Bill Callahan: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@liberalguilt]

Bill Callahan's "I've never had a deskjob" quip reminds me of the time I saw Smog perform in Leicester (UK), about 6 or 7 years ago. Between songs someone said " What do think of Leicester Bill?" And Bill said " Who comes from Leicester?" (or something like that), so I said " Englebert Humperdink". Bill said "Oh I've heard of him". I then said" What about Joe Orton" Bill said " Who's Joe Orton" And someone else shouted "A gay comedian". And Bill replied "Aren't we all"

[@leoneldemetrio6717]

oh my god

[@declanmelia75]

On Bill's return to Australia after a decades absence, Bill took time tuning between songs. Some joker yelled 'We've been waiting a long time for this Bill!', his reply? 'Keep waiting'.

[@grimfacker]

priceless.

[@bichobicho5451]

Had a couple of Guinness with him in galway , roisin dubh pub. Rain on Lens end of tour. A sensitive and observant guy and great musician.

[@coreycallahan4609]

I came here because I was missing my dad, Bill Callahan. Ended up loving the entire set.

[@billiondollardan]

Call him :)

[@collinmc90]

@@billiondollardan perhaps he is no longer with us?

[@waseatenbyagrue]

@@collinmc90 Bill Callahan is alive and well as of this writing.

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

@COREY Callahan, if you're missing your Dad he's probably missing you too. Call him, tell him you miss him; hopefully the 2 of you can talk a lot more in between seeing each other. I sincerely hope this works out for you...

[@salaovea]

Your dad is awesome. Please tell him his music saved me. Lots of love from Australia.

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the people performing are Bill Callahan - Vocals/Guitar Kris Youmans - Cello Andra Kulans - Violin Jaime Zuverza - Guitar Luis Martinez - Percussion

[@karaloca]

1) Jim Cain 2) Rococo Zephyr 3) Too Many Birds All from "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle" the last LP. You're so lucky to have found this, as you can now discover his back catalog of 20 years!

[@firstlast-rv1vk]

If you've come to this video and are tempted to scroll past because it's not your cup of tea, I'd encourage you to listen a few times. Bill's music and this performance can really grow on you and leave a lasting, positive impact! xox

[@the_zohn]

Just an unbelievably gifted singer/songwriter. His storytelling, guided by his profoundly keen emotional intelligence, is some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing.

[@richardthere]

I always come back here and hear this session before I go to sleep. "spend half of the morning just trying to get up, half the evening just trying to calm down"

[@TheFlamingBridges]

♡

[@brentleeus]

The man is unreal and not to mention, the band that supports him is equally impressive.

[@MrAnarchojoe]

Maybe the most underrated lyricist ever.

[@raxzy8492]

Lamooo some

[@nogthedervish]

He paints scenes so simply, blackbirds, dancers, summer job on the boats , all vivid

[@AmazingTNT]

Not surprised at all that he dated Joanna Newsom at one point

[@ostellamaria]

I agree. He was always good, charming, but he is near brilliant now, and I'm being cautious with my words. He has evolved so much in the last decade, I wonder ... where it will go? I am optimistic and excited. I mean, this album (Eagle) moves me like nothing else, but his latest is perhaps even more sophisticated, lyrically speaking.

[@KingMeBabeMusic]

uhh hear d of isaac brock. /... he kinda,,, uhh,,, invented it...

[@normana264]

Music like this can save the world...rest in peace my dear friend Jonas.❤️

[@cloudhidden00]

Get Bill Back on the Tiny Desk!

[@IveGotToast]

He just did today. In his yard

[@LucasHainsworth]

hard to write something without sounding really cliche but I'm a big fan of this guy

[@multigrotesque]

same here.

[@brehnevolent]

never agreed with a comment more

[@carltonbreezy]

In my opinion, Bill has the greatest voice that's ever been recorded, ever.

[@carltonbreezy]

***** The first song absolutely kills me. I am Jim Cain.

[@mindbodylightsound10]

+chud jackson he really is like the white morgan freeman tho.

[@silversnail1413]

Aged to perfection, like fine wine. I'm amazed that he can sing in such a low register and still retain so much control.

[@VisionaryCompanion]

This may be out of left field, but what about that fellow in the Crash Test Dummies?

[@mrsinn2642]

Fair Point!

[@johannesmiller]

I saw Bill Perform in Northampton Massachusetts. After the show I was invited to meet him. I'm also a musician and performer. I consider him to be a great influence when I write and compose my own music. I appreciate how thoughtful and genuine his words and music are. Being able to shake his hand and tell him how much of an inspiration he is, introduced to me to an understanding of feeling nervous when meeting a truly talented human being.

[@pj_day]

still one of the best tiny desk sessions

[@mrsinn2642]

I will listen to this set for the rest of my life, first came here in 2011. I love living!

[@davidsanchoarroyo8382]

mrsinn The same here

[@analazovic441]

♥️

[@timjmoran]

Man... there is something so mesmerizing about his voice.Great to hear someone singing down in this lower bass-baritone range, too. Love the instrumentation, as well.I get the feeling these songs are coming from a very deep place.

[@adventurerneil]

That Jim Cain always brings tears to my eyes, well played Mr. Callahan

[@sarys73]

This si still my favorite performance. Bill was at his best here.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌺💜🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@katyellisonbutler]

Just heartbreaking-ly lovely. Bill never fails to make my heart swell.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼💜🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@cameronhoke5558]

been listening to Smog since Read Apple Falls. I bought it when I was 18 cuz I liked the cover art, had never even heard of the band. That was eleven years ago. I have all the Smog albums now. I love you Bill.

[@LApirtle]

I saw him on that tour in a tiny ass club in New Orleans. So good.

[@danielemilazzo432]

I remember seeing him at union chapel in London maybe in 1997.

[@311tim311]

cammy, dat'd be RED apple falls, sheesh, c'mon cammy

[@mandielliott8637]

This is an instant trance inducing tune for my daughter. She's fifteen m onths old now and has consistently worked for at least 11 months. Thanks, mom (Tonya T) for finding it!

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@davidsanchoarroyo8382]

This is too good to be real, What a voice my friends, he is unreal 💥 I just love his music

[@courtneyt972]

Such solid music. Thanks Bill and band.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@bmosley45]

Wonderful. What a lonesome voice. I think "Too Many Black Birds" is my favorite, so far. Just getting into this guy's music.

[@aleksandrivanov1958]

one of the most amazing npr tiny desk concert

[@account201099]

No songwriter has ever been more proficient in reading my mind.

[@SlopDogTV]

Da Baby

[@MsBeetroute]

Several times recently I've had my attention drawn to this rich velvet voice on the radio, had to stop whatever I was doing to wallow in the pleasure, then heard the name Bill Callahan mentioned. So I just had to look him up. Fab with the cello backing too.

[@drewhaa1]

I had never seen a video of Bill Callahan before...not what I expected. I love the somber look on his face. Every word seems labored. But it works.

[@TheAjdam]

If you play Bill's songs at x2 speed, they're actually quite cheery

[@tommywaitsy]

This is the most beautiful live performance I have ever seen. Bill has gone from brilliant to even more brilliant.

[@juanrodriguezjr5175]

I just found this band on Austin radio, I listen while getting ready for work

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Utterly, absolutely, hammeredly, had me rooted to the spot. As exquisite a performance as we could expect in this age of instant gratification.

[@AM-pn1vn]

Still fantastic, to this day. My fave. Love you lots, Bill.

[@meltybunii]

I love Bill. He’s such a cool dude. I discovered him in like 2013 with a Smog song and fell in love with his music. His voice is something so distinct, unique, and smooth; like a cool drink being poured into a glass on a porch table. I saw him in 2022 and was front row and that concert was so intimate and just full of the most fun and mellow yet rocking vibes. I would love to see him again and take a friend this time ❤

[@magrialicegraziotin]

Gostaria de ter o Bill cantando todas as noites pra mim. A voz dele eh maravilhosa!!!

[@fungiformenow]

Was a neighbour of this man in Knaresborough for a while and got to know him very well. He’s a very talented writer as you can plainly see and hear. He’s also a great advocate of moleskin trousers and I’ve taken his advice and started wearing them too. Such comfort and their anti-viral properties kept me safe in lockdown - I’m convinced of it.

[@NanduKavalam]

wonderful great singer Bill Callahan what a voice wow

[@whitexchina]

I just saw them in Paris last Friday! It was perfect! Usually it's that a concert hall or such change the sound a bit ... But no, they played in perfect harmony and sounded like heaven.

[@treebendsinthewind]

I Love how it looks painful for him to sing. Like he's really singing from his heart

[@LUCIOdaMayTricks]

Sadism right there!!

[@davidsanchoarroyo8382]

I still love to come back to this video and enjoy listening to Bill.

[@bloodtimer]

This album, this tiny desk, they’ve stuck with me for many, many years. Life sure is cyclical…

[@LFortune]

His music takes me back to the 70's and being on the road up and down the West Coast and all over Europe. It's beautifully nostalgic.

[@joyarria6675]

I think this was the firs time I heard Bill. I was hooked that year. Honestly now sure if this is the first or I heard a shong then found this right after. I do love this older stuff more than what I've heard the last couple years though. So much more feeling.

[@claudealain85]

il conserve un visage juvénile, adolescent... comme un jeune homme de 20 ans... sa voix rivalise de profondeur et d'une pudique expressivité (vous pensez à L. Cohen?.. moi aussi)... il a toujours été très assuré car il a une juste appréciation de sa valeur artistique... flegmatique, doté d'un redoutable humour à froid, il fait les choses à sa façon, selon sa personnalité... c'est une belle âme, un homme que j'aime et respecte. Je le considère comme un pilier, un phare de la musique américaine...

[@poortalk]

C'est l'un des plus beaux commentaires que j'ai jamais lu! Vous avez une belle sensibilité face à la compréhension de Callahan et sa musique!

[@bartolocasanova]

Thanks for this journey, Bill

[@gaetanproductions]

beautiful voice, great musicians.... Soft, deep, soulful...

[@465marko]

Oh, he's a side-mouth singer - I never knew that...

[@brianprada8929]

Lol yeah I didn't either!!!

[@deborahlally8]

In case things go poorly And I’ve not returned Remember the good things I’ve done... Heartbreaking

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@donkey3235]

…Done me in” my favorite part. Adds a whole new layer

[@juneof]

Incredible! Bill is smiling!

[@likearitual]

Love the way he sings out the corner of his mouth

[@garyturner1463]

Holy musical genius Batman!!!!!!! This band is awesome. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@kylemccourt663]

So a friend of mine just mentioned Bill Callahan's name in passing and I had never heard of him. He didn't say anything about him, we were just talking about great musicians and lyricists, so I jotted the name down and here (or hear) I am. just from hearing this initial set, my life has just changed as it did the day I first heard Kris Kristofferson and Leonard Cohen. Hearing this in the wake of Niel Peart's death has me a bit emotional. Music is such a wonderful superpower.

[@firstlast-rv1vk]

That's awesome! My sister gave me Bill's/Smog's "A River Ain't Too Much To Love", and it was two years until I listened to it. Now, nearly seven years later, I can't stop listening to it. Keep paying it forward!

[@jefflangenberg2411]

this makes my heart happy

[@meghanoretsky4838]

Goosebumps. I love Bill Callahan and this TDC performance is pure gold.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@victoriaharding7920]

Just gorgeous ❤

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌺💜🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@Martyred81]

Thank you so much NPRmusic for the entire Tiny Desk series! Brilliant!

[@markvance3574]

This is beautiful. Top quality dreamscapes

[@EddyAlCC]

"Jim Cain" is amazing. Grettings from Ecuador.

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

Well I used to be kind of blind, and now I can sorta see... Thank you, Bill, for sharing with us.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

Several years ago in Phoenix. ❤❤❤

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

@@MarilynChileseHatch Wow🌼🌹 that's great. Where are you supporting from?

[@jaybol]

Wow this is beautiful, thanks to NPR for showcasing real talent

[@BeachedWhale-rx9sc]

Found this guy yesterday and I’m happy I did. Notice no dislikes because it’s impossible to dislike

[@salaovea]

Love you Bill. Nobody quite like you. 💖

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@kimberlysunshine001]

So happy to be listening 💕

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@RamanKathpalia]

Glad I stumbled upon this page, totally made my day!

[@matthewcobrien]

Oh, those eggs are hatching. I can't stop listening to this. Fantastic!

[@Rackdar]

I love these tiny desk sessions so much.

[@Paulthecelt]

Just so intimate, and beautiful in it's simplicity. Always come back to watch this.

[@jonreed1934]

cheers bill you bellend great music

[@harkmay]

love his poetry style:)

[@Ldubbsey]

this is just so profoundly beautiful... the whole thing warms me to the bone

[@bosporgiz]

Talented, authentic, brave.. well done Bill, I really love your music

[@Elmachuca]

Too Many Birds is about the grackles in the Hancock H-E-B parking lot in Austin

[@durritidumange]

Probably uncommon grackles.

[@scottgrant9541]

inspired and beautiful

[@fluiteenlied]

bill is the light bach for me, same depth but much more comforting and disturbing at the same time

[@electrosl34ze]

he is so beautiful it honestly hurts

[@Gunnabee]

love bill love

[@wiifrank]

This is so good, 3 of his best to chill to whilst in the bath. Come back on tour to the Uk so we can see you live

[@krbroadbent]

'least the sound is great. Never ceases to amaze me, Bill Callahan.

[@matthewcobrien]

This is just beautiful. Bravo!

[@kevinblakeryan]

God bless you brother Bill.

[@joannhickey8051]

Beer, thank you.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@joannhickey8051]

No please come to New York and I'll be there. June is wide open for us, we have 3 concerts in May to attend. @@IbrahimDashtiMusic

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

@@joannhickey8051 Hopefully you will someday🌼🌹🌺. How long have you been a fan of mine?

[@leewilliams9330]

What a great discovery. Beautiful thoughts and music Bill.

[@Kelly1976]

Absolutely fabulous as always, Bill is a genius!

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@georginamiller7537]

The sound these 5 make together is so one of a kind Awesome. ....check out their concert "la route. ....(something in French)..." brilliant

[@atasteforbitters]

"la route du rock", august 2009. I was there !

[@atasteforbitters]

also, if you liked this live performance at NPR, don't sulk your pleasure and go for the one The National did a few years later, pure magic !

[@TheGiannaras2]

Damn . What a voice . what a dude . Can I drink a beer with you Bill .

[@gjh400]

I love Bill -- so soft and so powerful, very heavy music.

[@mcclovinstu]

Stephen Thompson's favorite moment at 11:46

[@burmashavetom]

***** I bet it was someone off to the side. I don't think it was a band member.

[@andreasbley5963]

Annette peacock

[@RafaelRossini-net]

O Bill é Incrível !!!

[@axxxxess]

The quality of this video is very good! Thanks for sharing!

[@MrYoungsuss]

bill callaham is an amazing singer

[@Squarehead2008]

Golden bloody stuff! As the man says: 'It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain...'

[@baldkea]

Fucking hell, man. Your gorgeous baritone, beautiful lyrics, wonderfully sensitive accompaninament here. Superstar stuff :o)

[@chrissawyer4060]

Silly Bird. You. Can't. Only. Stop. Your. Heart. Beat. For. One. Heart. Beat!

[@BoyDharma]

Love Bill/Smog saw him during a tour for this album and it was just him and a guitar and it was amazing

[@benthomas1885]

Love Bill Callahan. Small plane was our wedding song

[@vaughancapstick9961]

Sombre and elegant like the dying rays of a summer's day ❤

[@antfoley1983]

He's too much man! Brilliant!

[@animalloverabh]

He uses the same singing expressions that Joanna Newsom uses. My heart...

[@illinoisrail]

nope they did indeed. they even played together onstage. check out their gorgeous rendition of ‘sycamore’ live.

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

Am so happy and thankful for the sweet and endorsing comments from my beloved fans🌼❤🌷🥀have you been to any of my concerts?

[@dom.mp3]

that first song is really sweet