Suzanne Vega WOODBRIDGE — Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega will bring her classic hits and fresh tunes to the township as part of the Music on Main Street concert series.
Vega, whose songs “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner” both climbed the Billboard charts for spots in the top 10, will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 16 at the Theatre at Woodbridge Middle School.
She said the concert will be “a show with old songs, new songs, both familiar and unfamiliar ones.”
Joining Vega will be Gerry Leonard on guitar.
“He’s David Bowie’s musical director, so he’s not just your average guitar-playing guy,” Vega said. “Mojo Magazine said the last album was ‘where hip-hop meets folk meets rock,’ and I think that sums up the show pretty well.”
That last album, released last year by Vega’s own label, Amanuensis Productions, was Vega’s first in seven years. “Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles” features 10 songs that each tell a story about how the material and spirit worlds intersect, Vega said.
“But more importantly, I think it shows more connectivity between people, not so much solitude on this album, I think,” she said. “Especially with a song like ‘Horizon’ — there’s a real desire in that song to connect with humanity and not hide from it.”
The album’s title is not only a mouthful, but also full of meaning. A nod to the tarot, it touches on the deeper concepts of the album as a whole.
“The pentacles are the suit of the material world — the body, money, health, wealth and that kind of thing,” Vega explained. “There are a few references to people earning a living on this album. I feel the pentacles are very much on people’s minds these days, whether they know it or not.”
And while Vega’s two biggest commercial hits both had a sort of dark, melancholy quality to them, the new album seems to have a more optimistic feel, which is no accident, according to Vega.
“I am always looking to be more positive in the songs; I worry that I have too many songs in a minor key with sad endings,” she said. “Maybe I am finally achieving this.”
Along with a more upbeat feel, Vega’s new material innovates in other ways. “Tom’s Diner” became a sort of universal cult classic, sampled in 25 songs by artists in a variety of genres. Vega has turned the tables to make her own foray into the world of sampling, with notes from 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” incorporated in “Don’t Uncork What You Can’t Contain.”
“I made Gerry Leonard listen to ‘Candy Shop’ and said I wanted a string section just like that one. He said, ‘Why not sample it?’ So it really was his idea,” Vega said. “I thought it was bold of us to ask.”
According to Vega, 50 Cent was a pleasure to work with, and very reasonable in making the deal.
“I’ve also been reading his autobiography,” Vega said, adding that she is a fan. “He’s a self-made man who has come a long way.”
The song features a second shout-out to hip-hop, when Vega mentions Macklemore in a verse.
As much as the songstress’ work may have changed over the years, some things have stayed the same. Vega’s initial commercial success didn’t come from adhering to the sometimes monotonous mold of mainstream pop standards, and today she remains true to her personal brand of artistry.
“I loved [commercial fame] when I had it, and I wouldn’t say no if it happened again,” Vega said. “But I’m not desperate for it and don’t feel like changing myself all the time to run after it. Fame is like a neighbor in the hallway — you say hello once in a while but don’t call him in the middle of the night if you need him, because he won’t be there for you.”
Fans will undoubtedly be there for Vega at her upcoming show, ready to hear what she has in store.
Chrissi Poland, a singer and drummer who has also opened for Lady Gaga, will be the opening act.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at woodbridgeartsnj.tix.com or through the box office at 732-596-4048. The Theatre at Woodbridge Middle School is at 525 Barron Ave., Woodbridge.