NPR Tiny Desk Concerts

Season 2016

91 episodes · Jan 5, 2016

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  • Rapsody
    S9E1

    Rapsody

    Jan 5, 2016

    Watch the rapper perform three songs from Beauty And The Beast live at the NPR Music offices.

    Reviews
  • Mariachi Flor De Toloache
    S9E2

    Mariachi Flor De Toloache

    Jan 8, 2016

    While on tour with The Arcs, the powerhouse mariachi band performs live in the NPR Music offices.

    Reviews
  • Natalie Merchant
    S9E3

    Natalie Merchant

    Jan 12, 2016

    The singer-songwriter gives a warmhearted performance of two new songs, an old favorite and a hymn.

    Reviews
  • Benny Sings
    S9E4

    Benny Sings

    Jan 15, 2016

    The Dutch singer layers R&B, jazz and pop over hip-hop beats in his first-ever U.S. appearance.

    Reviews
  • River Whyless
    S9E5

    River Whyless

    Jan 19, 2016

    The North Carolina band fills its rootsy music with unexpected instruments and clever ideas.

    Reviews
  • Wolf Alice
    S9E6

    Wolf Alice

    Jan 22, 2016

    The band's music can be noisy and primal, but at the Tiny Desk it showed a different side.

    Reviews
  • The Arcs
    S9E7

    The Arcs

    Jan 25, 2016

    It's our 500th show at the Tiny Desk, featuring The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and his new band.

    Reviews
  • EL VY
    S9E8

    EL VY

    Jan 29, 2016

    The National's Matt Berninger and Menomena's Brent Knopf team up in an intimate setting.

    Reviews
  • Car Seat Headrest
    S9E9

    Car Seat Headrest

    Feb 8, 2016

    Will Toledo is a wordsmith with a vision, as well as a DIY sound that's still finely crafted.

    Reviews
  • Chelsea Wolfe
    S9E10

    Chelsea Wolfe

    Feb 12, 2016

    Wolfe takes three songs from the metallic Abyss and makes them howl by their lonesome.

    Reviews
  • Ben Folds
    S9E11

    Ben Folds

    Feb 16, 2016

    Performing solo, Folds performs three songs from his new album and two old favorites.

    Reviews
  • Wilco
    S9E12

    Wilco

    Feb 23, 2016

    Bands don't typically get to play the Tiny Desk more than once, but Wilco is a natural exception.

    Reviews
  • Brushy One String
    S9E13

    Brushy One String

    Feb 27, 2016

    The word-of-mouth star's sound is made by one big fat E-string and a rich, powerful voice.

    Reviews
  • Lake Street Dive
    S9E14

    Lake Street Dive

    Feb 29, 2016

    Performed live at the Tiny Desk, the band's songs often tilt toward soul or rock danceably.

    Reviews
  • Monsieur Periné
    S9E15

    Monsieur Periné

    Mar 4, 2016

    The Colombian band channels an unlikely inspiration: 1920s-era, guitar-driven jazz from the U.S.

    Reviews
  • Julien Baker
    S9E16

    Julien Baker

    Mar 7, 2016

    The young Tennessee singer performs three of her spare, sad, simple songs at the NPR Music offices.

    Reviews
  • Gaelynn Lea
    S9E17

    Gaelynn Lea

    Mar 11, 2016

    Watch the singer and violinist who stood out from 6,000-plus entries in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest.

    Reviews
  • Graham Nash
    S9E18

    Graham Nash

    Mar 14, 2016

    In a short set that spans 50 years, the CSNY veteran's voice resonates and cuts to the core.

    Reviews
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
    S9E19

    Tedeschi Trucks Band

    Mar 25, 2016

    Singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks celebrate the blues, jazz and much more.

    Reviews
  • Anthony Hamilton
    S9E20

    Anthony Hamilton

    Mar 28, 2016

    Hear the soul star and his band perform "Amen," plus three songs that have defined his career.

    Reviews
  • Ane Brun
    S9E21

    Ane Brun

    Apr 1, 2016

    Watch Brun play three new songs, each of which speaks to newfound freedom and fresh opportunities.

    Reviews
  • PWR BTTM
    S9E22

    PWR BTTM

    Apr 4, 2016

    The duo has a keen sense of mischief and a gift for honest, punk-infused, tongue-in-cheek pop gems.

    Reviews
  • Mothers
    S9E23

    Mothers

    Apr 8, 2016

    Mothers' members chose a few of their slowest, most languid songs to perform in the NPR offices.

    Reviews
  • Palehound
    S9E24

    Palehound

    Apr 11, 2016

    Ellen Kempner and her band perform tense and evocative songs amid the silence of a rapt crowd.

    Reviews
  • Seratones
    S9E25

    Seratones

    Apr 15, 2016

    The Louisiana band takes gospel into the garage, and what comes out is fiery rock 'n' roll.

    Reviews
  • Benjamin Clementine
    S9E26

    Benjamin Clementine

    Apr 18, 2016

    There are intimate moments of revelation in Clementine's immersive, breathtaking performance.

    Reviews
  • Julia Holter
    S9E27

    Julia Holter

    Apr 22, 2016

    The most minute details become a grandiose spectacle in Holter's cosmic cabaret.

    Reviews
  • Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
    S9E28

    Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds

    Apr 25, 2016

    The band's punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and harmonica solos instantly demand attention.

    Reviews
  • Peter Frampton
    S9E29

    Peter Frampton

    Apr 27, 2016

    Frampton brought some classic songs to the Tiny Desk. We couldn't help but sing along.

    Reviews
  • Florist
    S9E30

    Florist

    Apr 29, 2016

    Emily Sprague performs three delicate songs with help from members of New York's Epoch collective.

    Reviews
  • Eighth Blackbird
    S9E31

    Eighth Blackbird

    May 2, 2016

    Watch the sextet perform new music by David Lang, Bryce Dessner and Robert Honstein.

    Reviews
  • Monika
    S9E32

    Monika

    May 6, 2016

    When you hear Monika, life feels good: The singer's performances and presence are simply winning.

    Reviews
  • Lara St. John
    S9E33

    Lara St. John

    May 9, 2016

    With her intrepid pianist in tow, the violinist performs rowdy tunes that will leave you breathless.

    Reviews
  • Daymé Arocena
    S9E34

    Daymé Arocena

    May 13, 2016

    Arocena's voice combines Aretha Franklin's soul and the sabor of Cuban music queen Celia Cruz.

    Reviews
  • Steve Kimock
    S9E35

    Steve Kimock

    May 16, 2016

    The veteran jam-rock guitarist's dedication to his instrument is matched only by his imagination.

    Reviews
  • Andy Shauf
    S9E36

    Andy Shauf

    May 20, 2016

    The Saskatchewan singer-songwriter performs three quietly affecting songs in the NPR Music offices.

    Reviews
  • Robert Ellis
    S9E37

    Robert Ellis

    May 23, 2016

    Ellis plays thoughtfully stripped-down arrangements from his ambitious country record.

    Reviews
  • Carrie Rodriguez
    S9E38

    Carrie Rodriguez

    May 27, 2016

    Watch the singer, guitarist and fiddler play three songs that reflect her many cultural influences.

    Reviews
  • Andrew Bird
    S9E39

    Andrew Bird

    May 31, 2016

    For this performance of three new songs, Bird comes with a stripped-down acoustic band.

    Reviews
  • Barry Douglas
    S9E40

    Barry Douglas

    Jun 3, 2016

    Watch the award-winning Irish pianist play traditional songs from the homeland.

    Reviews
  • Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop
    S9E41

    Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop

    Jun 6, 2016

    Iron & Wine's singer performs three songs with the charming, inventive singer Jesca Hoop.

    Reviews
  • Weaves
    S9E42

    Weaves

    Jun 10, 2016

    The band's music is playful and quirky — sometimes loud, sometimes gentle and always a trip.

    Reviews
  • Chick Corea & Gary Burton
    S9E43

    Chick Corea & Gary Burton

    Jun 13, 2016

    The two highly decorated jazz legends could barely fit their instruments behind the Tiny Desk.

    Reviews
  • Alessio Bax
    S9E44

    Alessio Bax

    Jun 17, 2016

    For Father's Day, watch the pianist play lullabies to his daughter, who nearly steals the show.

    Reviews
  • Brandy Clark
    S9E45

    Brandy Clark

    Jun 20, 2016

    The country singer-songwriter has a rare gift for making any room feel warmly human.

    Reviews
  • Mashrou' Leila
    S9E46

    Mashrou' Leila

    Jun 24, 2016

    A rock band from Beirut performs songs that mix hedonism and hyper-literate lyrics.

    Reviews
  • Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran
    S9E47

    Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran

    Jun 28, 2016

    The saxophonist and pianist play three tunes that draw from their past while looking to the future.

    Reviews
  • Adia Victoria
    S9E48

    Adia Victoria

    Jun 30, 2016

    Performing at the NPR Music offices, Adia Victoria's voice is powerful and direct, with no artifice.

    Reviews
  • Los Hacheros
    S9E49

    Los Hacheros

    Jul 5, 2016

    Los Hacheros' members tap into the deep groove of Afro-Caribbean music that inspires modern salsa.

    Reviews
  • Valley Queen
    S9E50

    Valley Queen

    Jul 8, 2016

    Valley Queen plays with nuance and depth, rooted in a California country sound.

    Reviews
  • Jane Bunnett
    S9E51

    Jane Bunnett

    Jul 12, 2016

    The Canadian jazz multi-instrumentalist performs with some of the top young women musicians in Cuba.

    Reviews
  • Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band
    S9E52

    Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band

    Jul 15, 2016

    There's a point when a jam is just a jam, but when a jam becomes a journey... man.

    Reviews
  • Gregory Porter
    S9E53

    Gregory Porter

    Jul 18, 2016

    Porter's music can be serious and heartwarming, but it never loses its sense of wonder and delight.

    Reviews
  • John Congleton And The Nighty Nite
    S9E54

    John Congleton And The Nighty Nite

    Jul 22, 2016

    The decorated producer seizes the spotlight with songs about how extraordinary it is to be ordinary.

    Reviews
  • Xenia Rubinos
    S9E55

    Xenia Rubinos

    Jul 25, 2016

    Rubinos uses her Afro-Caribbean roots as a jumping-off point for inventive, provocative songs.

    Reviews
  • Lucy Dacus
    S9E56

    Lucy Dacus

    Jul 29, 2016

    The Virginia musician writes songs that can be thoughtful, playful and powerful.

    Reviews
  • Kevin Morby
    S9E57

    Kevin Morby

    Aug 1, 2016

    The singer, known for Woods and The Babies, performs carefully crafted songs with powerful lyrics.

    Reviews
  • Rachel Barton Pine
    S9E58

    Rachel Barton Pine

    Aug 5, 2016

    Watch the genial violinist commune with nearly 300-year-old music for solo violin by J.S. Bach.

    Reviews
  • The Jayhawks
    S9E59

    The Jayhawks

    Aug 8, 2016

    The beloved band displays its signature country-tinged rock and close harmonies in four new songs.

    Reviews
  • René Marie
    S9E60

    René Marie

    Aug 12, 2016

    Joined by her Experiment In Truth band, the jazz singer performs songs from Sound Of Red.

    Reviews
  • Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
    S9E61

    Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

    Aug 15, 2016

    Watch the invigorating, genre-busting bandleader, drummer, singer and rapper perform four songs.

    Reviews
  • Eddie Palmieri
    S9E62

    Eddie Palmieri

    Aug 19, 2016

    An icon for modern and Latin jazz, the veteran performer continues to break tradition and innovate.

    Reviews
  • Margaret Glaspy
    S9E63

    Margaret Glaspy

    Aug 22, 2016

    No overplaying, no frills, just great music and an artist who sounds thrilled to be playing it.

    Reviews
  • Nina Diaz
    S9E64

    Nina Diaz

    Aug 26, 2016

    As a solo artist on leave from Girl In A Coma, the singer finds new ways to sound ferocious.

    Reviews
  • Big Thief
    S9E65

    Big Thief

    Aug 29, 201610m

    The band's songs exude muscular warmth, with lyrics that are both memorable and meaningful.

    Reviews
  • William Bell
    S9E66

    William Bell

    Sep 7, 2016

    The 77-year-old blues and soul hitmaker returns to the spotlight with the aid of a 12-piece band.

    Reviews
  • The Secret Sisters
    S9E67

    The Secret Sisters

    Sep 12, 2016

    The Alabama sibling duo's music can be hymn-like: plain but powerful, heartsick and hopeful.

    Reviews
  • Saul Williams
    S9E68

    Saul Williams

    Sep 16, 2016

    You can feel the singer and poet's passion in every sharp, thoughtful, powerful, provocative word.

    Reviews
  • Corinne Bailey Rae
    S9E69

    Corinne Bailey Rae

    Sep 19, 2016

    The genre-defying English singer-songwriter performs material from her first album in six years.

    Reviews
  • Blue Man Group
    S9E70

    Blue Man Group

    Sep 26, 2016

    The world-famous entertainers retrofitted their instruments and confetti cannons to fit the desk.

    Reviews
  • Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk
    S9E71

    Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk

    Sep 30, 2016

    Two A-list classical artists work up a sweat as they revel in the turbulent, tender music of Brahms.

    Reviews
  • Common At The White House
    S9E72

    Common At The White House

    Oct 4, 2016

    The veteran rapper fronts an all-star band at the White House.

    Reviews
  • Haley Bonar
    S9E73

    Haley Bonar

    Oct 11, 2016

    The Minnesota singer-songwriter achieves a nifty balance of intimacy and impeccable polish.

    Reviews
  • RDGLDGRN
    S9E74

    RDGLDGRN

    Oct 14, 2016

    A striking mix of rock, hip-hop, funk, go-go and Brazilian sounds, fused with energy and humor.

    Reviews
  • Billy Bragg & Joe Henry
    S9E75

    Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

    Oct 17, 2016

    The two songwriters celebrate the romance and vitality of the modern railroad.

    Reviews
  • Blind Pilot
    S9E76

    Blind Pilot

    Oct 21, 2016

    The folk-pop band performs four songs from its shimmery new album, And Then Like Lions.

    Reviews
  • Drive-By Truckers
    S9E77

    Drive-By Truckers

    Oct 24, 2016

    The long-running rock band holds a mirror to the hard realities of America right now.

    Reviews
  • Joseph
    S9E78

    Joseph

    Oct 28, 2016

    The trio strips anthemic songs down to the essentials: just sisterly harmonies and acoustic guitar.

    Reviews
  • The Westerlies
    S9E79

    The Westerlies

    Nov 2, 2016

    The self-described "accidental brass quartet" swims comfortably in jazz, classical and pop music.

    Reviews
  • Ta-ku & Wafia
    S9E80

    Ta-ku & Wafia

    Nov 7, 2016

    The two Australians' chemistry is apparent the instant you hear their voices intertwined in song.

    Reviews
  • Adam Torres
    S9E81

    Adam Torres

    Nov 11, 2016

    The Austin singer-songwriter showcases his high, lonesome voice and atmospheric storytelling.

    Reviews
  • John Paul White
    S9E82

    John Paul White

    Nov 14, 2016

    Formerly half of The Civil Wars, White returns to perform three songs from his solo debut, Beulah.

    Reviews
  • Attacca Quartet
    S9E83

    Attacca Quartet

    Nov 18, 2016

    The young quartet navigates smoke rings, alligators and the stormy fluctuations of the 18th century.

    Reviews
  • Tegan And Sara
    S9E84

    Tegan And Sara

    Nov 21, 2016

    The Canadian pop duo crafts acoustic versions of pop anthems like "Closer and "Boyfriend."

    Reviews
  • Margo Price
    S9E85

    Margo Price

    Nov 28, 2016

    On the morning after Election Day, Price sang three cathartic country songs loaded with new meaning.

    Reviews
  • Pinegrove
    S9E86

    Pinegrove

    Dec 2, 2016

    Watch the New Jersey band squeeze four songs into a scrappy, warmhearted 13-minute set.

    Reviews
  • Ro James
    S9E87

    Ro James

    Dec 5, 2016

    The R&B singer performs three funky, sexy, stripped-down songs from his debut album, Eldorado.

    Reviews
  • Alsarah & The Nubatones
    S9E88

    Alsarah & The Nubatones

    Dec 9, 2016

    In the band's hands, East African music comes alive in a mix of tradition and contemporary sounds.

    Reviews
  • Gucci Mane
    S9E89

    Gucci Mane

    Dec 12, 2016

    The rapper has spent the year on an extended victory tour. Here are the spoils.

    Reviews
  • Derek Gripper
    S9E90

    Derek Gripper

    Dec 16, 2016

    The classically trained guitarist performs songs originally written for the kora.

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  • The Oh Hellos
    S9E91

    The Oh Hellos

    Dec 19, 2016

    The nine-piece band returns to the Tiny Desk to fill the air with fake snow and real joy.

    Reviews