Water cooler: NPR’s Tiny desk concerts keep the joys simple
NPR’s live concert video series, Tiny Desk Concerts, is a popular music fan destination hosted by Bob Boilen, who is also the creator of the online music show “All Songs Considered.”
The concept of the series was born when Boilen was frustrated at a bar show because he couldn’t hear folk singer Laura Gibson’s performance over the bar setting. After NPR music editor Stephen Thompson joked that Gibson should just perform at Boilen’s desk, they arranged to do just that a month later. Boilen recorded the session and posted it online, thus the series was born. Since its inception in 2008, over 800 Tiny Desk Concerts have been recorded and the series has garnered over 2 billion views on YouTube.
Although the series wasn’t a conventional concert from the get-go, it still had to adapt during the pandemic. NPR has now released several Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts in order for the show to go on. If you are in need of a little musical uplift and fresh entertainment today, here are the Tiny Desk Home Concerts you can check out, listed from most recent to oldest. Find them at npr.org or on the NPR Music YouTube channel.
July 20, Lenny Kravtiz – The bohemian rock icon performs “Thinking Of You,” “What Did I Do With My Life?” and “We Can Get It All Together” from his home in the Bahamas.
July 15, Diana Gordon – With two songs from her newly released album and a few older tunes, rhythm and blues singer-songwriter Gordon performs, “Rollin,” “Wolverine,” “Wasted Youth” and “Once A Friend” from her own desk, complete with some classic “working from home props” like a cardboard box, stacks on manilla folders and a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” coffee mug.
July 14, Benny Sings – This Dutch singer-songwriter first performed in the United States for an edition of Tiny Desk in 2016 and now he visits again, although virtually from his home in Amsterdam, performing “Apartment,” “Sunny Afternoon” and “Music.”
July 13, Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes – With recordings coming from six different musicians’ homes, this concert highlights the collaborative nature of Misch’s and Dayes’ recently released album, “What Kinda Music.” Featuring performances of “Nightrider” and “Tidal Wave.”
July 9, Jacob Collier – This long time YouTube star and polymath musician is the epitome of the one-man-band – which is ideal for quarantine. His breakout video was a cover of Stevie Wonder’s song “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” which started his YouTube following at the age of 19. This performance features tracks, “All I Need,” “Time Alone With You” and “He Won’t Hold You.”
July 8, Roddy Ricch – With a Grammy and multiple hit songs under his belt by the first part of 2020, Ricch was rapidly gaining recognition before the pandemic devastated various entertainment industries. Ricch is back in this concert from home and slick as ever, showing his instrumental and vocal range. Hear him and his nine piece band perform “Perfect Time,” “Bacc Seat (feat. Ty Dolla $ign),” “High Fashion” and “War Baby.”
July 7, Chicano Batman – This indie rock group incorporates funk-inspired bass grooves and eclectic vintage organs, both of which are on full display in their from-home appearance on Tiny Desk. Their set list includes “I know It,” “Moment of Joy,” “Color my life” and “Polymetronomic Harmony.”
July 6, Dirty Projectors – This band has long been established in the indie rock scene. The project has seen regular shifts in lineup, but creative head David Longstreth has served as the sole fixed member. Watch the way the current members switch things up between each song with their performances of “Lose Your Love,” “Overlord,” “Inner World” and “Search For Life.”
With NPR posting from-home concerts from the start of nationwide quarantine, there are plenty of other videos choose from, including performances from Ben Gibbard, Laura Marling, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater with a few family members, KIRBY and more.