Bahamas :: Full Liveset Session from SXSW

Bahamas is the solo project of Toronto-based guitarist Afie Jurvanen who has shared the stage with both Wilco and Feist. Jurvanen's stripped-down and contemplative sound focuses mainly on his voice and guitar - including quiet, indie folk meditations. Bahamas latest record, Barchords, was released through Brushfire Records -- a labeled started by Jack Johnson.
In this session Afie and his group of talented singers (Carleigh Aikins and Felicity Williams) and lone maracas player (Jason Tait) demonstrate why they were named by SPIN and The New York Times one of the highlights of SXSW 2012.
Please follow us for updates @liveset, or subscribe to our channel.
Produced by Ben Lavender, Rachel Puckett and Ross Hinkle for Liveset.
Audio recorded and mixed by Fifth Street Studios.
Shot by Hunter Holder.
Edited and graded by Ross Hinkle.
Special thanks to Bahamas and their team.

[@jquinlan94]

9 years later and this is still one of my favorite live recordings

[@maxpower6706]

Just hearing this and boy oh boy. I was tearing up first time I heard it.

[@macdaddypjr2]

Always

[@brandonreyes9879]

10 years*

[@pereztube2]

the early 2010's went hard for this kind of music.

[@szh2352]

Same! Every 3 months I find myself here 😊

[@paulmahoney6175]

After ten years of watching this set countless times. The talent is next level in Afie, crisp and incredibly talented guitarist. Vocals and lyrics like John prine. The harmonics of carleigh aikins and felicity williams is so on point. Incredible!

[@InGuyFawkesWeTrust1605]

shame the 2 girls didnt carry on together, they complimented each other perfectly. i've not enjoyed more recent bahamas, this set is perfect

[@camham650]

He's so nonchalantly good at the guitar

[@madisonshepard7947]

That is exactly what he is, yes. You sir, are spot on.

[@quagmillious9627]

+Cameron Worsham Lol so true. The fact he can sing and play that at the same time is very impressive.

[@riseagan]

he's more than just good.

[@Greg-oi7ck]

Always thought this, the guy just kills the guitar while being focused on the music as a whole. Comes so naturally to him.

[@jamessullivan1830]

I agree he's talented, but he has undoubtedly put many thousands of hours of playing in to get to that level.

[@MrTbailey91]

backing vocals are mint

[@innertortoise92]

Already Yours 1:34 Lost in the light - 4:25 Caught me Thinking - 8:18 I Got You Babe - 12:32 All Apologies - 15:53 Hockey teeth - 18:17 Never Again - 21:03 Tenth Avenue Freeze-out - 25:50

[@jakedeboer2495]

+Alice Shen nice

[@amylr3683]

+Alice Shen : and Your Sweet Touch 29:04

[@ChrisMabryTV]

+Alice Shen You can't forget Chattahoochee 0:16

[@aedleathers]

Thanks!

[@horridblade]

Thank you!

[@tropicdoug]

Lowered my blood pressure

[@pizzolip]

Its hard to believe that human beings can create such heavenly music.

[@lesterdiamond6190]

I must have listened to "lost in the light" a dozen times today. Can't get enough of those backing vocals. So clear!

[@hotblooded83]

dude I hear ya, amazing, I actually keep coming back to this whole video haha...seriously good music!

[@chrisbowman5910]

Lots of people talking about the backing vocals, but the guitar playing is superb.

[@fozzgretsch]

This is actually incredible beautiful music. Tried listening to the studio versions of these songs but like this, Raw and stripped back is so much better. Backing vocals are actually perfect and he's such a nimble little player. Listened to this so many times

[@A_Dirrty_Bird]

You say "actually" as if it's a surprise. Afie is great. I liked their live sound first too, the studio stuff grew on me. The new albums are great too.

[@mojoNixon61]

​@@A_Dirrty_Bird Afie's great. Amazing. But those girls... those girls...

[@Toadinohio]

Live is what initially drew me in, but the studio versions really grow on you and show a different kind of beauty. Long live Afie.

[@ProfessorKA0S]

This band deserves so much more attention then they are getting...

[@Arithmetic00]

I'm back here in February 2022. One of the best live sets on KZbin. Not even a huge fan of Bahamas in general, but this is superb.

[@matthewegbert]

This is such a magical internet gem. I love their laughing and smiling happiness throughout

[@rippledrop9966]

i know this is from 2012`ish, but damn this makes my heart popp 2022! His voice is like Neil Young with a vintage Bob Dylan and willy Nelson, awesome! And the backup choirs rockin it!

[@ShylohKorynn34]

14:48, the singing in-sync with the guitar just gets me.

[@nicholasrubianes5368]

Oh my god, 'Chattahouche" is phenomenal!

[@chrisbowman5910]

So good. Cant stop listening to it.

[@mergenocide]

Was not expecting him to belt that out, was a favorite growing up, pleasant suprise.

[@aburrimiento2]

They played in my town a while back and I didn't know who they were so I didn't go. It was a free show. I hate my stupid life.

[@danielj8630]

Manuel Igartua - Been there, done that, we know better for next time. Love life tho...

[@TheArtofBlues]

Its not that stupid, you are here amongst friends.

[@hklinker]

They played in my town tonight, for free. Not only did I have no idea who they were, I also had no idea there was music of any kind at the outdoor venue where they were playing. But I found my way there, and here. They were very good.

[@anthonymartin874]

I have just recently got into Bahamas. This set is just beautiful. It touches my soul and lifts my spirit. I'm so hopeful for your success. This set is an instant classic masterpiece. Thank you

[@TimDuggan]

this guy CAN PLAY. Amazing talent from all

[@fireman00742]

I’m floored. I can’t stop listening.

[@Shocking603]

Anyone here in 2024 😂 loving this!!

[@murraycrawford2741]

I've come back to listen again to this video after several months or perhaps a year or more. It's even better than I remember. This is some amazing sound and harmony Bahamas and ladies!

[@Greg-oi7ck]

always find my way back to this.. never gets old. seen these guys live last september, so good.

[@StrWrsMissStressS666]

To be honest...Leon bridges brought me here!! This is part of his “favorites” on KZbin. I’m so glad I took this journey through his favorites. Def a new favorite for me!! ❤️

[@dallasonfire604]

Leon Bridges and Bahamas are two of my favorites!!

[@noahj347]

Lost in the light gets me every time

[@benrailwayrobey]

Just pure brilliance, Alfie is incredible, and to add the cherry on top Carleigh & Felicity just take Harmony to another level....

[@mojoNixon61]

They bring tears to my eyes every. fucking. time. I don't think people who haven't sung realize how rare it is to find someone who blends so GD perfectly *and* hits the center of every pitch *and* matches dynamics telepathically with you and is completely in sync with vibrato. They're so spot on that I often hear ghost harmonics.

[@douglaspazini]

I can work and be cheerfull at the same time while listening to this recording. It's like a reminder that something beautifull exists inside people. It just makes me so inspired! These girls have something special about their voices, and and paired with Aufie's talent and superb guitar skills, It's a gem, they are so raw, and honest... I can't put it in words...

[@w.a.kinnan3174]

Turns out, I'm a big fan of Bahamas

[@momlette808]

Just discovered them today, and it turns out, so am I!

[@shogunjobu]

turns out, I'm hooked on the stuff, can't get off of it.

[@baphometslayer]

W.A. Kinnan Yep they are freakin great. Caught them as SXSW for the second time. Can't wait till they come back around Austin

[@w.a.kinnan3174]

John W had a chance to see these guys perform last night in CLE...amazing...truly worth seeing live. "Never Again" performed live was astonishing.

[@andrewmurphy64]

W.A. Kinnan hell ya saw them in chicago a week or so back... what a performer, ya never again and your sweet touch were insane, like a wind may be my favorite of that night though. I'm thinking about headed to the great white north to see him once more this year.

[@STFCLoyalist]

The two girls look at him in admiration. Good to see such a bond.

[@Sporkova74]

... and I wonder how he can help looking at them the very same way.

[@sp33dp4reak]

A Spotify discover playlist and subsequent KZbin rabbit hole led me here. This is superb music. Those ladies have absolutely heavenly voices. And that is some damn damn fine guitar-pickin. I'm not sure I'd ever get tired of this. This is a phenomenal session.. Thanks!

[@boscok10]

i've been watching this on repeat

[@t-razz]

love his voice and makes me wanna write music like this

[@misterr50]

This is talent....so glad to find them....wow

[@nickhughes4800]

Even the impromptu "All Apologies" is better than most of the shit on youtube. Been watching this video regularly for years now.

[@ciaramadison8766]

Seriously amazing. I never get sick of their music !

[@andrewmurphy64]

the views are goin up!! people are starting to recognize. At a boy Afie

[@Brianmck16]

Andrew Murphy I think 200,00 of them are from me

[@brianchelton8898]

Amazing. I especially love that it is done acoustically. That to me is always the true sign of greatness is if they can pull their music off when it is completely stripped down.

[@mikejgebhart145]

The way this starts is amazing, connecting life to music

[@ZestyTomatoeATVs]

Ive listened to this 100 times in the past couple months

[@victorbonatto4981]

Amazing performance, voice, guitar, maracas... Pure music!

[@MajorAddiction]

haha great Chattahoochee bit in the beginning there

[@nicholasrubianes5368]

the best!

[@chord972]

Just enjoyed his concert in Charleston, WV....FANTASTIC! 10/3/21

[@beta-lactamase]

Bahamas kicks ass.

[@durik7]

Those girls are mirin the whole time. Love this whole set.

[@drakosfire1064]

These ladies are amazing

[@drewsivermitus]

This music is PERFECT

[@sigurkarm]

My best friend got me his album for my birthday when I visited Toronto a few years ago. Loved it since!

[@loopghost]

I must account for 1000 of the views on this concert. The combo of these guys is music magic.

[@kylewuttunee3214]

Reminds me of love... I miss my family that I once had... Thank you for the memories that this video has given me...

[@StuWright]

i hope you have another family one day ......

[@YourFriendDevin]

All of Bahamas’ songs are so easy to play on guitar, but every once in a while, Afie reminds us who’s boss

[@hotblooded83]

Oh my god. Beautiful.

[@robinsonkirby]

I keep coming back to this video. Really great stuff

[@rainmechanic]

Its generally easy to dismiss the backup singers... That is definitely not the case here.

[@captainimij]

+rainmechanic yes I love what they do

[@mojoNixon61]

@@captainimij Individually they're amazing. But it's a gift from DIETY to find someone who your voice blends with so perfectly. To get to work and sing in the same band is the gift of a lifetime.

[@user-ti3sg9un9m]

If you actually LISTEN it's generally difficult to miss good music in general

[@eekowarrior4409]

We are so blessed to live in an age where we can tap into an archive format as immediate and dynamic as KZbin, but of all my many adventures in exploring new sounds and emotions via this medium, these beautiful, fluid performances are amongst my very favourites. See Afie and team are supporting the Lumineers now - hope it brings them the huge success they deserve

[@RS54321]

This session is absolutely magical. Wow.

[@johnnyp828]

Still such an amazing session to this day ♡ They're definitley in their natural element.

[@debadams5602]

Wow the talent THE TALENT they ALL have.

[@museicluvva8529]

i miss hearing these ladies sing together, the new material doesnt do it for me like this does. losing a vocalist to gain a guitar is a backward step as far as i am concerned. these gals are so perfect together

[@loisphounsavath2648]

Museic luvva I saw them live for the third time four years ago and noticed one of the ladies was missing . It definitely was not the same as having both ladies there. All three together is magic .

[@druphelps2578]

Ah yes! Saw their live performance outdoor is Chicago 8-7-18 and amazed by their acoustics, clarity, and meditative lyrics. I'm a new fan and love this session to recall the Canadian blues they share! More and More please.....

[@jordanmccormick533]

Saw them open for Jack Johnson in Chicago this weekend and they were great! Afie's a great performer fun to watch

[@annas.2387]

The random Alan Jackson made my year. OMG.

[@annas.2387]

Also this as kind of ruined me for the real "all apologies." I never realized how badly that song needed some sweet harmonies until now.

[@Grayhead1979]

I am kind of obsessed by this whole session. Perfect!

[@JamieClaytonphoto]

Fantastic set. I love the spontaneous covers!

[@acouchlady9896]

5 years of coming back to this recording, still so grateful for every stunning song x

[@joewelchjr.2761]

I love them, they came to Pittsburgh and I found out in the middle of the concert! I was so mad I missed it, can't wait for them to come back

[@twostep1933]

Harmonies.....they get me every time. Amazing group of individuals. Amazing music.

[@savewayadmin2085]

Just amazing band,My favourite,

[@vulebl]

Perfekcija! Toliko dobro da me ponekad odnese daleko, daleko, ni sam ne znam gde ali je prelepo!!!

[@tylerbeadle-follis3338]

Voices mesh so perfectly, it's beautiful and wonderful.

[@angelpower18]

The harmonies are outstanding! I am so glad that I found this band! My favorite song at the moment is "All I've ever known" - along with "Lost in the Light" OMG, so good!

[@clared.ebsworth8478]

So cool

[@geekdesprairies]

Still coming back to this one every now and then. Still as good as the first time!

[@talos50]

Such soft guitar work. Great vocals. Big new fan.

[@davio222]

Great guitar and back vocals !! Listening to the Liveset session for the second time.

[@hivelylandscapes8014]

Mesmerizing. The harmonies give me goosebumps!

[@TheLilbear94]

I keep coming back to this. It just sounds so good

[@purelivingmusic]

Freakin' beautiful music... I've had this video on repeat for the past 3 days...

[@dbwygant]

a magical set- have listed to this so many times and continue to love it each time!

[@tonymcmanus2146]

Every time I'm stuck for something to listen to I stick this on. Sublime!

[@TheGrifflish]

This entire performance is so pleasant

[@OswaldCopperpot]

seeing them this month at Massey Hall, cant wait!

[@bigred473]

afie is king. such a gem. beauty performace from the whole bit tho still stands up heavily in 2022

[@cherieperry11]

Absolutely in love with your music. Thank you so much!

[@robinwhaley9542]

Just think how the acoustics are set in this space, and how talented they are to pull off sharing one microphone perfectly 🥰

[@wallace_in_the_sky]

I love this performance, they are so good, so natural. I wish to watch them like that, in this little but amazing lineup in a little place. I fell in love with Bahamas such a long time ago and that feeling stills the same as the first day

[@ahatcherlps]

Such a great band I wish I had stumbled across sooner.

[@MrTosttao]

I can't continue my guitar career listening things like this, fantastic!!! Congratulations

[@dasKeineAhnung]

I don't usually comment youtube videos, but i have listened to this to much to don't say "This is brilliant!"

[@mattcanty]

So happy to find this. Amazing recording.

[@jarbassilva5355]

Please, come to Brazil as soon as possible, Brothers. God bless you all... for good.

[@aloefgren]

holyyyyy, these guys are gonna explode in 2017.

[@samuelkglen1]

I could watch this forever

[@ringodrov40]

Bravo.....I'll be playing this clip a few times more. It's fun to see the faces behind the songs. You all look so relaxed and happy with each other. Enjoy your ride.....see you very soon at Massey!

[@clayjacksin9595]

Amazing style of the 50's but love keep it up

[@haveablessedday1916]

I feel like I love you guys thanks

[@nicolesharp7427]

Driving down the road sooo sooo sick off all this music came across a college station found the song all the time by the bahamas could not right down fast enough sooo cool my son will love this also

[@wafflecart]

Every single song was awesome!!

[@peterpersad9106]

Seen these guys twice Absolutely brilliant Best Canadian music out now

[@LiamJuly]

Indeed,.. it's on repeat all day.

[@boyfromzambia]

He makes playing guitar look so easy.... This man