Founded in 1967, The Montreux Jazz Festival has established itself as one of the most prestigious annual music events in the world. The extraordinary list of artist who have performed  there is drawn from across the musical spectrum and from around the world. It is a music festival in Switzerland, held annually in early July in Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline. It is the second largest annual jazz festival in the world after Canada's Montreal International Jazz Festival. 

This performance at the 38^th The Montreux Jazz Festival captures Suzanne Vega appearing at the Montreux Festival in 2004. The concert features many of her most popular tracks. As a bonus there are also three tracks included from her first appearance at the festival in 2000 (where she opened for Lou Reed), namely Small Blue Ting, Room off the Street and Knight Moves. Accompanied by a full band, she plays many of her most popular tracks including 99.9ºF, Marlene On The Wall, Left Of Center, Solitude Standing, Luka and Tom's Diner and is a showcase for her talent as a live performer. High points for me include her performance of Caramel, the story behind Gypsy, her fab versions of Behind Blue Eyes and Have You Met Miss Jones a jazz song written in the forties she closed the show with. 

This is Vega's second appearance at Montreux in 2004 which proved to be an exceptional evening. What stands out is the fine high-definition camera work as well as the transparent post-editing which lends a most appropriate viewing ambience and rhythm to the performances. Close-ups are steady and crystal clear and a joy to watch. The set is lengthy enough to make for a fine DVD document that should please all fans.

The sound quality is very good, with the same going for video quality. Vega plays a nice selection of songs. This video plays as a complete show from beginning to end with no cuts/inserts/ which makes you feel you were there. 

Suzanne is genuine and warm towards her audience. The songs are well executed. It is an amazing show, great concert, and Vega is fantastic, handles the audience beautifully. If you’ve followed her illustrious career, take a look at this must have DVD for an evening with friends.

The inlay card that comes with a three page folder has all the details on the concert.

Suzanne Vega - guitar, vocals Michael Visceglia - musical director, bass Billy Masters - guitar Doug Yowell - drums

Running time: 90 mins approx.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira