Brent Cobb: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Lars Gotrich | January 17, 2017 - In some parts of the South, there's an accent where every conversation sounds like a song. Brent Cobb, a native of the small town of Ellaville, Ga., doesn't quite whistle through his teeth when he speaks, but he does push more air into his S's when he sings. When he sings "Solving Problems," a song about a Sunday-afternoon bull session, at the NPR Music offices, the words shimmer like a tall glass of sweet tea in the late-morning sun when he strings together a particularly consonant phrase: "Conversation covers everything and in between, from Grandpa's health to marrying good girls."
"Solving Problems" comes from Shine On Rainy Day, his major-label debut produced by distant cousin Dave Cobb; it's nearly a decade in the making. Brent Cobb spent those years on Nashville's Music Row, writing songs for the likes of Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert. But where most songwriters write for the performer, Cobb plainly says, "If I write a song, they're always for me. If someone wants to record it, I think they should record it."
Cobb is a conversational lyricist who dispenses normal but precisely crafted phrases amid simple-yet-rich melodies. He skips from Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" to family to making "plans to do what we ain't done yet." He takes a funny story about his uncle and bends the truth a bit for the quiet holler "Down In The Gulley." His songwriting lineage shines through in "Country Bound," written by his daddy; here, it features a bouncing solo from J Kott, whom Cobb jokingly calls "our bass player/lead guitarist."
Encouraged by the crowd to play one more song, Cobb closes with the sobering "Shine On Rainy Day." While he weaves plenty of wit into his lyrics, Cobb can devastate just as easily: "Ain't it funny how a little thunder make a man start to wonder, 'Should I swim or just go under?'" Just as we struggle to find the silver lining in Cobb's clouds, the song ends and he asks with a smile, "What do we do now?"
Shine On Rainy Day is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com...
SET LIST
"Solving Problems"
"Down In The Gulley"
"Country Bound"
"Shine On Rainy Day"
MUSICIANS
Brent Cobb (vocals, guitar); J Kott (vocals, bass); Steve Smith (drums).
CREDITS
Producers: Lars Gotrich, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Nicole Boliaux; Production Assistant: Anna Marketti; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@BBvidoes]

Brent Cobb is one the best undiscovered country talents there is. His music is so beautiful

[@danashane]

Um. Discovered.

[@jgreco137]

HA!!!

[@holdenjackson2182]

He has a Grammy

[@louieo.blevinsmusic2011]

Handed a cd to his producer cousin when he was teenager and Shooter Jennings flew him out to record. That cousin ended up producing “Southeastern” by Jason Isbell and many many many other fantastic albums. A lot of musical talent in that family.

[@robertjr911]

Definitely

[@murkywaterbeats3863]

Showed up too late to a show me and my wife drove 4 hours for.. we were just gonna buy some merch so that at least we can say we went and have a silly story how we missed it. Merch guy was like "you missed it?? hold on a sec.." comes back with Brent, who was SUPER nice to use lol took pics and stuff, it was dope. Great dude, great music.

[@lptomtom]

The Americanest music that ever Americaned

[@guitarfunn]

Haha!! Spot on.

[@jgreco137]

Re-think that comment

[@babybiscuit11]

Jay G its a perfect comment.

[@bellrugby03]

From Australia, this is the best singer songwriter you guys have since bands like America and The Eagles.. send him out hear, we love him.. he can even stay with me on my farm..😁

[@revenant3138]

also can we take 1 sec to appreciate that tight of a bass player? man is on point.

[@eataburrito10]

Jason Kott .....The shit

[@chuckturner6984]

Awesome harmony vocals from him, as well.

[@jgreco137]

You know whats worse than a bass player - A bass player that looks and smiles like this diddler

[@jdsimmons862]

he kinda looks like zach galifianakis with long hair lol

[@davidroberts9318]

Country music needs more artists like this guy.

[@chancedickerson2897]

this is one of my favorite artists, incredibly good song writer. He opens for Chris Stapleton alot, keep your eyes on this guy and his band they will be huge!

[@paully8031]

Seen Brent in Glasgow recently, Colter Wall supporting, phenomenal gig.

[@Amansvista]

Paul O'Connor I seen colter in London a few months ago, john clay supported him, in the upstairs of a pub!! Tremendous.

[@paully8031]

Yeah Owain Gulliford Colter is phenomenal live, try to catch Brent, equally good.

[@Amansvista]

Paul O'Connor he's on the list, I gotta see sturgill Simpson as well.

[@paully8031]

I'll check him out, seeing Colter in Leeds next year and also "The dead south" in Newcastle, now there's a gig I'm really looking forward to!

[@Amansvista]

The dead south are good too, a friend of mine covers a few of their songs on our jam nights in my shed!

[@bigdawg7716]

How can you tell me there's not some Room on today's radio for this gentleman right here

[@andyu5596]

Down in the Gulley might be my new favorite song. The dude in the back on bass his facial expression the best haha

[@SeanHollingworth]

Dancing in my kitchen in Sheffield England, to this absolute legend. Inuf said 🤠

[@stacychick67]

Such a cool laid back style yet super talented. The Shine on Rainy Day album still gets played a LOT on my Spotify.

[@graupow]

"We aint up to noth'n, we're just solving all the problems of the world" is a masterpiece lyric, in the context of this great song!

[@davidr9972]

I do like this type of country music!! Nice 👍

[@whiskeybeerbeer]

Folk Americana my friend. For old country which is good, try Ernest Tubs, Dolly Parton, George Jones. Best wishes

[@davidr9972]

whiskeybeerbeer sure will !!! Appreciate that! Hava a great day

[@davedwyer5188]

Made me Cry. Finally ! Some new Music with Heart.....and Soul 😭

[@DonovanPresents]

I don't listen to this genre often, but I'm glad I stuck around to hear the last song. I really love that song, "Shine on Rainy Day"

[@brassteeth3355]

Top level guy. His gospel album is a good one for the drive in to work in the morning. Greetings from Texas

[@andyu5596]

Not sure how I found this band but so glad i did.

[@51tomtomtom]

since I don't have "my style of music" it is easier for me: the music arrives or not ! Here it does !!!!!!! Even a lot ........

[@BABROVSKI]

couldn't imagine myself listening to this before i clicked on the video, but I'm surprised,I really enjoyed this

[@725niko]

Good music is good music, doesn’t matter if it’s Alicia Keys, George strait or whatever else. Kudos to you for finding a good new track to enjoy! I have a feeling you’ll like this, Search- Riviera Paradise by SRV. Listen in the evening maybe before bed, very relaxing.

[@DrinkmoWater.]

I don't listen to this but this is Art .. i must be opened minded to show support

[@ImArtzzy]

*DrinkMoWater* youre so positive on every video i see you on. Keep spreading these vibes man!

[@rerere175]

Well evidently you do listen to it...because you did.

[@spaghettiwesternLUVA]

@@ImArtzzy'but this is, Art' yea the capital A tells that story

[@louieo.blevinsmusic2011]

As long as you respect the art doesn’t mean ya gotta like it. Plenty of stuff I can’t stand but know they put in the work and can respect it.

[@christina-kd1dp]

i don't normally enjoy country, but this is really really good. love that last track.

[@artmcbreen9000]

Not a huge country fan but there are exceptions and this is one of 'em; I'd see these guys anytime.

[@peterirving9458]

What a bass solo

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

Not my style of music but I appreciate talent. Brent Cobb has it. Thanks +NPR Music.

[@ericsanchez6827]

Yeah, I felt the same way. That's pretty impressive.

[@aforestgrove]

My style of music, and I love it! :D

[@artmcbreen9000]

Not a big country fan myself but there are exceptions and he's one of 'em. I'd see these guys anytime.

[@rerere175]

Then why are you here?

[@adamh3863]

I bet I’ve watched this a hundred times.

[@russellescritt]

I first heard him sat waiting for Counting Crows to come on stage in London. Thank God for Shazam!. I can't think how many artists / songs I've discovered whilst waiting for a gig to start. I needed this today :-)

[@ForrestSweasy]

I think he's the best thing going in music right now.

[@tatixt]

That last track is just magic, loved it.

[@annetvandermeulen2399]

Such nice vibes. Makes me feel good, instantly.

[@adyyoung19]

This is one of the best Tiny Music Desks I have seen. "Shine on a Rainy Day" is beautiful.

[@annemarie8692]

You know when you’re an artist? When you write your own stuff. Enjoy his linguist stories. 🎼

[@danielgaudenti2190]

So much denim gathered around one little tiny desk, respect 👏 great set guys

[@TheREZMobile]

This guys been my new favorite for years now and I just now realized it.

[@isabellemonjaraz7066]

so good

[@urbaniteproductions.4391]

Mate that bass player is feeeeeeling it

[@detodounpoco37]

Nano Stern Doppelgänger Amazing music, first time I really can enjoy country music, thanks !

[@georgiaburns6734]

I've seen Brent play several time and just dig his style of music! Can't wait to see him come April, in Philly!

[@Southernman887]

Good Ole Country Music! You can tell he means what he's singing by the sweat dripping from his brow.

[@hellomynameisname4270]

Backcountry Festival 2024 was awesome

[@oooscasianooo]

Dayum, that acoustic bass outro was sick!

[@grantyoungquist4939]

His bass player is fabulous

[@rustedweights]

Gotta love them fellas that grew up right down the road! Brent still killing it!!

[@markgrealey8392]

Brent keep.making music man this is so so good ...rhen feeling in his voice and playing is unreal

[@nicklorusso5898]

This group is great

[@nickwaves6420]

Brent's music hits me in a place in my heart I didn't know existed. Absolutely love it.

[@breakneckburns]

Best thing I've heard in years, my new favourite artist. Hope Brent actually reads the comments and sees this!

[@Blue-ff2qv]

Nice. You go boys, some wonderful music is a great way to help solve the world's problems. We hear ye.

[@92enpuissance]

i absolutely loved the music and his accent. both were very pleasant.

[@saidinjest]

True story. This autoplayed on KZbin and I didn't even notice it wasn't the album version until it ended.

[@wendy6586]

Loved every song!! It doesn't matter if you love country or not! The fact is that this is music and it's really good music! Appreciate the music and lyrics and for those 15 people that thumbed this down, kiss it! 😋. Best wishes to these guys!!

[@MrRWood]

love the music!

[@angelagramlich8978]

Saw Brent in a dive bar in a very small town in Riverton IL. AMAZING

[@Epimpin101]

This is excellent.

[@Haymaker72]

So glad I found him. Great talent. Miss the storyteller side of music.

[@nachomontiel6254]

sounds really nice, love this music.

[@vequite]

Lovely.

[@JoshGrayMusic]

The first song reminds me of Glen Campbell's Gentle on My Mind

[@robertgiubertoni2376]

this set is a grower !...the more you listen the better it gets,nice one boys

[@benjaminlouquet681]

My favorite Tiny Desk ever. So far

[@leighhughes7198]

Benjamin Louquet , what’s up man. How’s the hoops game? Brent Cobb and band rules.

[@benjaminlouquet681]

Leigh Hughes hoops game is ok, I am older and slower but I’m 240 now so I don’t move easily. And I can still shoot a little

[@jimwhitney157]

Love it! Keep it rollin boys.

[@willbillys8876]

Love Brent Cobb! Reminds me of a combination or James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, and other favs of mine.

[@castosa]

Don't forget Roger Miller!

[@YankeeinSC1]

This dude reminds me of raw whiskey, or maybe a young Charlie Daniels...TIme will mellow Brent into a fantastic musical treasure in the years to come.

[@paulhoffmann2200]

So good

[@kobiemack6542]

Hey..Good Flow of Music👍👍👍😎

[@EADGBESTRAT]

Wonderful!

[@Hank49]

Such great stuff. Well done!

[@flakeyjay]

Not sure if it is possible to burn a digital hole in my soul but "Country Bound" plays like a life of realization of what home means to people. In other words in heavy rotation....

[@guitarfunn]

Great stuff!

[@jclester8187]

yeah I agree with all of these comments, country is not my type of style but this is chill and has great vibes. I think it's because the writing of this band is much better than most country artist, who just say the word "truck" and "Jesus" and "beer".

[@Bootscoot33]

JC Lester yep. The mainstream shit is just that, shit. Nowadays anyway.

[@whitetrashhatemachine]

That’s only today’s “Country” artists who really aren’t anything close to Country.

[@veryhigh2]

The best, man. The best.

[@waggishquetzalcoatlu]

aa this is so good

[@claytonbrown7120]

My great grandad really did have a moonshine business, good music Brent

[@PaleTrailRider]

Just bought tickets for a show this fall Man I hope “Country Bound” is on the set list. 💪 Or anything else I’ve heard really, 🤠 This dude is great. 😅

[@BreathEmpowerment]

Keep em on They Toes is magnificent

[@polynektar]

I like the stories!

[@kennywiszt]

If Kevin Parker of Tame Impala played country folk. Brent is an amazing songwriter. Thanks👌

[@jonwhaangachapman1395]

This is lit

[@roadsidesilhouettes6681]

Good stuff.

[@loucat2779]

Late to the show, man this is special, Who the heck is this again? Never heard of Brent before , won't forget him anytime soon!

[@80sEdit]

Lyrically emaculate.

[@kennyd30720]

Funny how you learn to pray on such a rainy day....who can't relate to that? Great lyric. You're spot on.

[@artrangel6220]

refreshing=)

[@swampmarsh2792]

That little guitar sounds full for its size.

[@celticgodsoriginal]

Gibson L-00, they've been making these a while ;) . I played a '36, and a '37 in a shop in NYC last summer

[@swampmarsh2792]

That price tag, though.

[@Barkymark]

Parlor guitar. I've developed an affinity for them!

[@Amansvista]

This Makes my parlour guitar sound like a bean tin!

[@jaketylermusic692]

The lg2 is very full as well. Im trying to pick one up myself

[@gunnergibson4317]

Got dayum

[@MrTrendkill2]

J on the lead bass, hell yeah!

[@sethie_shots]

First song reminds me of some Gentle on my mind from Glen Campbell. Great stuff

[@ascotia]

I am a fan of Southern Bass Jesus

[@petereames3041]

makes me think of the grateful dead

[@petereames3041]

meets bad company

[@petereames3041]

and alman brothers band

[@clintonnorris5748]

Lizella hollering at Ellaville.......GA pride

[@dannyturk5351]

Yall kinda far away but, love from Auburn Ga

[@MattSyversonthePaperbackRocker]

First song is Gentle On My Mind . . .

[@codywigginton5539]

We need a Tyler Childers tiny desk show next.

[@cooper08ism]

Cody Wigginton he done one about a year to six months ago I believe.

[@bradleygreenwell5876]

@@cooper08ism He sure done did

[@EvanMoore]

God I've been wanting some honest to goodness country music. Stadium country has been too prevalent and is too offensive to my senses and sensibilities in regard to it supposedly coming from a genre of music that is supposed to represent my way of life. Imagine that I'd find a solution that's just about right out my backyard. I'm just all smiles.

[@estebang5741]

Evan Moore check out Chris Stapleton, Midland, Dawes, All that crowd. Honest lovely classic style.

[@joshtowe95]

^^ Yes to this other comment but also Marcus King for some country/blues sound

[@agentxncc]

Seems like a lot of people in here are on the same page as me lol. Don't really like country but damn this is good.

[@spencersherman4289]

Goddamn that bass is fuckin RAD!

[@gentzanemartel1986]

Genial genial

[@gracegeradts7419]

Bring on Allen Stone please

[@theresaestes4394]

I had a cousin by the name of David Cobb the last that any of our family knew any thing about him he was living in Florida and you sure look a lot like him and he was a music player a country music and his mamaw use to call him a play boy lol not the kind people no them to be now well it was nice hearing you sing and looking at you because you sure remind me of me cousin 👍👊

[@Barkymark]

Dave is Brent's cousin.

[@FreeDom-fv8wy]

How dare you thumbs down. Luv me sum brent...

[@Dixielinemuzik]

The bass lead is cool to see.

[@blindjohn2969]

Skynyrd esque. DOOOWN in duh Guttah!

[@stephengentile8877]

So much denim!

[@jasonbowman3000]

Blue Jean Committee (documentary now)

[@GageSmiff]

I thought I was about to hear a Rhett Miller “question” cover for a second there

[@deaddudemetal]

The bass player looks like he's about to start crying lol