Well, what can I say? Having Suzanne finally performing “live” in Singapore was really a dream come true for many and she did not disappoint her fans as well as the many new ones she’s acquired! The concert was brilliant! Everyone was in top form – even though the band hadn’t had a rehearsal (according to Doug) and hadn’t played together for some weeks. Mike was exceptional! There was some extra nifty bass playing for Unbound! Ben (whom I missed in LA) was fantastic! And Suzanne was phenomenal!!!! Here are some scattered memories of Saturday’s extraordinary night! And also some comments from “my party”.
After Phil announced, “Good evening Singapore, would you please welcome to the stage from New York city, Bluenote recording artiste, Suzanne Vega!” the whole hall cheered and clapped and hooted, no less from the second row where Towies like Suporn and me were (and Lilth! Hey you should have said hi!). When Suzanne appeared on stage with the spot light on her, a friend seated next to me exclaimed, “wow, she’s so pretty!” My mum (who has been listening to Suzanne when I’m at home) also thinks Suzanne looks much more beautiful in person and loves her dimples! Once Suzanne started singing, everyone was in awe. I couldn’t stop the smile on my face! There were lots of clapping and cheering but Suzanne wanted more shouts I guess because she did at one point encourage the audience to be bolder and was responded by a really loud whistle! 
I was debating whether to wear my habit or not – eventually I did but if I hadn’t, I would probably have stood up to groove to Blood Makes Noise, Unbound and Tom’s Diner (DNA version). So I just jived in my seat which many also did. During Tom’s Diner, Suzanne had to tango a little bit with the mic cord as it wasn’t very long and she wanted to reach both ends of the stage. After singing “In Liverpool” Suzanne remarked that there was something similar with the ring of Liverpool and Singapore and the title could be “In Singapore” (singing to the tune of “In Liverpool”) – maybe a new song in the future she said and something she may work on (we hope!)
Gypsy (ahh…) received an extra long applause and loud cheers which made Suzanne comment something like “hmm, I see many people here have the Solitude Standing album!” No doubt Luka brought the house down!
Luka was also the favourite of my 12 year old nephew who was very glad to take over Paulo’s ticket. He said the concert was “wonderful” and the songs “meaningful.” (Can’t get much out of a 12 year old – at least they were one word adjectives instead of monosyllables!)
A friend seated many rows behind me also had the urge to stand for the upbeat songs but she commented that the rest of the audience where she was seated were “stiffos” (she meant they were stiff) so they curbed her itch to stand and dance. She also said she was “hounded by a bulldog” – which puzzled me for a moment until she revealed that it was one of the ushers who stood like a bulldog near by, ready to pounce on her as she was caught trying to take a photo – photography is strictly prohibited in the hall! On Suzanne she said that she loved her voice and liked the introductions to the songs as it made them more personal. She also added that she found Suzanne very humble. However she also felt that for some songs, Suzanne’s voice was drowned by the other instruments which were “too loud, high and sharp.” Something for Phil to improve on I guess because I also noticed some distortion but being just a few feet away from Suzanne made this a secondary concern!
I was hoping to hear Cracking, World Before Columbus, and Anniversary for the encores but I guess it was best that the Singapore crowd had a taste of the 4 classic encore songs that Suzanne sung.
Everyone was raving about the concert after it ended! Even a lady approached me in the ladies' room to rave about how great Suzanne is!
EMI had a booth selling Beauty and Crime after the show and there was a very long queue for autograph signing. I pitied Suzanne’s hands with all the signing but at the same time was so glad that Singaporeans had the chance to meet her in person, experience her graciousness and appreciate the brilliance of her words and music! There was also a camera crew (with some familiar faces) following Suzanne around – a potential cable program or DVD, explained the producer. Let’s hope something great comes out of that!
Huge thanks to Greenhorn Productions, the promoter of the concert! You’ve added a touch of class to the music scene here!
SUZANNE! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for gracing our shores with your presence and for EVERYTHING! I went to Church the next day with a joyful thanksgiving prayer in my soul, and the song we sung resonated deeply with my heart “Glory and Praise to our God, who alone gives light to our day. Many are the blessings he bears for those who walk in his way.”
Suporn, Paulo and gang – have a blast in Japan!!!
(In case Towies are wondering about Suzanne’s blog, she mentioned that she had tried to upload some stuff but had some difficulties so let’s hope those technical problems get sorted out soon! Can’t wait to read her entries for Singapore!)
Pictures will follow shortly.
Blessings,
Wendy
If you want peace, work for justice.