Watch Suzanne Vega - Live at Montreux 2004

Suzanne Vega, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, delivered an intimate and captivating performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2004. The event, held at the Stravinski Auditorium, was a part of Vega's tour for her seventh studio album, "Songs in Red and Gray." The concert, now available on DVD, offers a stunning audio-visual experience of Vega's unique artistry. Fans will marvel at the authenticity and precision of her voice, guitar-playing, and storytelling. Accurately capturing the essence of Vega's style, the concert highlights her exceptional talent for making personal connections with her audience while delivering her signature poetic lyrics.

The concert opens with Vega performing "99.9F°," a single from her 1992 album of the same name, which earned her significant commercial success. The song's haunting guitar riff and Vega's soaring vocals set the tone for the rest of the night. Vega follows with "Marlene on the Wall," one of her early hits from her 1985 debut album. The crowd goes wild, singing along to every word.

As she moves through the set, Vega is accompanied by two talented musicians, Mike Visceglia on bass and Doug Yowell on drums. The trio delivers a tight and dynamic performance, emphasizing Vega's more upbeat tracks such as "Blood Makes Noise" and "Caramel." However, Vega's talents truly shine on the more restrained and introspective songs, such as "Language" and "Penitent."

Perhaps one of the most significant highlights of the concert is the unique arrangements Vega presents in some of her tracks. "In Liverpool," usually known for its stripped-down acoustic sound, is given a full-band treatment, with Yowell's percussion and Visceglia's bass creating an infectious groove. Vega also performs a medley of "Small Blue Thing" and "Luka," two of her most recognizable songs, merging their poetic lyrics and emphasizing their storytelling.

Between songs, Vega shares anecdotes and stories with the audience, providing insight into her creative process and inspirations. One of the most touching moments of the night comes during "Gypsy," a song inspired by Vega's friendship with the late singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. Vega dedicates the song to Buckley and reflects on her time with him, moving many audience members to tears.

The concert comes to an end with Vega performing "Tom's Diner," her 1987 a cappella hit that is still a fan favorite. Vega's simple but impactful performance is a testament to her ability to captivate her audience with nothing but her voice and her lyrics.

Overall, Suzanne Vega's performance at Montreux 2004 is a must-see for any fan of the artist's work. The concert highlights Vega's unique blend of sincerity, poetry, and excellent musicianship, making for an unforgettable experience. With brilliant camera work and pristine audio quality, this DVD is a perfect way to access a timeless concert that showcases the profound attraction of Vega's style of music.

Suzanne Vega - Live at Montreux 2004 is a musical with a runtime of 55 minutes.