Alice Smith: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jan. 31, 2018 | Abby O'Neill -- Alice Smith is umami for the ears. From the opening licks of her Tiny Desk set, the eclectic singer-songwriter turned NPR's spacious D.C. headquarters into a Harlem speakeasy.
For those not familiar, Smith made a big splash among true-school heads in 2006 with the release of her debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers, and Friends. That record, whose title is a play on "The Rainbow Connection," brimmed with an arcane magic, and it created a legion of lifelong fans.
Smith's live performances usually highlight songs from For Lovers, Dreamers, and Friends, her 2013 album, She, and her repertoire of cover songs. But for her Tiny Desk performance, Smith gifted us with three stunning song premieres that left the room entirely in her thrall.
The first song, "Mystery," feels like walking into the home of that friend of yours who is clearly more worldly than you, where there's always a cool breeze, no matter the season.
The second song, which is so new that it doesn't have a title, exudes the liminal uneasiness of being out of tune with yourself. The wisdom of the song draws from the notion that the top of Maslow's pyramid is found within.
The closing "Something" is an undulating soul search that attacks and recedes like a cloudy beach morning. Smith was unabashedly in her pocket here, alternating between falsetto, tremolo and touches of jazz. This dash of Broadway at an office cubicle is what makes the Tiny Desk series so special.
SET LIST
"Mystery"
"Untitled"
"Something"
MUSICIANS
Alice Smith, Chauncey Matthews and Kristin Brooks, Dennis Hamm, Greg Clark
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Bronson Arcuri, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, James Willetts; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Tsering Bista; Production Assistant: Jenna Li; Photo: Liam James Doyle/NPR
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[@radak14]

Her voice is beyond magical. What a treasure!

[@deshagreely4238]

Why have I just found you Alice, where is Alice and where has she been all my life 🖤🎼🎵🎶

[@McCargo2]

Dang, she is talented! Love love

[@shantellbrown8419]

I said the same thing. I just discovered her a month ago and I am into music hard. I said how did she get past me? lol

[@delvesdg]

For Lovers, Dreamers & Me' is a classic.

[@ashr451]

So glad Alice is getting well deserved attention. She’s highly under appreciated.

[@tinahendrix849]

ashr451 So am I!!! She’s so underrated & her music is so needed.

[@shelbystackhouse5662]

Frfr for years !

[@c.carter3654]

I feel like just appreciate and elevate her. Speaking on how “underrated” she is doesn’t really help her in any way. It only hurts.

[@lauren1978]

I was just googling to see if Alice has any shows coming up, as I do every so often, and I noticed that today is her birthday. Happy birthday Alice!!!

[@matissta]

Alice Smith. The vocalist we've been waiting for. You've got more fans than you know. Do it, girl!

[@Sok12111]

this girl so slept on

[@djtaitai]

Her smile brought me here. Her voice kept me here.

[@WesAshworth]

This is the Tiny Desk I've been waiting on! I'm a Superfan of Alice's.

[@Dopenessofme]

That last song has me sitting in my work sitting Indian style hands tightly clasped together, eyes closed swaying side to side with a lump in my throat#HauntinglyBeautiful😔😍💞

[@victor1827]

1st time listening: Hmm, this is a bit weird 2nd time: Wait, it's pretty good actually 3rd time: Forget what I said, this is amazing !

[@marleyjake]

If you like this, there's more high-class pro video of the incomparable Alice from BET here: twitter.com/bet/status/924646... (Spell on You) and here: www.bet.com/topics/a/alice-sm... or here: www.bet.com/video/bet-experie... (She!) and none of these is viewable on YT. On KZbin almost everything of her is just as you describe her. Try searching for Alice Smith Fire NYC, Alice Smith extplay, Alice Smith Glory, Alice Smith Arroyo Seco . . . . You've hit the jackpot.

[@soultrustrecords9961]

perfectly put

[@Newsystem10]

The process you've just described usually ends with the best results. Sometimes music I like straight away I get bored with quite quickly. Music that you have to work on, get to know or understand can stay with you for a lifetime despite not appreciating it's value with the first few listens. 😁

[@abababababa]

Alice Smith is plainly magnificent. As mentioned in a previous, strangely disappeared comment, if she seems to miss and flatten a note or two here, her opening phrasings, and various others throughout, are a descant to her underlying and implicit melody. In her own incomparably expressive style, but in common with the respectively unique styles of the singing and playing of other original artists like Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Abbey Lincoln, Richard Thompson, Archie Shepp and more, Alice alternates conventional melody with both descant and discord to evoke and provoke the emotional and conceptual sense of what she sings and writes about. She doesn't appeal to convention and she doesn't pander to it either. She doesn't do nursery rhymes, and brother, she won't sell out regardless of what anyone will or won't buy. The sense in her descants of being flat, out of tune or discordant is intentional; she often sings about the disjunction (discord) between hopes and wishes versus lumpen mundane perversity - or life and love gone wrong. Her discord at 0:38 is intentional for this reason and she intentionally does it every time she sings that song. Jingle bells, she doesn't do.

[@WoodlandT]

She bends notes & chooses unexpected phrasing very intentionally! Sarah Vaughn & Jill Scott come to mind in that sense.

[@nuthineatholl6434]

Goddamn it, nix already on mentioning the "lumpen mundane perversity," willya?! Next thing you know *everyone* will want some -- and bang! there goes the frisson of delusional exclusivity that sustains we, the naughty and haughty people just lookin' for kicks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaSyp6GiebSUb80

[@reneeharrison3918]

That intentional seemingly singing out of tune is haunting, enchanting & alluring...u wonder if she can do it again😄

[@wblackwell2502]

Lovely isn’t it

[@jimlawton4184]

Beautiful! Props to the keyboardist for playing the piano and keyboard simultaneously!

[@ddoles226]

hell yea, nice catch!!

[@pebbles1340]

Jim... RIGHT!!

[@DazzaDirect]

he is also the keyboardist for Thundercat , his name is Dennis Hamm

[@WoodlandT]

One of my favorite singers ever

[@reggaesoulsis7848]

“Perfectly imperfect” is how I would describe Alice Smiths style. I enjoyed every moment of this tiny desk performance. The Band threw down, the Backup singers did just that “backed up Alice without ever overstepping her” and of course Alice was simply “Alice “ in all her Glory!! . Loved Loved Loved it. Keep it coming Alice. Ms Smith if you Nasty❤️

[@dsm091]

Her Sinnerman version is just simply amazing. Love Craft Country brought me to her.

[@jansport0409]

She is so amazing! so much feeling, totally underrated artist. We need more like her. Enough people singing in tune out there

[@rogarciascetti]

Tiny Desk never fails to show me gems I've been missing. Alice you have a new lover, and i´m going to get more.

[@ShugAveri]

seen her in Philly a couple years ago. she forgot a couple words then too but i love her voice. Love Endeavor is my favorite song of hers!

[@mahoganyhorizons]

Wait, who are the 60 that gave this a thumbs down, that is insane! This video gave me life, I didn't realize it was up on KZbin or I would have commented on it long ago. There is no one like Alice right now, she is a phenom unlike any I have witnessed and my love for her grows with each show and recording!

[@carpentrydesigndovetail4219]

incredible- mystery blew me away... havn't been struck by a voice and a song like that in years. thanks alice

[@greeksalad4783]

Alice Smith's voice is so sublime, and ethereal. Such a lovely voice! Thank you so much for uploading this video!

[@michellemaupin1645]

I need all of her music. NOW!! Why isn’t she super famous?!? Wow.

[@ashap.2740]

New music from Alice!!! so.excited.

[@abababababa]

Frankeee! As noted earlier in a comment that inexplicably disappeared, the missing credit is for the impeccably empathic bass of the fabulous and faithful Frank Carreno. Kristin Brooks' upper register at 9:59 is ethereal. She and Chauncey Matthews together are especially delightful here (8:33). Greg Clark's drumming is the soul of discretion. The boy Hamm plainly has more up his sleeve than just his arm. Alice is always incomparable.

[@briekag]

Oh my word! What a tease this is. The second song was good. The last song has me speechless. I know she only does a handful of concerts in a handful of venues, dates please (give the people what they want)!

[@happyfrancis]

God, finally a girl singer that doesn't sing in a breathy baby voice. She's awesome.

[@dahmeneekah]

happyfrancis lol... I totally understand this comment

[@gigglyfitzgirl]

💀

[@mrtonywilliams6312]

@@dahmeneekah that last song was captivating

[@pputnam100]

Ohh my god, thank you for expressing what I'm always thinking listening to today's young female singers. Drives me nuts, I'm thinking, whaddya 12 years old?! And the killer is that many of them will be very talented, it just seems to be the style of vocals. When she came here, with her vocal line against those chords, I thought, ohh cool...!!

[@EricaMTyson]

I’d love if we could appreciate one singer with no shade to any others, you know what I mean? It’s like when someone compliments me with a subtle criticism to my gender 😬

[@NWatts-yj6rx]

Looooovvveee Alice and have a goosebump experience every time I see her live. Peculiar observation: her hometown audience, DC, does not "get into" her performance like NYC audiences. Too dignified, maybe? I have seen her multiple times in NYC, and the energy of the crowd is infectious and takes her performance to another level without "asking" her to wow them while she does anyway. DC sits back to be entertained like, "Whatcha got? Prove it to me".

[@missesmandarin9990]

Its a cultural thing, DC is more into funk, soul, jazz, R&B, NY crowds are more open to whatever, nothing wrong with either, i could understand they DC see her as boring or weird, she jumps around a lot

[@Badraebrad1992]

She’s been around for a while I Love her

[@mikig6921]

I sooooooooo love this woman. She's amazing.

[@julianlove9393]

Lovely as always! This woman is simply adorable and just gorgeous! Can't wait to see he live in person!!

[@thatbmorechickfoodiecookin500]

My only complant, which is really more of a want, is this should have been longer. Over way too fast. Love Tiny Desks. Love Alice. 1 of the few rare, non-cookie cutter, (and GENUINELY TALENTED), artists that's not afraid to just be herself AND NOT LOOK OR SOUND LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, and willing to show her feelings giving us a glimpse of her whimsical eccentric (and very real) personality via her music + live performances. This is a grown woman whose worked the dives & gigs for a while before getting any type of mainstream recognition singing grown music with thoughtful lyrics coming from life experience.

[@lesliereese3176]

Alice Smith - I've been waiting so long for some new music!!!! Thank you Tiny Desk❣️

[@chickenandcheese23]

ITS. ABOUT. DAMN. TIME! This woman is honey on my soul. Love her voice and her talent. She should be so huge! Keep Going Alice. Also, if you want to hear supreme vocals hear her version of "I Put a Spell On You." Oh dear God she's amazing!

[@anngee456]

Yes!

[@wolfmoonreadings1197]

OMG her rendition of that will haunt you

[@davidcooper6735]

Ain’t nothing you said a lie. The first song I heard her sing was Martha and I was hooked. There is such a refreshing and exhilarating sound that comes from her singing. And I love when she digs in because it grabs your soul.

[@vahyoung7588]

Ouuuu honey on my soul....love it and very fitting.

[@littab.7970]

Can someone tell me what's the name of the second song please 🙏🏼 I love her❤

[@alimichelle7068]

Just perfection!!!! Watched this countless time. Alice!!!♡♡♡♡ background vocals! Keys!!! Bass man and drummer are so so tasty!! THANK YOU!

[@jaemez3247]

My god. What a blessing her voice is to us.

[@msmagalie12]

The first time I listened to her, I didn't get her but then I saw her live last night (in Boston) and she was amazing! I'm glad I went. She claimed her voice was not in good shape. She could've fooled me. She sounded AMAZING!

[@TheDellaniOakes]

The blend of voices, particularly on the second song, is spectacular!

[@jasyngreen86]

That Untitled song is straight fire. And they were all defiantly feeling it.

[@ta5393]

I love the way it's arranged musically. It's different and definitely not the norm you'd hear on the radio. Everything sounds similar or processed there. ♥ artists who experiment with their musical sounds and patterns. ☺

[@NWatts-yj6rx]

YES, but it’s not on the new album 😢

[@hot2maly2582]

@@NWatts-yj6rx it should've been on the album

[@TheOriginalBossbabe]

Been a fan of hers since she sang the cover of Ceelo Greens I’m a fool over 4 years ago on BET black girls Rock. She did not disappoint

[@LonnieBhi]

Alice is a treasure. She sings deep from her gut, probably her best strength. Love her live sessions.

[@ericadaboss4915]

She gives me like old school soul I'm happy I found her

[@xaviermack1449]

I just discovered Alice, I'ma a fan now

[@TodayITeach]

🎶O. M. G. My heart is overwhelmed. What beautiful voices.🎶

[@sbingham1979]

Wow. I have never heard of this woman: her voice is superb. Harmony coming from the 3 singers together is excellent. Musicians excellent. Original & full of heart. I will be seeking her album.

[@DazzaDirect]

King of Stan's i serve for Alice

[@naig2956]

Love love ❤ her voice sooo much 🥰 Been a fan since the first album

[@victorh.l.h.3138]

Alice Smith! I love it! Also my dude Dennis Hamm killing it on the keys. He plays with Thundercat too!

[@AchsoTochter]

Her album is out folks. Get your fix.

[@manzanillita]

yes yes yessss so happy she got to grace tiny desk with her music and beauty

[@mw7882]

I love this song. I cannot wait to hear a clear version of the song. She sang this so beautifully in concert.❤️

[@michellegrant9170]

💝Absolutely Love this Queen! Alice rocks 👸🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Djangolulu]

That's the keyboardist that plays in Thundercat's band.

[@yoavhi94]

Saw him playing with Knower too. Dude gets around

[@FlasKamel]

Tony hawk?

[@nf4692]

yup! dennis hamm

[@tyricehester8443]

First time ever listening to her. Her music/intro makes me feel pure

[@amytrigoura9797]

One of my favorite singers, favorite voices, and music style. 💯

[@TheGreatBlackBird]

The person who wrote the description clearly enjoyed this performance. Me too.

[@agator9419]

❤️ she is awesome

[@ChefNaiCook]

I love 💗 Alice Smith , been waiting for this Tiny Desk for months I’m not disappointed can’t wait for the new album ! If y’all are new to Alice please do me a favor, and put in Alice Smith Lincoln Center in the search, I was there and it’s one of my favorite live performances of hers I listen to them all often and I’ve been to about 8 shows ,her voice is absolutely magic !Also her covers of Lover You Should Have Come Over stellar performance ,House of the Rising Sun , Dreams by Fleetwood Mac 🙌🏾 ,check out her music videos too Fool For You , Easy (which is so artfully done ) and Satellites with Citizen Cope your welcome✌🏾!

[@tinahendrix849]

Nai amall Let them know sis!!

[@ChefNaiCook]

Clive Christian listen to the other performances I’ve suggested 🙏🏾

[@arielguidry4678]

#TRUTH

[@taylor6109]

I just discovered this amazing singer, was introduced by a segment on black lightning now I am hooked!

[@charlesbullock4366]

She's a breath of fresh air 💨🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@iamnatashaandyouare6186]

Omg I have loved her so long ❤❤❤❤I am in constant awe of her voice. New or old tune, her voice is so authentic and just truly special. Would LOVE, to see her live🙌❤

[@Caprice2671]

Not sure how I missed this! Her virtual concerts were one of the few blessings I experienced during the pandemic.

[@aminahclayrine]

I had only heard a couple of songs by Alice. I have been watching Lovecraft country and she sings "sinner man" while the credits roll. ngl when she first started singing here, I wasn't sure how it would be for me. But by the last song, I was brought to tears! She is beautiful, quirky, and now im gonna go listen to all of her albums

[@INVADERDZ]

My Life is about waiting for news of Alice. Grabbing any pieces of her voice.

[@sweetemme2949]

Can't wait for her next album. She has a magical voice. I look forward to seeing her at NYCSummerStage this month. Her voice is the embodiment of a goddess.

[@Moochy010]

Still listening in 2020. "Something" was THEE song of the entire performance!

[@mariafriedman894]

Still listening to this in 2020... and her album she just released is 🔥🌹

[@MrFantombeetz]

Beautiful

[@jbecknc]

She never fails. So talented. Check out her Afropunk performance.

[@iwantrevengex]

Is there a studio version of "Something"? Loved this version but wanna have it forever.... Beautiful song... *** UPDATE: They do have it in Spotify now

[@DarbyAlleighaSite]

Oh how I've missed you my love.

[@gregc7699]

Love these Tiny Desk concerts wish they were longer

[@rodkaylahoward7099]

I love love love her music!

[@HealingThroughInspiration]

She’s so powerful and it showcases when she sings

[@JakeSHarter]

Abby O'Neill has one hell of a writing style in those descriptions.

[@kymberlimoor5274]

When she sings Something, i just go somewhere else... theres magic in her voice

[@NotStanleyTucci]

Love her and this set.

[@bzrwon]

I can remember exactly where I was at and what I was doing the first time I heard her voice.

[@shawng5818]

Omg I love you Alice, everyone was amazing 😍😍😍

[@refilwe3133]

I'd sell my two kidneys to see you perform live!!!

[@vanitysmirror]

I've seen her. She's amazing. Her voice is even better in person.

[@thehand1358]

Sweet vocals!!! Beautiful lead and gorgeous, impeccable harmonies

[@zekec6088]

when Alice sings "two lips against two lips more" I feel that

[@NinManoush]

Why the second song never reached any album? It's a masterpiece!

[@ta5393]

Yes!!! I love the second song too!!

[@matheustuxen]

@NPR The debut album is called "For Lovers, Dreamers and ME***" (there's no "friends")

[@muriloschurtalves5409]

Matheus Tuxen YES!!!!!!!

[@fancyfingerwork]

I haven't even watched it yet. But because it's Alice Smith I know it's going to be GOLD

[@projectlovecoalition]

Awesome!! So lovely

[@stoneyj85]

Alice Smith is most definitely underrated!!!

[@HeroExceeds]

Love love love Alice Smith!!!

[@amunetbahiti9084]

Yesssssss 🙌🏽 I found her performance 😻 and I loved it 👌🏽

[@jessiewhiley1490]

THHHHHIIIICCCCCCCKKKKKKK

[@rodneystith5189]

fresh, great musicians and singers

[@bplus23able]

Waybefore a HER there was/is and SHE (album) glad to see AliceSmith still being herself with the abstract creativity she brings to music(.)

[@niadeyounge221]

LOVE Alice Smith!!! First album was For Lovers, Dreamers & Me, not Friends... Alice, you're wonderful! Looking forward to seeing you live again 😁😁😁

[@wintersolstice5147]

I love her so much

[@Deellyton]

Yes! Alice! This made my evening.

[@spett9023]

Beautiful all the way around.

[@BLOWUPparty]

Maravilhosa!!!

[@BlackXSunlight]

With her appearance on Black Lightning, we can hope she’s promoting for an upcoming album.

[@Aguacate_Urbano]

Citizen Cope brought me here. ELLA ES GRANDIOSA!!! ❤

[@moondog371]

alice smith.........think im in love ! ....wow so talented !!!

[@bdosacct8788]

I got the old album on import.. she is steller...and should do an eclectic duet with Rhianna... she's not singing flat...the key and the patterns she uses are irregular..The first time I was worried..listen 3rd time and I got it..we just used to too much processed sound, hence the duet with Riri..that would really be soulful, haunting and dark ....something like Sade new song..Think singers are changing..womens voices and style is evolving...