NPR Tiny Desk Concerts (2008)

Episodes

1. 1 1. Rapsody2016-01-05Watch the rapper perform three songs from Beauty And The Beast live at the NPR Music offices.
2. 2 2. Mariachi Flor De Toloache2016-01-08While on tour with The Arcs, the powerhouse mariachi band performs live in the NPR Music offices.
3. 3 3. Natalie Merchant2016-01-12The singer-songwriter gives a warmhearted performance of two new songs, an old favorite and a hymn.
4. 4 4. Benny Sings2016-01-15The Dutch singer layers R&B, jazz and pop over hip-hop beats in his first-ever U.S. appearance.
5. 5 5. River Whyless2016-01-19The North Carolina band fills its rootsy music with unexpected instruments and clever ideas.
6. 6 6. Wolf Alice2016-01-22The band's music can be noisy and primal, but at the Tiny Desk it showed a different side.
7. 7 7. The Arcs2016-01-25It's our 500th show at the Tiny Desk, featuring The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and his new band.
8. 8 8. EL VY2016-01-29The National's Matt Berninger and Menomena's Brent Knopf team up in an intimate setting.
9. 9 9. Car Seat Headrest2016-02-08Will Toledo is a wordsmith with a vision, as well as a DIY sound that's still finely crafted.
10. 10 10. Chelsea Wolfe2016-02-12Wolfe takes three songs from the metallic Abyss and makes them howl by their lonesome.
11. 11 11. Ben Folds2016-02-16Performing solo, Folds performs three songs from his new album and two old favorites.
12. 12 12. Wilco2016-02-23Bands don't typically get to play the Tiny Desk more than once, but Wilco is a natural exception.
13. 13 13. Brushy One String2016-02-27The word-of-mouth star's sound is made by one big fat E-string and a rich, powerful voice.
14. 14 14. Lake Street Dive2016-02-29Performed live at the Tiny Desk, the band's songs often tilt toward soul or rock danceably.
15. 15 15. Monsieur Periné2016-03-04The Colombian band channels an unlikely inspiration: 1920s-era, guitar-driven jazz from the U.S.
16. 16 16. Julien Baker2016-03-07The young Tennessee singer performs three of her spare, sad, simple songs at the NPR Music offices.
17. 17 17. Gaelynn Lea2016-03-11Watch the singer and violinist who stood out from 6,000-plus entries in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest.
18. 18 18. Graham Nash2016-03-14In a short set that spans 50 years, the CSNY veteran's voice resonates and cuts to the core.
19. 19 19. Tedeschi Trucks Band2016-03-25Singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks celebrate the blues, jazz and much more.
20. 20 20. Anthony Hamilton2016-03-28Hear the soul star and his band perform "Amen," plus three songs that have defined his career.
21. 21 21. Ane Brun2016-04-01Watch Brun play three new songs, each of which speaks to newfound freedom and fresh opportunities.
22. 22 22. PWR BTTM2016-04-04The duo has a keen sense of mischief and a gift for honest, punk-infused, tongue-in-cheek pop gems.
23. 23 23. Mothers2016-04-08Mothers' members chose a few of their slowest, most languid songs to perform in the NPR offices.
24. 24 24. Palehound2016-04-11Ellen Kempner and her band perform tense and evocative songs amid the silence of a rapt crowd.
25. 25 25. Seratones2016-04-15The Louisiana band takes gospel into the garage, and what comes out is fiery rock 'n' roll.
26. 26 26. Benjamin Clementine2016-04-18There are intimate moments of revelation in Clementine's immersive, breathtaking performance.
27. 27 27. Julia Holter2016-04-22The most minute details become a grandiose spectacle in Holter's cosmic cabaret.
28. 28 28. Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds2016-04-25The band's punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and harmonica solos instantly demand attention.
29. 29 29. Peter Frampton2016-04-27Frampton brought some classic songs to the Tiny Desk. We couldn't help but sing along.
30. 30 30. Florist2016-04-29Emily Sprague performs three delicate songs with help from members of New York's Epoch collective.
31. 31 31. Eighth Blackbird2016-05-02Watch the sextet perform new music by David Lang, Bryce Dessner and Robert Honstein.
32. 32 32. Monika2016-05-06When you hear Monika, life feels good: The singer's performances and presence are simply winning.
33. 33 33. Lara St. John2016-05-09With her intrepid pianist in tow, the violinist performs rowdy tunes that will leave you breathless.
34. 34 34. Daymé Arocena2016-05-13Arocena's voice combines Aretha Franklin's soul and the sabor of Cuban music queen Celia Cruz.
35. 35 35. Steve Kimock2016-05-16The veteran jam-rock guitarist's dedication to his instrument is matched only by his imagination.
36. 36 36. Andy Shauf2016-05-20The Saskatchewan singer-songwriter performs three quietly affecting songs in the NPR Music offices.
37. 37 37. Robert Ellis2016-05-23Ellis plays thoughtfully stripped-down arrangements from his ambitious country record.
38. 38 38. Carrie Rodriguez2016-05-27Watch the singer, guitarist and fiddler play three songs that reflect her many cultural influences.
39. 39 39. Andrew Bird2016-05-31For this performance of three new songs, Bird comes with a stripped-down acoustic band.
40. 40 40. Barry Douglas2016-06-03Watch the award-winning Irish pianist play traditional songs from the homeland.
41. 41 41. Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop2016-06-06Iron & Wine's singer performs three songs with the charming, inventive singer Jesca Hoop.
42. 42 42. Weaves2016-06-10The band's music is playful and quirky — sometimes loud, sometimes gentle and always a trip.
43. 43 43. Chick Corea & Gary Burton2016-06-13The two highly decorated jazz legends could barely fit their instruments behind the Tiny Desk.
44. 44 44. Alessio Bax2016-06-17For Father's Day, watch the pianist play lullabies to his daughter, who nearly steals the show.
45. 45 45. Brandy Clark2016-06-20The country singer-songwriter has a rare gift for making any room feel warmly human.
46. 46 46. Mashrou' Leila2016-06-24A rock band from Beirut performs songs that mix hedonism and hyper-literate lyrics.
47. 47 47. Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran2016-06-28The saxophonist and pianist play three tunes that draw from their past while looking to the future.
48. 48 48. Adia Victoria2016-06-30Performing at the NPR Music offices, Adia Victoria's voice is powerful and direct, with no artifice.
49. 49 49. Los Hacheros2016-07-05Los Hacheros' members tap into the deep groove of Afro-Caribbean music that inspires modern salsa.
50. 50 50. Valley Queen2016-07-08Valley Queen plays with nuance and depth, rooted in a California country sound.
51. 51 51. Jane Bunnett2016-07-12The Canadian jazz multi-instrumentalist performs with some of the top young women musicians in Cuba.
52. 52 52. Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band2016-07-15There's a point when a jam is just a jam, but when a jam becomes a journey... man.
53. 53 53. Gregory Porter2016-07-18Porter's music can be serious and heartwarming, but it never loses its sense of wonder and delight.
54. 54 54. John Congleton And The Nighty Nite2016-07-22The decorated producer seizes the spotlight with songs about how extraordinary it is to be ordinary.
55. 55 55. Xenia Rubinos2016-07-25Rubinos uses her Afro-Caribbean roots as a jumping-off point for inventive, provocative songs.
56. 56 56. Lucy Dacus2016-07-29The Virginia musician writes songs that can be thoughtful, playful and powerful.
57. 57 57. Kevin Morby2016-08-01The singer, known for Woods and The Babies, performs carefully crafted songs with powerful lyrics.
58. 58 58. Rachel Barton Pine2016-08-05Watch the genial violinist commune with nearly 300-year-old music for solo violin by J.S. Bach.
59. 59 59. The Jayhawks2016-08-08The beloved band displays its signature country-tinged rock and close harmonies in four new songs.
60. 60 60. René Marie2016-08-12Joined by her Experiment In Truth band, the jazz singer performs songs from Sound Of Red.
61. 61 61. Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals2016-08-15Watch the invigorating, genre-busting bandleader, drummer, singer and rapper perform four songs.
62. 62 62. Eddie Palmieri2016-08-19An icon for modern and Latin jazz, the veteran performer continues to break tradition and innovate.
63. 63 63. Margaret Glaspy2016-08-22No overplaying, no frills, just great music and an artist who sounds thrilled to be playing it.
64. 64 64. Nina Diaz2016-08-26As a solo artist on leave from Girl In A Coma, the singer finds new ways to sound ferocious.
65. 65 65. Big Thief2016-08-29 · 10mThe band's songs exude muscular warmth, with lyrics that are both memorable and meaningful.
66. 66 66. William Bell2016-09-07The 77-year-old blues and soul hitmaker returns to the spotlight with the aid of a 12-piece band.
67. 67 67. The Secret Sisters2016-09-12The Alabama sibling duo's music can be hymn-like: plain but powerful, heartsick and hopeful.
68. 68 68. Saul Williams2016-09-16You can feel the singer and poet's passion in every sharp, thoughtful, powerful, provocative word.
69. 69 69. Corinne Bailey Rae2016-09-19The genre-defying English singer-songwriter performs material from her first album in six years.
70. 70 70. Blue Man Group2016-09-26The world-famous entertainers retrofitted their instruments and confetti cannons to fit the desk.
71. 71 71. Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk2016-09-30Two A-list classical artists work up a sweat as they revel in the turbulent, tender music of Brahms.
72. 72 72. Common At The White House2016-10-04The veteran rapper fronts an all-star band at the White House.
73. 73 73. Haley Bonar2016-10-11The Minnesota singer-songwriter achieves a nifty balance of intimacy and impeccable polish.
74. 74 74. RDGLDGRN2016-10-14A striking mix of rock, hip-hop, funk, go-go and Brazilian sounds, fused with energy and humor.
75. 75 75. Billy Bragg & Joe Henry2016-10-17The two songwriters celebrate the romance and vitality of the modern railroad.
76. 76 76. Blind Pilot2016-10-21The folk-pop band performs four songs from its shimmery new album, And Then Like Lions.
77. 77 77. Drive-By Truckers2016-10-24The long-running rock band holds a mirror to the hard realities of America right now.
78. 78 78. Joseph2016-10-28The trio strips anthemic songs down to the essentials: just sisterly harmonies and acoustic guitar.
79. 79 79. The Westerlies2016-11-02The self-described "accidental brass quartet" swims comfortably in jazz, classical and pop music.
80. 80 80. Ta-ku & Wafia2016-11-07The two Australians' chemistry is apparent the instant you hear their voices intertwined in song.
81. 81 81. Adam Torres2016-11-11The Austin singer-songwriter showcases his high, lonesome voice and atmospheric storytelling.
82. 82 82. John Paul White2016-11-14Formerly half of The Civil Wars, White returns to perform three songs from his solo debut, Beulah.
83. 83 83. Attacca Quartet2016-11-18The young quartet navigates smoke rings, alligators and the stormy fluctuations of the 18th century.
84. 84 84. Tegan And Sara2016-11-21The Canadian pop duo crafts acoustic versions of pop anthems like "Closer and "Boyfriend."
85. 85 85. Margo Price2016-11-28On the morning after Election Day, Price sang three cathartic country songs loaded with new meaning.
86. 86 86. Pinegrove2016-12-02Watch the New Jersey band squeeze four songs into a scrappy, warmhearted 13-minute set.
87. 87 87. Ro James2016-12-05The R&B singer performs three funky, sexy, stripped-down songs from his debut album, Eldorado.
88. 88 88. Alsarah & The Nubatones2016-12-09In the band's hands, East African music comes alive in a mix of tradition and contemporary sounds.
89. 89 89. Gucci Mane2016-12-12The rapper has spent the year on an extended victory tour. Here are the spoils.
90. 90 90. Derek Gripper2016-12-16The classically trained guitarist performs songs originally written for the kora.
91. 91 91. The Oh Hellos2016-12-19The nine-piece band returns to the Tiny Desk to fill the air with fake snow and real joy.