Suzanne Santo Embarks on Summertime Solo Tour
Suzanne Santo’s soulful voice, violin, and six-string at Schubas Tavern.
I photograph musicians that connect with me on several levels, nurturing an affinity for their sound, style and lyrical character, and ultimately by being present at their shows, with hopes of capturing something special. I generally don’t shoot shows for artists I’m not familiar with (occasional exception for an unknown opening act).
When a friend suggested Wednesday night we catch Santo an hour before her show, and on a work night, I hesitated. With no prior knowledge of Santo and no pre-approval from her management to greenlight a photo pass, any reason to pick up my camera and head to Schuba’s was taking a chance, potentially being met with a big NO TO CAMERAS sign waiting for me at the venue door. I’ve been turned away many times for artists I wanted to shoot, why would I risk losing an evening for an unfamiliar artist? Well, because my buddy was paying and providing a ride. I’d bring my camera and see how the evening played out. Wonderfully, as it turned out.
Suzanne Santo is a bluesy songstress, armed with four and six-string instruments and a velvety, unapologetic voice that instantly broke any ice or reservation I may have had in experiencing her show, her sound. Santo was kicking off her first solo tour, hailing from the duo of honeyhoney and supporting Hozier in their upcoming tour. But this evening belonged to Santo, endearing old and new fans with “Ghost in My Bed“, “Handshake“ and “Mama“.
Santo contacted me a few days later asking for permission to use some of my photos posted on Instagram for promotional purposes for her guitar and violin sponsor. After picking myself off the floor, I said I’d send over several shots, and in return, she was a gracious as a person can be, full of positivity, thankfulness and charm.
So here’s, to my buddy and his insistence to catch Santo, creating another, unexpected connection between myself and the artists I shoot and admire.
Full Gallery: Suzanne Santo @ Schubas Tavern
Santo delivering on her other Eastman guitar.