American singer and songwriter Suzanne Vega has released a fair few albums over the years but is usually recalled with her hit songs, Luka and Tom's Diner.
Her latest Lover, Beloved: Songs From An Evening with Carson McCullers may not attract new fans but will certainly please her longtime followers.
Always one to produce interesting lyrical journeys (The Queen and the Soldier, When Heroes Go Down) Vega has now focused her attention on the writings, feelings and lifestyle of American writer Carson McCullers who is probably best known for her novel The Ballad of The Sad Cafe and The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter.
So taken with McCullers is Vega that she has also written a musical about the late writer. To the present, this album is set in a more vaudeville style with trombones and accordions creating a late-night, club-themed atmosphere.
Early songs Carson's Blues and New York is My Destination set the scene.