • @SuckitTrebec
      @SuckitTrebec 3 года назад +5

      Oh for sure! I heard an acapelle she recorded and to here everything from just her voice made this track just amazing to me. Something about just raw recording that make a track over beyond a hit. Also puts sound engineers and producers up there for hearing what should be recorded. Also read somewhere that the recording of this track originally was so clear it was used to compare the compression of MP3 tracks at the time.

  • @tovarasulsecretargeneral2822
    @tovarasulsecretargeneral2822 3 года назад +25

    I cant believe this. One of the few singers who really kept their original voice. Amazing. Underated artist

  • @Pantokrator1
    @Pantokrator1 4 года назад +591

    Thank you Suzanne. You're still a credit to decent music. Your sound carried me during the early 90's in Southern Lebanon, as bombs rained down on me.

  • @Bassotronics
    @Bassotronics 4 года назад +33

    I played this video for a friend who did not know who she was. He said that he liked all of the songs on this video but once he reached the last song, he was like “oh my gosh! it’s her! she’s the one who sings that song I was looking for for years!”
    And I smiled so happily. 😊

    • @prospero2121
      @prospero2121 27 дней назад

      Still prefer the bare acoustic version to all other. This is now my second favorite version

  • @woodenmonster
    @woodenmonster 2 года назад +100

    Dear Susanne, your song Luka has been in my head since the first time I heard it, it stuck to me all these years so I named my firstborn son Luca, born 6 Feb 2022. This song will be with me for the rest of my life. Love from South Africa.

    • @oscarnr9998
      @oscarnr9998 2 года назад +9

      Omg this is so sweet, I hope Luca is doing great!

    • @philmatthews2155
      @philmatthews2155 Год назад +6

      That is such a wonderful tribute to a phenomenal musician who clearly effected your life. I wish you and your family all the best. Be fabulous

    • @kimthomas781
      @kimthomas781 Год назад +2

      ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • @manitobareader7769
      @manitobareader7769 Год назад +2

      The most beautiful comment. I love your heart. Bless you and your family. Luca is a special person who’s going to change the world in some way. Just wait and see 💛

    • @whiteyfisk9769
      @whiteyfisk9769 6 месяцев назад +1

      She wrote the song about Luka Magnotta lol, good going on naming your kid after that psychopath. Pretty based actually

  • @jorgeluismeoli
    @jorgeluismeoli 4 года назад +155

    You can immediately notice that she writes her own songs. They talk about life and inner feelings.

    • @jhhunter3000
      @jhhunter3000 3 года назад +8

      You can tell she studied English in college....

    • @manitobareader7769
      @manitobareader7769 Год назад +6

      The way she owns them with her voice and demeanour.

  • @anthonygill5621
    @anthonygill5621 4 года назад +381

    Guitar player's light touch is formidable, the whole thing is a full and subtle sound.

    • @BARKINGattheMOON100
      @BARKINGattheMOON100 4 года назад +1

      Anthony Gill Are you mutton Jeff.😂🤣😂

    • @ja8ames
      @ja8ames 4 года назад +22

      Yeah, I'm extremely impressed by how rich the tone is, yet with so much restraint. The guy knows how to dial it in and use it.

    • @steveakers3322
      @steveakers3322 4 года назад +26

      Yes. David Bowie thought so too.

    • @demonicsweaters
      @demonicsweaters 3 года назад +11

      Was thinking the same thing, he fits so perfectly with Suzanne, who herself is an incredibly dynamic player.

    • @leokreimer6492
      @leokreimer6492 3 года назад +6

      His PRS is amazing

  • @kabernat
    @kabernat Год назад +41

    A great pleasure to hear and see her here! She sounds exactly the same! A wonderful musician, vocalist! I love her sound! 💕💕💕🎼🎼🎼🎶🎶🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️💎

  • @MrAnomic
    @MrAnomic 9 лет назад +137

    I love how she never seems tired of performing her old hits for the benefit of her fans. Always thought provoking and imaginative as well.

    • @bottre73
      @bottre73 6 лет назад +7

      Artists who are good at this remember that there will always be someone listening, hearing it for the very first time.

    • @df5295
      @df5295 5 лет назад +1

      Like she says there are 75 versions of Tom's Diner (and not all by her)!

  • @sgtpep5
    @sgtpep5 8 лет назад +312

    Almost a 30 year old tune and Suzanne still looks beautiful.....

  • @andysaunders3708
    @andysaunders3708 Год назад +45

    She's so effing great, and old Gerry's bloody brilliant on that guitar.
    Beyond superb.

  • @megumiyagihashi8118
    @megumiyagihashi8118 4 года назад +91

    30yrs ago, I introduced this song to the high school students in my English class. I met them last year at the reunion and they mentioned this song.
    Thank you, Suzanne. You make me cry.

    • @jonjones820
      @jonjones820 2 года назад +3

      I just started teaching HS English and humanities. I do a lot of musical analysis -for my own enjoyment mostly lol

    • @phill.2924
      @phill.2924 23 дня назад +1

      ​@@jonjones820Thanks to both of you for being teachers, a profession that influences young minds more than one can perceive.

  • @magikoflove
    @magikoflove 7 лет назад +169

    It never ceases to amaze me, the sounds you can get from a guitar when you know how touch it properly.

    • @o.b.7217
      @o.b.7217 5 лет назад +2

      Well, the use of a guitar synthesizer helps to create some of these sounds.

    • @RonnieGorotto
      @RonnieGorotto 5 лет назад +2

      magikoflove If by guitar you mean vagina, my wife fervently agrees... and says I can play for shit.

    • @artysanmobile
      @artysanmobile 4 года назад +12

      O. B. No guitar synthesizer being used here. Distortion, echo, some very tasteful use of pitch shifter and loops - and awesome taste. Gerry Leonard is superb.

  • @motooilermotooiler9597
    @motooilermotooiler9597 2 года назад +96

    no auto tune, effects, lights, fancy sound system.. just heaps of talent both of them. this is how it should be done kids.
    thanks for the upload I appreciate this.

    • @knyazigorthe8617
      @knyazigorthe8617 Год назад +1

      👍👏

    • @rizkifaskia6108
      @rizkifaskia6108 Год назад +3

      that video needs proper light, audio interface, high end pc for editing, those instruments is not cheap

    • @afonsosousa2684
      @afonsosousa2684 Год назад +4

      The electric guitar in particular is full of effects and it sounds fantastic.

    • @motooilermotooiler9597
      @motooilermotooiler9597 Год назад +1

      I mean - the input is high end. How you edit this is really secondary.

    • @russelldawkins9094
      @russelldawkins9094 Год назад +1

      @@rizkifaskia6108 Nonsense.

  • @bobschmitt4179
    @bobschmitt4179 9 лет назад +69

    I had a chance to see these two up close and the evening was incredible. Gerry Leonard created an amazing sonic environment that let Suzanne Vega reveal her lyrics and songs in a authentic, relaxed and dramatically riveting manner. One of the best performances I've seen.

  • @sargijapunk
    @sargijapunk 9 лет назад +330

    Incredible how a person can age, but voice is still the same. Thanks for sharing this with us!

    • @RaeZoladawn777
      @RaeZoladawn777 8 лет назад +25

      +sargijapunk
      I think she looks awesome

    • @sargijapunk
      @sargijapunk 8 лет назад +6

      +Rae Zola Of course, some persons age very well :-)

    • @thososullivan9735
      @thososullivan9735 8 лет назад +30

      +sargijapunk She is still very attractive.

    • @jfderry6220
      @jfderry6220 7 лет назад +14

      take a good look in the mirror. stop looking at yourself for 30 years. then take a peek. good luck. (Luka 1987)

    • @sucote100
      @sucote100 7 лет назад +1

      noticed the same

  • @jessimacleod6734
    @jessimacleod6734 3 года назад +119

    Always loved this song. I was that kid Luka. Thank you for reaching out to kids like me at the time. Your song really hit a chord with me and made me realise I wasn't alone. I'm good now. And I feel I am the luckiest person ever as I recovered and had good people around me who helped me. I have a beautiful family. I have beautiful kids and I want them to be whoever they want to be. Thanks Suzanne for inspiring me! I'm also a musician inspired by you xxoo

    • @damnyankeefl
      @damnyankeefl 3 года назад +5

      Yes.

    • @giulioboobzilla
      @giulioboobzilla Год назад +3

      God bless U

    • @kimthomas781
      @kimthomas781 Год назад +4

      ♥️♥️♥️

    • @ginefregatta1108
      @ginefregatta1108 Год назад

      yes - I've been Luka, too. But why I should not argue any more I do not understand. She is not that kind of peace we need in Europe

    • @josephsemanek6711
      @josephsemanek6711 Год назад +3

      @@ginefregatta1108 I think the lyrics implied that person being abused (Luka) was young afraid and inexperienced to know the options. As a result Luka copes the only way they can..❤

  • @le_th_
    @le_th_ 4 года назад +41

    WOW, they both play guitar so very well. Vega's voice is still so smooth and beautiful. Gerry Leonard's musicianship is just extraordinary; they're really complimentary.

  • @gustamanavo
    @gustamanavo 4 года назад +92

    She's an amazing songwriter and performer.

  • @drbosommd
    @drbosommd Год назад +35

    99.9 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the greatest albums of all time but was criminally ignored by the press .

    • @edised71
      @edised71 5 месяцев назад +1

      9 objects of desire is even better...

  • @pauldack5129
    @pauldack5129 8 лет назад +136

    This sounds like it could have been an outtake from 1986 when she originally recorded Luka for Solitude Standing. Still amazes me that this masterpiece of story telling/songwriting came from a 22-23 yr old (at the time). Suzanne Vega has been so under appreciated. Its a crime.

    • @nakfan
      @nakfan 4 года назад +7

      She is often played on Danish Radio. I have her second album, too. Now I have to check out the newer stuff 😊 Per

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 3 года назад +2

      Thankfully there are people like us! Spread the word and the songs!

    • @damnyankeefl
      @damnyankeefl 3 года назад +4

      Saw her in 87 and 2015 and would love to again. Once you connect to her music you never forget…

    • @ffggddss
      @ffggddss 2 года назад +3

      If that was her age in 1986, I'm blown away by another composition of hers - Calypso - written in 1978.
      (Not to be confused with the song of that name by John Denver; also great, but completely different!)
      Fred

    • @patriciasalem3606
      @patriciasalem3606 Год назад +1

      ​@@ffggddss It puts Homer in a whole new light. My favorite song from an album full of masterpieces.

  • @hansroland6894
    @hansroland6894 5 лет назад +40

    Seen tons of concerts in my life. If asked for favorite I always mention a gorgeous evening in Santa Fe NM 1986 shortly after Solitude Standing came out. I was working in SF for about 6 months and happened to grab tickets for this outdoor amphitheater venue at a local college. Suzanne came out just backlite, waited for total silence from the crowd (could hear a pin drop) and she sang Toms Dinner acapella at a very low level so we had to stay silent. Then the band came out, all magical..one of the best shows I have ever seen..

  • @matthewkirkhart2401
    @matthewkirkhart2401 2 года назад +14

    I just saw these two live in Phoenixville, PA a month ago and they were fantastic! I loved her first album back in 1985 and it was such a gift to see her live. She is not just a great singer and songwriter, on stage she is a great story teller as well and really reached out and related directly with the audience. I would see her live again in a second!

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 2 года назад +1

      You inspire me to go see her, my friend. Been a fan since her first album in the mid-eighties.

    • @matthewkirkhart2401
      @matthewkirkhart2401 2 года назад +1

      @@kevinb3812 awesome! You will be so happy you did. It was one of those shows I always wanted to see and never did back in the day. Getting to see her perform “The Queen and the Soldier” was incredible.

  • @zoemorosini4553
    @zoemorosini4553 8 лет назад +25

    Both of them are so clearly brilliant and talented, but so modest. Quietly and deeply inspiring.

  • @andreatavolacci3608
    @andreatavolacci3608 7 лет назад +20

    Met her in 1996 in Recanati Music festival...i was the security manager there. She performed voice and guitar... Pure...amazing!

  • @hukes
    @hukes 3 года назад +24

    Suzanne's music carried me through the 90s and I'm so grateful about it.

  • @mikeyingstudio
    @mikeyingstudio 10 лет назад +25

    The sound on this is amazing. Literally in awe. The sound engineer deserves a fat raise.

  • @pinkmoon4086
    @pinkmoon4086 9 лет назад +96

    She's still amazing vocally and beautiful.

  • @matthewjones8865
    @matthewjones8865 Год назад +29

    More magic from the wonderful Suzanne Vega. Beautiful guitar playing too 🙏

  • @marcob4630
    @marcob4630 8 лет назад +80

    Suzanne is still a great singer and beautiful too. A high class artist, not for all.
    Only the English Dido is her follower : also classy and talented, similar in style

    • @Jointanatomy
      @Jointanatomy 8 лет назад +15

      aging with styyyle :)

    • @marcob4630
      @marcob4630 7 лет назад +2

      True !!

    • @ronmccarthy6392
      @ronmccarthy6392 7 лет назад

      I see no aging. I'd like to see u.k. drummer chris higginbottom play alongside her and gerry leonard and bass guitar michael visceglia but i can wait, i'm an easygoing man.

  • @blissfulbaboon
    @blissfulbaboon 5 лет назад +20

    Suzanne's voice still has that timeless,magical,
    enchanting tone.This mini concert is such a treat!Thank you for making this possible.

  • @jmichaelE68
    @jmichaelE68 3 года назад +23

    And all these years later, it still sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. Absolutely one of the greatest songs ever written.

  • @gpeddino
    @gpeddino 10 лет назад +142

    The rendition of "Luka" made my eyes water... A powerful song.

    • @spleengrrrl
      @spleengrrrl 6 лет назад +4

      Well, this song always makes my eyes water ) :

  • @laglotal
    @laglotal 4 года назад +47

    Two guitars and just one pure voice. This was an amazing tiny concert!

  • @twpark92
    @twpark92 Год назад +36

    Still amazingly beautiful voice just like 30 years ago!

  • @RaminTork
    @RaminTork 6 лет назад +128

    Lyrics of 'Luka', must be on the list of one of the most powerful songs written for those who have heard it. Her voice is still wonderful.

    • @FlightData101
      @FlightData101 4 года назад +7

      It’s sad that almost thirty years later, domestic violence victims are still often not believed.

    • @christophernoto
      @christophernoto 4 года назад +4

      The authenticity of Luka’s story is stunning.

    • @chokinonashes61
      @chokinonashes61 4 года назад +1

      @@christophernoto
      I recommend watching Suzanne Vega play alongside Richard Thompson if you haven't seen it. There are clips on YT but I don't know if the whole concert is available.

    • @McFraneth
      @McFraneth 4 года назад +1

      @@FlightData101 Worse, that the neighbours do nothing.

    • @amycrunch3812
      @amycrunch3812 4 года назад +1

      Grownups using their own progeny as punching bags.

  • @jeremyacton4569
    @jeremyacton4569 8 лет назад +193

    I really enjoyed this. I also learned a lot about electric guitar accompaniment. That was a big guitar very tastefully applied to the music and the small room. Thanks to the performers and all on production.

    • @eugenewardjr.3506
      @eugenewardjr.3506 7 лет назад +8

      Jeremy Acton Definitely heard sounds from that beautiful instrument l don't recall hearing before. Top shelf musician. Does anyone know the model of guitar. Amazing tone.

    • @bcisbell
      @bcisbell 7 лет назад +11

      If you ever get a chance to see her, with her band live, you see one of the tightest shows ever. The majority of her songs do not have a spare note. Listen to the individual instruments and they barely, if at all, sound like the song but put them together and it's full blown music. Beautiful. This guy on lead is a blast to watch.

    • @larryh.3173
      @larryh.3173 5 лет назад +6

      @@eugenewardjr.3506 It's a PRS Hollowbody with piezo (going by the tiny switch and control layout).

    • @thekingofelfland3294
      @thekingofelfland3294 2 года назад

      Guitarist is Gerry Leonard.

  • @emilywip
    @emilywip Год назад +34

    Both of them are really cool and this is so SO incredibly beautiful. Delicately, modestly, and timelessly beautiful. ❤

  • @bendavies5806
    @bendavies5806 4 года назад +57

    Two people in perfect harmony. You can tell how relaxed Suzanne is with Gerry's playing, she trusts what he's playing even though it is so off the cuff that she probably has no idea what he's about to actually play. Gerry Leonard is a masterclass in making such simple playing sound huge, the way he layers sounds is quite remarkable.
    Probably one of the most underrated players I have ever come across.

    • @stevewages
      @stevewages Год назад +1

      Yes! He’s getting a lot of emotion packed into his sound.

  • @joaomq85
    @joaomq85 3 года назад +11

    It's impressive how much quality those artists from older ages (the good ones) have on their voice and it lasts to nowadays after so many years. Maybe it happens because they're real artists.
    Suzanne Vega's voice is so delightful that you can't stop listening it! ❤️

  • @meneer7465
    @meneer7465 7 лет назад +9

    The sound of her voice is so lovely and special! And the electric guitar is amazing, and the acoustic guitar sounds crispy and bright. I remember hearing this (Luka) in the eighties, was great then and now still stands up.

  • @onlymarkallen
    @onlymarkallen 9 лет назад +163

    Holy shite, Gerry Leonard. Super talent to back you up. Probably one of the best overall producer/player in the biz. The amazing glue behind Bowie's tours. He has a talent for getting huge sound and layering on stage that is nothing short of miraculous.

    • @qdee6250
      @qdee6250 5 лет назад +4

      onlymarkallen I had wondered why this man seemed so dominant with his insertions .

    • @kenbrownfield6584
      @kenbrownfield6584 5 лет назад +4

      He really is phenomenal

    • @kathyoettle9156
      @kathyoettle9156 5 лет назад +2

      I knew he looked familiar. I've been watching a bunch of live performances by Bowie!

    • @blissfulbaboon
      @blissfulbaboon 4 года назад +1

      He is amazing!

    • @william4661
      @william4661 4 года назад +1

      cool! I had no idea...

  • @Nebula37
    @Nebula37 Год назад +5

    This was waaay better than I thought it was going to be. Love Suzanne Vega's voice. Still great after all of these years.

  • @Scope218
    @Scope218 4 года назад +396

    Gerry Leonard on the electric guitar is David Bowie's lead guitarist. He has played guitars for Duncan Shiek, Cyndi Lauper, Sophie B Hawkins, Avriel Lavigne including Chris Botti and Rufus Wainright among other great bands. The guy is legendary!

    • @kooskansloos4834
      @kooskansloos4834 4 года назад +5

      For real? That's an amazing list!

    • @doortech8227
      @doortech8227 4 года назад +7

      YES!! Thank you. I knew he looked familiar. I now realize I saw him play with Cindy Lauper on Dave Letterman a few times.

    • @doortech8227
      @doortech8227 4 года назад +2

      *Gerry Leonard

    • @artysanmobile
      @artysanmobile 4 года назад +18

      Junior Navi Gerry is a fantastic musician. I’ve had the pleasure of recording him a number of times, most memorably with Duncan Shiek. He has that laser focus on the song that every writer craves in a collaborator. Note how he takes a back seat to make room for the vocal but uses harmony so artfully to light up a special lyric. That’s serious musical magic. I have the highest admiration for him.

    • @3rdRockRider
      @3rdRockRider 4 года назад +5

      Saw your comment just as I was thinking “this guy is amazing, wonder if anyone gives him a shoutout or knows who he is”. Thanks!

  • @maocharlisme
    @maocharlisme 4 года назад +48

    Whenever I hear Luka... I know for sure that I'm human
    and that I never have to doubt that I have bucket loads of empathy, compassion and love within me!♡!

    • @natfoss5031
      @natfoss5031 3 года назад +5

      That is so sweet. Someday people like you will rule the planet and my ghost will be at peace.

    • @sunsioux444
      @sunsioux444 2 года назад

      brilliant 🌞

  • @DateTwoRelate
    @DateTwoRelate 3 года назад +9

    A national treasure. She single-handedly brought back NYC folk and made us see how important it is in our lives and in the lives of "out-of-towners."

  • @Edward135i
    @Edward135i 6 лет назад +292

    Most people lose their voice with age, Suzanne has clearly taken good care of herself, She still sounds like her records.

    • @alansturgess1324
      @alansturgess1324 4 года назад +18

      She never strains nor goes for loud - she's just a natural singer and doesn't need all the histrionics we hear so much these days.

    • @eswift8318
      @eswift8318 4 года назад +16

      There's also probably a simple reason. She probably never smoked. If you're a singer, it's the worst thing you can do to your voice.

    • @paulmayle4374
      @paulmayle4374 4 года назад +6

      Judie Tzuke is another singer who's voice gets better with age:)

    • @brettrogers8482
      @brettrogers8482 4 года назад +5

      @@eswift8318 You're basically right. I asked her a year or two ago, and she told me that she did smoke for a short period during her twenties- but happily, not for long. She basically takes good care of herself.

    • @zazuka
      @zazuka 4 года назад +3

      Just what I was thinking :)

  • @salinalynxpaw4107
    @salinalynxpaw4107 10 лет назад +21

    Oh lord Suzanne and your guitarist are a heavenly blend... my daughters and I saw you in New York, an amazing memory for years to come, thank you!

    • @garydunn3037
      @garydunn3037 9 лет назад +2

      I was fortunate enough to see Suzanne here in the UK twice. On both occasions
      her show was wonderful. She has a great rapport with her audience, and I love
      the stories she tells between the songs as she relates how each song came to be.
      Like you say, the shows are for me, amazing memories of two wonderful evenings
      of entertainment that I will look back on fondly for years to come.

    • @leorexcayaban8097
      @leorexcayaban8097 9 лет назад

      Gary Dunn Shepherd's Bush Empire. Back in '98.

    • @garydunn3037
      @garydunn3037 9 лет назад

      ***** Yeah, I reckon this was probably at her best, playing all her older stuff. Don't get me wrong, she
      has made some wonderful music since 98. In 2001 her album "Songs in Red & Gray" was a return to her accoustic
      routes. Also, her album later album revolving around her life in New York was also brilliant. I'm not to keen on her
      latest album, because of the subject material. However, I will continue to enjoy her older music 4-ever. Thanks
      Suzanne.

  • @philmatthews2155
    @philmatthews2155 Год назад +53

    The music of Suzanne profoundly effected my life. Luca will always touch my heart and bring tears to my eyes. Her voice is like hot chocolate being poured over marshmallows and the lyrics are pure poetry. Simply, thank you 😊

  • @samaneta
    @samaneta 4 года назад +20

    Her voice!! ICONIC .... so lucky that i was there in the 1990's

  • @benyamintrujillo773
    @benyamintrujillo773 4 года назад +47

    Es impresionante como el tiempo no le ha podido arrebatar esa bella voz que escuche por vez primera con la canción "Luka", larga vida a los cantantes que trascienden. Me encanta tu estilo, escuchandote en cuarentena desde Perú.

  • @raisinbran713
    @raisinbran713 3 года назад +10

    I love Suzzane Vega's music. Keep on writing and singing. You are special!

  • @trankgrappa
    @trankgrappa 8 лет назад +46

    beautiful! Suzanne sings, plays and looks still the same - and Gerry is a heck of a good guitarplayer! thanks for sharing :)

  • @blissfulbaboon
    @blissfulbaboon 4 года назад +7

    One of the most outstanding artist I have ever heard in my lifetime.Timeless lyrical magic,with a voice of an angel, in this world but not of it.The whole combination is pure enchantment.Thank you Suzanne, for bringing us such beautiful,powerfully moving music.

  • @hughdismuke4703
    @hughdismuke4703 Год назад +2

    Been following her ever since she came out big in the 80's. I had the pleasure of meeting her once after a small venue about 15 years ago. She was getting ready for another long trip that night but was gracious enough to come out and say hello to us.
    Suzanne has always played two instruments. Her acoustic guitar(s) and that unique wonderful voice of her's which has not lost its touch. Love the new songs. Glad to see her still out there.

  • @martacarrete735
    @martacarrete735 7 лет назад +57

    Well, she's about 58 years old. I think that she looks amazing!

    • @elidisco
      @elidisco 3 года назад +1

      She is beautiful then and now

  • @lebarosky
    @lebarosky 8 лет назад +7

    If you hear the opening chords of this beautiful melody, and tears don't come into your eyes, I don't know what to say to you. Thanks for posting.

  • @hueyprayii4534
    @hueyprayii4534 3 года назад +5

    What a beautiful person. Fantastic singer then and now. I love her. Never forgotten. Cheers.

  • @warpspeed9877
    @warpspeed9877 4 года назад +9

    Thank you for being there. Your music was always a beacon of good taste and meaningful stories...

  • @lindadote
    @lindadote 8 лет назад +6

    I'd like to think there are many more folks (like me) who have always known there was a great deal more to Suzanne than a couple of hits. Wonderful singer, songwriter, performer and she still sounds just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

  • @andrewfielden284
    @andrewfielden284 Год назад +15

    Very few artists could sing Tom's Diner in the way that she does. She has one of those unique and amazingly interesting voices that holds your attention and puts life into any song. And time has not diminished her talent. This performance demonstrates her immense natural skills. Wonderful stuff!

  • @simonbertioli4696
    @simonbertioli4696 4 года назад +8

    How can anybody be negative with this video... She has that calming voice...even helps the soul..stars at night with a seagull flying about, with its body lit up by the moon...thank you for sharing this video...👍👏👏

    • @symbian74
      @symbian74 4 года назад

      They have no soul.

  • @athinakoufaki3329
    @athinakoufaki3329 4 года назад +13

    Suzanne has been one of my favourite artists of all time, ever since my adolescence. Thank you Suzanne!!!

  • @juliaabatemarco3532
    @juliaabatemarco3532 3 года назад +101

    Tiny Desk staff, you need to ask her for another show. This woman is class in the purest, most highly concentrated form.

  • @rkrw576
    @rkrw576 8 лет назад +14

    I love this music they way I loved folk in high school in the 1970s. Brilliant, full of empathy, intelligent images.

  • @SpeedyCorky
    @SpeedyCorky 6 лет назад +34

    beautiful voice, excellent performance, one of my fav videos on RUclips - and DAMN Gerry Leonard on guitar is a master - such clean notes, perfect timing - indescribable talent on that guitar

  • @heidiferlmann6442
    @heidiferlmann6442 Год назад +11

    So beautiful Suanne Vega in Tiny Desk and with other great musician! So good this concert! Thank you so much!❤⚘🙏

  • @kevinhughes1659
    @kevinhughes1659 8 лет назад +12

    they''re older now--as I am, and many that grew up hearing this are--but just goes to show that its' still great music. she has quite a few great songs since then too. she's always been a very intelligent, artsy kind of musician. a master songwriter, for sure. not many can write good songs, though millions try. its harder than it seems. just like poems--looks easy to just throw words together, but little do most people know it takes many revisions and reworkings to write a decent poem or song. there's always the case or two where a great song happens spontaneously, but usually not.

  • @ivan-rivera
    @ivan-rivera 8 лет назад +66

    She is one of the most beautiful singers in the world. 😍

    • @blissfulbaboon
      @blissfulbaboon 5 лет назад

      Yes,true a voice like hers comes along once in a century!

  • @soundseeker63
    @soundseeker63 4 года назад +12

    Just magical! Amazing artist and amazing woman. I cannot tell the difference between her vocals here vs from '87. She has looked after herself very well!
    I love the new songs too - Delicate, insightful, but impactful, just like her old classics! Beautifully performed by both!

  • @jdc3636
    @jdc3636 4 года назад +10

    I remember listening to this song when it was first released. It was so different from songs at the time. One of my all time favorite song.

  • @astr43us
    @astr43us 5 лет назад +234

    Fun fact: Tom's Diner is the song they used to calibrate the MP3 standard.

    • @rudyvr67
      @rudyvr67 5 лет назад +32

      Astr aeus, yes and no... It was mainly used to test different compression algorithms. They found her clean and delicate voice ideal to test the quality of the algorithms. But yeah, I always found this 'fun fact' to be awesome, as I loved Suzanne Vega so much and (before the Tom's Diner remix) nobody knew who she was.

    • @Fiorellandia
      @Fiorellandia 4 года назад +7

      WHOA 😱nice fact dude!

    • @shanghunglu186
      @shanghunglu186 4 года назад +5

      @@rudyvr67 I guess most people knew Suzanne Vega from her No. 3 Hits "Luka". and I loved her songs, her albums, her voice and her, too.

    • @frogsoda
      @frogsoda 4 года назад +3

      I was fortunate enough to hear the original version of Tom's Diner live at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. I've never heard a better version of it since, although this guitarist is incredibly amazing! And Suzanne's voice has only gotten better with time.

    • @nathanlewis42
      @nathanlewis42 3 года назад +2

      Unsurprisingly it was also the first song ever made into an mp3.

  • @maomix29
    @maomix29 3 года назад +62

    The guitar man es fabuloso.... matches with Suzan’s voice.

  • @amarcadiacastillo
    @amarcadiacastillo 10 лет назад +10

    Me encantó escuchar a Suzanne, siempre viva, emotiva, siempre honesta.

    • @pablogarzon4267
      @pablogarzon4267 6 лет назад +3

      Su voz sigue siendo la misma es increible.

  • @taila1976
    @taila1976 8 лет назад +62

    She's a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul.

  • @gustavomantovani8309
    @gustavomantovani8309 5 лет назад +8

    Loved it! I was a DJ in Brasil back in the 90's.....played a LOT of these and wow!!!!! Nice to see her doing great!

  • @marshalllancaster2314
    @marshalllancaster2314 8 лет назад +28

    another gem on Tiny Desk Concert

  • @Velocity0428
    @Velocity0428 Год назад +13

    Her natural singing voice sounds like it's coming from a synthesizer. ... Gold truly doesn't rust.

  • @jaehill13
    @jaehill13 8 лет назад +20

    I would eat glass for this woman.
    She is the embodiment of "forever".
    Thanks for this, NPR. Truly.

  • @cbearw1
    @cbearw1 7 лет назад +7

    Holy cow! That was so very fine! The songs, the guitar, the amazing voice. These two blend so well together. Thank for producing and putting this out there Tiny Desk! Suzanne and Gerry L. Thankyou. Your transcending and beautiful.

  • @KenRuan
    @KenRuan 3 года назад +22

    Luka is such a powerful song I have no words to describe its impact with helping me make sense of my own [interpretation of my] childhood. ❤️

  • @setaside2
    @setaside2 10 лет назад +16

    Still one of the quintessential lyricists of the modern age. And distinctive. Vega's voice could be recognized across the alley from the indie gallery using her music to up their street cred...

  • @MelodyFox
    @MelodyFox 5 лет назад +14

    This still brings tears...
    maybe because of some abuse I went through too...
    (Thank you Suzanne for all this)
    LPM

  • @jacoboreyes3160
    @jacoboreyes3160 Год назад +6

    What a fantastic guitarist. Suzanne is her usual great as always

  • @MangoNizer
    @MangoNizer 3 года назад +16

    It's not just her voice. Also her eyes are incredibly beautiful and deep.

  • @charleswoolley8367
    @charleswoolley8367 5 лет назад +12

    Always had a bit of a crush on Ms. Vega,
    ever since she first came out singing.
    Her music is always very expressive.
    May she be around for many years to
    come.

    • @frostlee8377
      @frostlee8377 3 года назад

      在⋯眞⋯々SS這一外延pls!一

  • @timberframingbear
    @timberframingbear Год назад +3

    This is 9 years old. Suzanne Vega set me on the singer/songwriter path after Solitude Standing. What a voice. What a vision for music. Her and Laurie Anderson continue to inspire me.
    If there's anything newer, I'd love to find it

  • @caw2161
    @caw2161 4 года назад +33

    Professional musicians at their best. I still have a crush on Suzanne Vega, even after all these years. Just don't argue...

    • @caw2161
      @caw2161 4 года назад +2

      @Werewolf O. London, Esq. lol exactly

    • @damnyankeefl
      @damnyankeefl 3 года назад +1

      You aren’t the only one who wants to hold her like a baby :-)

    • @MrWhiteamin
      @MrWhiteamin 3 года назад +1

      @@damnyankeefl She is so honest and old bluffer like me drcks ups .!

  • @philzvids3577
    @philzvids3577 4 года назад +14

    Saw her live in Bristol in the late 80s. Great gig. Persuaded a girl to go with me who wasn't a fan. After the gig she rushed out to buy her album.

  • @shike67
    @shike67 3 года назад +24

    so subtle and understated, so different from modern vocalists trying to hit a dozen notes every 5 seconds

    • @conorsmith8551
      @conorsmith8551 2 года назад +1

      Hate that, nothing worse than a show off , so long as you sing with tone and beauty, that’s all that matters :)

  • @maccinid
    @maccinid 5 лет назад +6

    To my shame I discounted her in the 80’s. I’m so glad I came across this today. She is indeed inspiring, unique and worthy of admiration and applause.

  • @RussellWatson777
    @RussellWatson777 10 лет назад +8

    Still in awe...so many years....