Bill Callahan: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Maia Stern | September 9, 2020
For his Tiny Desk (home) concert, Bill Callahan stands outside his home, near a desk adorned with a taller-than-usual globe, two books and a single banana. Joined by trumpet player Derek Phelps and guitarist Matt Kinsey, the trio performs "Released" from 2019's Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest and three songs from Gold Record, which came out just last week. Callahan has a deep pocket of stories to tell, whether his own or those of other characters. Either way, we are all ears.
I keep coming back to a lyric from "Another Song," which he performs here: "Lonesome in a pleasant way." We're all a little bit more lonesome than usual right now, but we're lonesome together. Maybe that feels OK, pleasant even.
Callahan, in the zone during this performance, shares so few words between songs that we decided to follow up and ask what he's been feeling about his world today.
"There are a lot of voices these days. So many that, I think, even positive sentiments become detrimental in their deafening number," Callahan explains. "Quiet reflection can be the clearest and most informative and soothing voice you'll ever hear. There are many unknowns at this time in history. It's more than a junction in our old world. It's the possibility of a whole new world. A large part of me believes this. Listen to music, read books, talk to friends and family. Don't listen to the voices, not even mine!"
SET LIST
"Pigeons"
"Released"
"Another Song"
"The Mackenzies"
MUSICIANS
Bill Callahan: vocals, guitar; Matt Kinsey: guitar; Derek Phelps: trumpet
CREDITS
Video by: Hanly Banks Callahan; Audio by: Sam Allison; Producer: Maia Stern; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@mhbackman]

Who else here is a longtime Bill Callahan / Smog fan and is so proud of him for evolving with his midlife so fittingly? From his years of wandering and longing, to settling down into a domestic life with a wife, child and 'home', his last two records have been really special in a quiet, subtle way. We love you Bill!

[@tanner1681]

This.

[@Enjoy_The_Silence]

Marcus Backman Jadå!

[@benjaminsmith9849]

yesss!

[@Miguel_Sanchez69]

I used to love his work, but I can’t relate to his family album. Good for him, but I don’t care about his family issues, weddings and boring stuff like that. And I guess this satiety shows in his latest work. It’s just warm (not in a good way) and lacks of an existential problem which was always around in his work. I could relate to that. Another song? How uninspired is that? I can’t relate to this here anymore. That’s sad. Loosing a beloved musician like him breaks my heart.

[@hanscastorp1945]

@@Miguel_Sanchez69 would you recommend to me some of his earlier stuff? I know his work, but not that well.

[@derrynator]

"Like hotel curtains, we never really met." I just love the word-play that Bill uses in his song writing.

[@FountainOfYoot]

💜🌻

[@garyives1218]

Thanks for mentioning. I'm not 2 minutes in and I already love this :) I'm here because I just ordered some Michael Hurley and the seller suggested this, so I had to check it out........and ordered "Shepperd in Sheepskin Vest" as well

[@lukerogers151]

He's a genius.

[@leonchatterton6821]

My dad passed away 3 years ago, he was an old dude. The Mackenzie's is like a dream to me. Listened to Bill with the old man whilst he drove me to gigs in his old Audi. Love to you bill, for giving me a special place to rest and remember.

[@homosexualpanic]

I always thought if I ever wrote songs they'd be like Bill's. Conversational, hushed and playful with language. Obviously I can barely write my name most days but a man can dream.

[@hisroyalblueness]

Doing it in a dream is just another way of doing it man . . be proud in that dream and let a little of it trickle through to bring colour into the day to day 👍

[@jan2bratt]

Beautiful. His songs are like stories written by Raymond Carver.

[@leonch305]

Bill is the most soothing and kindest voice I have ever heard. He brings me such peace and such joy. Forever putting slight smiles on my face and tears in my eyes.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

I feel exactly the same way about Bill's voice; it's so nurturing and lovely. His music makes me feel peaceful.

[@yourturn777]

im thinkin kinda how Don Williams soothes. 😊

[@artplant4871]

*soothing voice* 'the pigeons ate the wedding rice and exploded...'

[@keithbradley5243]

My wife and I are from the the North East of England. We discovered Bill via a friend of my wife about 12 years ago. We love him. Saw him at Gateshead Sage a few years ago now. He was brilliant and have bought all the CD's he has released including the latest 'Gold Records'. Over the years I have even wrote and recorded songs that I thought were quite original and then I realise after that I have basically copied his style. Totally inspired by his music. Love Bill.

[@kylemacdonald9625]

Ok so i want the melody to have a kind of zen feel Trumpet guy: say no more fam

[@user-iis]

Privet from St.Petersburg, Russia. Love this music and lyrics, even if I don’t clearly understand all of it. This is like clever inner voice, judicious and clean, with cool story to tell. It’s interesting to translate. And spasibo to musicians, what a great guitar! Pleasure to ears.

[@juanitagangle]

What a magnificent way to start a lazy Wednesday morning, drinking a cup of tea as the sun comes up.

[@crystal11418]

Or Saturday ; )

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Pigeons* (5:30) 5:50 - *Released* (9:06) 9:29 - *Another Song* (12:42) 13:16 - *The Mackenzies* (18:15)

[@awkwardlycast5801]

Revelation 2:9 King James Version (KJV) I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Earth is flat and stationary.

[@awkwardlycast5801]

NPR deleting comments about satanist Bill Callahan.

[@awkwardlycast5801]

His parents work for the NSA.

[@PentameronSV]

@@awkwardlycast5801 Hilarious. Keep them coming.

[@benjaminsmith9849]

thx

[@ValkenDnB]

This channel really brings me into a lot of music I would have never expected to like. I’ve never heard of Bill, but his voice is something else. I want him to narrate my life now.

[@ILOVEYOUABBY]

Good comment

[@TheDominicProject]

Dream River or Apocalypse are probably my fave albums of his, but tbh I don't think there's a weak one

[@InterbeingArt]

@@TheDominicProject My fav is "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle" :)

[@ididgt4259]

Make sure to check out his previous project Smog too. Knock Knock is an all-time classic!

[@marceloadelar]

God, Callahan's voice and lyrics are so comforting. When I allow myself to sink in his music I'm usually left with bittersweet tears glancing at the melancholic beauty of everyday life. He's truly one of the masters in songwriting.

[@LarryC-stratboy]

Thank you Bill. I choked up during the last song when he wished the old man would call him "son" again. The song then took a turn I wasn't expecting...and I just cried until it was done. Happy, sad and sentimental tears. I feel so much better now.

[@BenSchillaci]

I love how unaltered Bill’s voice is. When he speaks and when he sings that’s him 👏🏽

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

Tiny Desk has brought me so much joy this year.

[@brownmut5518]

Yes. Tiny desk and the previously unreleased stuff off of Goats head soup have made this years music interesting for sure.

[@rohan4109]

I only come to get a glance at the magnificent houses of the musicians

[@nvmeegen]

You must be disappointed with a garden then...

[@jrbship]

Come for the houses, but stay and discover some good music

[@rohan4109]

@@jrbship that's was npr is for 🔥🔥🔥

[@yourturn777]

@@nvmeegen disappointed in a GARDEN? never. THERES ya clue.😉

[@samparkinnewjersey7424]

Gorgeous. Bill has that rare gift of being able to put out record after record with no drop in quality. He has a truly unique sound and I hope he keeps releasing for decades to come. I need it.

[@FesterWerks]

I absolutely love this guy's voice and style. So glad to hear and see him here!

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

I will forever be thankful to Joanna Newsom for introducing me to Bill Callahan's music. And also because she herself is just about the greatest musician at the moment.

[@ididgt4259]

So true. Have One On Me might be the best album ever made.

[@proserpine3332]

Yeah Have One On Me is the break up record of the century. I always wish I could Hear them comment on each others writing and playing and singing styles since they are so different

[@aysenmustafa6973]

and I'm thankful that Nick Cave introduced me to Bill Callahan's music.

[@jipes]

Still remember his other set at the Tiny Desk ten years ago it was great and we find the same unique voice and particular style which is quite lovely. Great performance

[@RobertGrayMusic]

Thank you, NPR, for turning me onto yet another great artist who I have somehow missed up until now.

[@marypmbrtn]

Beautiful way to relax at the end of the day here in Melbourne Aust.

[@Brando64]

Indeed yes, I'm listening to a lot of Bill Callahan in Melbourne, these days. Seeing him in concert on March 4th, was the last really normal thing in my life before I realised the danger of COVID-19.

[@aysenmustafa6973]

@@Brando64 I saw him as well then, but unfortunately I was underwhelmed. I think a more intimate venue would have been better. I wish I had seen him at Womadelaide instead. Maybe not so intimate but at least you can get closer.

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

Now THAT’S how an amplified acoustic guitar should sound ...

[@garyives1218]

ya mean not like the Fishman Sonitone Gibson decided to put in the G45? Hahahaha........lol

[@fool-river]

I wonder how he gets such a good sound. Any thoughts/any idea what amp/pickups he's got here?

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Yes , like a guitar, not a plastic guitar

[@williamb6845]

A beautiful, scenic, road trip of a first song. I understand it as a series of scetches in just one song which is why it might seem a little unsettling. Tremendous. Great day for it too!

[@chirantansarkar7822]

Just cant forget the voice...it pursues, melts, stays like whisper...but never disappears...

[@jimsmint]

Sincerely, L Cohen

[@redline700]

So glad i clicked this. It's lovely.

[@mickhurley7305]

will have to put this one down to the increasing rarity of rare moments...

[@ollietwohillmusic]

This is amazing, I needed something soothing to listen to this morning sippping a cup of tea. Love the subtle sounds of each instrument chiming throughout these songs ...... plus the stage props and backdrop.

[@FF-bs6hy]

How to move profoundly with seemingly a minimum of effort is called Bill Callahan

[@hisroyalblueness]

I sat here at home, on a Thursday night in Manchester UK, and I tuned into this and I spontaneously applauded each and every song . . I recon that’ll be a regular reaction. Fact.

[@abaneyone]

Amazingly calm.

[@goldbluetears]

MYSTICAL VIBRATION. A great Poet!

[@a.harrison4613]

Incredible songwriting. Lyrically, musically and the lord of all lo fi and alternative songwriters everywhere!

[@andreedipo6356]

Mister Kinsey, you’re an amazing guitar player.

[@demolitionsexpert]

check out Matt's band Li'l Cap'n Travis

[@hedehodo7495]

One think about this, Wild Wild country. Thanks bill

[@ckeilah]

One guy didn’t like the use of the word, “plenipotentiary,” because it confused him. 😝 This was fantastic! I may even prefer this to the usual Tiny Desk format.

[@ivanheffner2587]

OMG, was that ten years ago? It’s hard to believe that this started on whim because they went to set at a bad venue at SXSW and couldn’t hear the music and now it continues through a pandemic that has closed office spaces around world.

[@guillermomontoyo]

Wow, this is awesome. Legendario😁 greetings from Indonesia, guys

[@diatonicaccordionmusic3951]

... absolutely gorgeous

[@ILOVEYOUABBY]

U guys are absolutely awesome!! Started on fire and Got better and better each song. Peace Family.❤

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

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

[@samcollins3800]

Really enjoyed this. Always loved the peculiar and unique observations Bill Callahan manages to spot in everyday life. Also, the globe and stand in the background is floating.

[@brownmut5518]

Yup. This is what I need right now

[@TheeDavidDee]

Love you, Bill. Stay safe

[@Mattytube18]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@alexandradecastro5142]

Beautiful and peaceful 💙

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

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

[@magdaninetythree]

I've loved his music for years! I've always wanted to tell him Everytime he comes into the store where i work yet i hear he is shy 🤭

[@robertslater2949]

introduce yourself as johnny cash and he'll get it ;D

[@crystal11418]

@@robertslater2949 and don't make it a speech ; )

[@danielsofal7894]

still making surprisingly great music up to this date... long live bill!

[@xx-ug9hn]

Pigeons is my favourite track off the new record

[@ShawarmaFarmer]

Beautiful. Absolutely astounding

[@dotsandloops1120]

Bill Callahan has nothing to prove. He is simply the best (with Phil Elverum)

[@garyives1218]

Michael Hurley got me here. I had just ordered more of his stuff and a seller suggested this, so I had to check it out. Love it, and so added "Shepperd in a Sheepskin Vest" as well.

[@r0bshaw]

Oh how i love this.

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

It feels like Bill is a very specific individual that drifts through the west from generation to generation.

[@cooganbeggs4942]

beautiful 👏👏👏👏

[@cm410856]

that acoustic sounds fantastic. the amp seems to me to be an ampex 620 if anyone else was wondering

[@raddadization]

reminds me of the show he did at Oohla Bean in Driftwood a few years back. Anyone lucky enough to experience that, cheers!

[@jjmalaprop9968]

KC Johnson brought me here. Glad he did. Very nice.

[@fiorellafenati5395]

sweet

[@IbrahimDashtiMusic]

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

[@curtn7076]

Excellent slice of Americana pie.

[@w336o4]

I am at peace now. Thank you

[@petitnicollas]

This is beautiful

[@alexing86]

gotta love the intro

[@tonyjohn1395]

Just recently discovered the Smog EP Held in a job lot of 1,500 CDs I bought for resale. I’m keeping it. 🇬🇧

[@rahlinrigsby]

so calming

[@thecyphers8588]

epic

[@PoshLifeforME]

Wow did not know tiny desk for one of the best folk men out there.

[@cdb4464]

Brilliant! Encore!

[@jordansaintemarie]

I love him

[@JeffHersch]

incredibly great

[@phonomononoke]

This is so soothing

[@msakurai6988]

Did he just say “hello I’m Jonny Cash” ?

[@littlezachwade]

yes

[@jordansaintemarie]

It’s part of the song and on the recorded version as well

[@lindamon5101]

Um ya

[@cdchalmers]

The greatest deadpan in the bizness.

[@lornafrost1]

love it-wee surprises

[@tcgtonysamazingpulls]

Profound lyricism and delivery

[@horgel2]

I really like the Tiny Desk concept, but you should consider to make the Tiny Desk (Home) concept permanent... ... and by the way: this is a piece of art from Bill Callhan and his companions

[@fernandoiturburu3718]

This is great, this is special.

[@Ignatius1972]

I had contact with Bill Callahan music through Cinthya Dall, another great musician and singer, which, unfortunately, aren't among us anymore.

[@boxlock2009]

Greatest story teller since John Prine.

[@diegoinjapan]

That was great. Thanks.

[@jigledigle]

what an entertainer

[@JayFischer]

Cool sound and great lyrics - play on

[@chc6644]

My depression is clearing love you bill

[@thecdmyv5694]

so relaxing! lucky that I click on it

[@liamgabriel6557]

Yall ever heard that song "America" this guy did 😂 its catchy but I show it to any friends who needs a good laugh

[@jackburtoncantsavelopan]

What a great new album! I actually liked it more than sheperd.

[@MarkTorres-hm1jl]

Same

[@leonore3349]

How does this guy sound this good naturally?

[@AshtewanPhotoVideo]

Sultry smooth folk voice. He should voice act in the next Red Dead.

[@johnkeys368]

Excellent

[@clivatxt]

grazie Bill

[@joshoflosangeles5964]

I wish I could explain this to my kids

[@satoshi_arisaka]

気持ち良いぜ。

[@TomTom-bc8ez]

Whooooooooooo!

[@TomTom-bc8ez]

4 horsemen reference 2nd song cool imagination

[@nomanslee1]

Please please please get either Matt Heckler or Benjamin Todd on here. This was amazing to say the least though Callahan is something special.

[@intalok]

I like that bird also sings

[@zachminyard]

Big fan, you did a great job! Idk where you are but it's beautiful.

[@mitchellharris9286]

My cat seemed to enjoy this.

[@BFonville]

much needed

[@rororo1907]

❤❤

[@nicks22]

Well I'd say Tiny Desk (Garden) Concert

[@Metal-Possum]

The trumpeter lets this down a bit at first, but at least it was an honest performance. Playing those things with a cold mouthpiece is difficult.