My 11 Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts

I have been a huge fan of the Tiny Desk Concerts since it was a podcast that I downloaded back in 2009. NPR Music has introduced me to some of my favorite bands over the years. It's unbelievable the amount of talent they have crammed behind that desk.

This is the second year of the Tiny Desk Contest where NPR picks a winning video submission from an unsigned artist to come to their office and play their own Tiny Desk Concert. After filming my submission, I began watching the other videos on their site and I felt so thrilled that NPR gives such a great opportunity to local musicians.  This got me feeling nostalgic about some of my favorite concerts (old and new) behind the desk and I wanted to share some of my favorites.

​Here they are in no particular order.

Leon Bridges - 9.8.15

Leon Bridges sings soul. And oh my does he do it well. With a voice beyond his years over a smooth saxophone he could swoon even the most jaded listener. You can tell from the cheer when he finishes his first song that this was a concert no one in the NPR offices wanted to miss.  The comparisons to Sam Cooke are endless and completely justified.

Chris Thile and Michael Daves - 7.13.11

Chris Thile is the Tiny Desk all-star. He has done so many Tiny Desk Concerts with so many different groups. All of them are amazing but his concert with Michael Daves is still my favorite. This was my introduction to a non-Nickel Creek Chris Thile and it was the beginning of my obsession. Chris and Michael are both so talented and they have such great musical chemistry. “When was the last time you’ve traveled this light?” Bob Boilen asks them between songs. “I’ve never traveled this light,” Thile replies. They have two guitars, a mandolin and a microphone. It’s tough to pull this off but they totally do.

The Wild Reeds - 11.20.15

The Wild Reeds did not win last year’s Tiny Desk Contest but NPR liked their submission so much that they came in for a concert anyways. I am so glad they did because I CANNOT STOP playing this band. They sing gritty Americana songs in perfect harmony (and I do mean perfect harmony-my god can they sing) over clever arrangements and their songs will stay in your head all day.

horse feathers - 5.8.09

This one really takes me back. I watched this video over and over again when it came out. This is not legato strings fleshing out a simple strummed guitar part. This is dynamic guitar playing with interplaying strings that add vibrance and movement to the arrangements. If that isn’t enough they also utilize foot percussion and this was one of the first times I had ever seen someone play a saw as an instrument. They have since added a banjo player and more foot percussion and have only gotten better with time.

Lianne la Havas - 10.2.15

Who sings like this?! Lianne La Havas. Her voice has such raw power: she switches octaves easily and doesn't seem to know how to sing a wrong note. She's got a barebones backing band but the arrangements are perfectly curated to the space. With a voice like that she could totally get away with singing without an instrument but Lianne La Havas is not content to just stand and sing. Nor is she comfortable strumming idly. Her guitar playing is thoughtful, intricate and adds much to the experience.

diane coffee - 11.2.15

Who knew that Shaun Fleming, the drummer of Foxygen, had such a dynamic front man within waiting to get out. When I first heard Diane Coffee’s second album Everybody’s A Good Dog I had tremendous respect for the songwriting but I wondered how the songs would translate to live performance. *Spoiler alert* the performances are even better than the album. Putting a band of this size and complexity in an office and watching them deliver has convinced me that they could perform anywhere and it would be magical. Just please watch these complex songs come to heartbreaking fruition.

The Low Anthem - 1.20.10

The Low Anthem are a perfect fit for this space. They are an Americana band like I've never seen before. Where else can you hear a clever song about cabin fever sung between clarinet/baritone arrangements? I particularly enjoy the stunning major 7th clash between Ben Knox Miller’s voice and Florence Wallis’ clarinet at the end of the phrase “Don’t forget to comb your hair” on This God Damn House. This is a thoughtful arrangement that culminates with a whistled outro over cell phone feedback. Where else can you hear that?!

Lucius - 1.7.13

Lucius is a five piece band that uses each member to their full potential. Percussion and lots of it. Lead singers who harmonize perfectly. Songs that make dynamic switches keeping you at the edge of your seat. They perform songs about heartbreak that are so perfect it would be a crime to listen at anything other than full volume.

Paolo Angeli - 10.19.15

Paolo Angeli spent 12 years developing this instrument. I don’t really know how to describe the experience. Just watch this and you won’t regret it.

patrick watson - 5.31.12

I had the privilege of seeing Patrick Watson live once. It was amazing. So many lights and designs swirling while the  band kept the songs constantly flowing. Strip away the theatrics and put them in an office and what do you get? Still an amazing show. Watson’s infectious smile and gravelly high voice of a honky tonk angel fit perfectly over the complex arrangements to craft an amazing sound. 

Laura Marling - 7.12.12

Meet the queen of the sultry alto. Laura Marling is Joni Mitchell turned down two octaves. Her free-flowing, ever-changing songs keep the listener in rapt attention. Watch her fingers jump across the guitar neck, following her vocal melodies, and you know that you are hearing something special.