Loading

Suzanne Vega with Natasha North

Venue: The Sage
Town: Gateshead
Date: 02/02/14
Website: http://www.suzannevega.com
http://www..natashanorth.com

I wasn't familiar with the name Natasha North, although it did turn out that I have heard her on radio of late. Accompanied by her guitarist, Natasha demonstrated a voice that is both distinctive and striking, reminiscent at times of Ellie Golding and Christina Perri. As she spoke it was clear that she was genuinely delighted to be both opening Suzanne's shows, and to be playing The Sage.

Once she got over her initial nerves, she owned the stage and had the audience in the palm of her hand as she treated us to songs from her newly released EP, alongside newer material. Highlights such as Gather and Run, Relapse, Secrets Untold and The Last Goodbye, had the largest queue I've ever seen to purchase a support act's CD, in the interval, where she was also happy to say hi and sign them.

I am convinced we will be hearing far more from Natasha North very soon and look forward to her playing in the area soon, as a headliner.

I was excited to see Suzanne Vega, having heard great things about her live performances. we were lucky at Sage, as this tour comprises only a handful of UK dates, to coincide with the release of Tales from the Realms of the Queen of Pentangles, Vega's first studio album in seven years was initially quite surprised that she had no band, but as it turned out, her and her guitarist (she plays guitar also on some songs) is the perfect set up.

She entered the stage wearing a fantastic hat, which appeared more than once during the evening. Over the course of over two hours, we were indulged with well loved classics, which I suspect most knew even if not by name; Luka, Tom's Diner, Left of Center and Marlene on the Wall, to name but a few. These were of course, interspersed with new material, which was exciting to hear for the first time, live; the title track, Crack in the Wall, The Fool's Complaint and the confessional I Never Wear White, being those which particularly stood out. We were told the story of the New CD's quirky title, which I won't reveal, other than to say I need to look at a set of tarot cards! Her voice hasn't changed one bit; it still carries that distinctive sound and storytelling quality. I suspect vega is a keen observer of people.

Demonstrating a keen sense of humour, she teased us about being so quiet, saying she felt a bit like she was "at a Quaker meeting," which is one I've never heard before! This comment then segued into an impromptu question and answer session, where she responded to around five questions pretty candidly, and again with a sense of humour.

Her encore comprised, rather surprisingly, a cover of Take a Walk on the Wild Side, in preparation for her performance later that week on Jools Holland.

The performance ended with a well-deserved standing ovation before Vega left the stage, reappearing on the concourse to sign CDs and say hello, which was a lovely surprise.

There was a mention of returning soon, which I for one hope to be the case. Having seen her play live once, I would definitely do so again. A night with Suzanne Vega is certainly No Cheap Thrill; rather a night to be remembered.

Helen Mitchell