Brothers Osborne: 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.
Lyndsey McKenna | May 26, 2021
Since last year, many musicians have had to confront their own version of the "if a tree falls in a forest" thought experiment: If you release a new album but can't tour, will the music still resonate for listeners stuck at home? On their superb 2020 album, Skeletons, Brothers Osborne - a country duo that's long challenged the conventions of country and still managed to top the charts - intentionally turned up the volume to create a stadium-sized sound. The problem? "We put it out and performed it nowhere," John Osborne told Morning Edition.
For their Tiny Desk (home) concert, brothers John and T.J. scale to fit the setting - John's wood-panelled Nashville living room furnished with plenty of guitars and a tiny desk featuring a Maryland flag mug - but refuse to dial down the intensity. Opening with the explosive instrumental track "Muskrat Greene," Brothers Osborne and their collaborators use their set to showcase the very best of Skeletons. As on the record, they transition immediately into "Dead Man's Curve," a track that's the ideal interplay between John's fiery guitar and T.J.'s singular vocal stylings.
"I hope it's good," T.J. confesses near the concert's conclusion. "We really haven't been performing a lot for obvious reasons." If John and T.J. can create this incendiary of an experience from a living room, just imagine hearing the anthems "I'm Not For Everyone" and "Hatin' Somebody" surrounded by thousands of fellow fans this fall.
SET LIST
"Muskrat Greene"
"Dead Man's Curve"
"I'm Not For Everyone"
"Skeletons"
"Hatin' Somebody"
MUSICIANS
John Osborne: electric guitar, vocals
T.J. Osborne: acoustic guitar, vocals
Adam Box: drums
Pete Sternberg: bass
Jason Graumlich: guitar
Gabe Dixon: keys
Matt Heasley: accordion
CREDITS
Video: Reid Long
Audio: Logan Hanna, Courtney Warner
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Ann Powers
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Bob Boilen, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #brothersosborne

[@Carlos_slim89]

Good lord John Osbourne is an absolutely insane guitarist. He easily has to be the best guitarist in country right now. Possibly one of the best across all genres. Insane.

[@KevMusician]

That Tele tone ain't legal. Instantly one of my favourite Tiny Desk concerts. Proper musicians.

[@imjusthereforthefood8156]

bad man on that tele. highly underrated band.

[@robertoseveno]

Yeh mate

[@caseylewis8768]

Right!! Always got detuned!! But dude destroyed it!!! Lol

[@BeverlyaDavis-bevy1724]

🇺🇲 🇨🇱

[@pbcfisher3206]

Nice that a Brit appreciates our Southern music. Kudos.

[@publicemail6518]

One of the best country acts right now and the nicest guys unafraid to speak their minds.

[@lauriesecor3370]

Love the bros!!

[@knapptasticmedia]

I agree along with chris stapleton

[@ElroyBeezley]

LOVE THIS BAND. They are what country music has been missing.

[@flyersong]

This is some serious high level musicianship here. Great performance 👏👏🙌

[@robertoseveno]

Absolutely

[@BryanSorensen]

There’s so much I like about this performance: 1). the guitar playing/musicianship. 2). the singing/songwriting 3) the drum sounds 4) and, that guitar strap! I think this will be remembered as one of the great tiny desk performances: Anderson .Paak, Sting, Anthony Hamilton, Kruangbin...

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Muskrat Greene* [2:36] - *Dead Man's Curve* (4:53) 5:43 - *I'm Not For Everyone* (8:32) 9:03 - *Skeletons* (12:33) 13:10 - *Hatin' Somebody* [18:21 - Tiny Desk team]

[@racamorg]

Dead Man's Curve after Muskrat Greene

[@PentameronSV]

@@racamorg Added. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@Yari6string]

What a great talent on display in "real time". Awesome.

[@iwantrevengex]

I always thought I didnt like country music, until now!

[@rd4660]

It’s...not...really....country.

[@danno1111]

@@rd4660 Sure it is; there's a wide range of music that can fall under "Country", the same way there's a wide range of music that can fall under "Rock".

[@vadim4252]

@@danno1111 I think that this style is called Americana, influenced by white and black American music styles.

[@Essex626]

@@vadim4252 Brothers Osborne is a major label Country band. No ifs ands or buts, they are Country. Now, are they also Southern Rock? Sure. A bunch of soul and blues in there too. But they draw a significant level of influence from the Outlaw side of 70's Country.

[@vadim4252]

@@Essex626 not meaning to offend you...

[@ethansmithmusic]

i accidentally clicked on this but i’m glad i did 😳

[@TribalGuitars]

Serenditity

[@c_s_b_9_4]

it does not get better than John Osborne on the Tele. Loved his solo verse, talking about Hendrix and heaven

[@Joe-md7ql]

Always Thought it was…..”getting drinks in heaven”

[@ortem000]

Not really one for Country music but I get so excited when I hear something I like. This is one of those moments.

[@unibyte5175]

If more country was like this, I would actually listen to it.

[@alexl889]

So you don’t like good music is what you’re saying

[@milesthomas5342]

Absolutely underrated country act!!! Love how they have the old school flare, but also modernize the sound.

[@eucabusas]

Drum kit punching me left and right jesus that tone!

[@carolannadams6196]

Adam Box on drums.

[@jdubyaBOI]

One of the best live shows you’ll ever experience!

[@geedee38]

Talk about a 🎶 concert....in the darn living room! Pun intended “I’m floored”. Drummer has everyone on time and all of you guys deliver. John you got a banjo?! Awesome 🔥🤩❤️

[@LL-to8rf]

Quality country music - what Country music should be sounding like. Their grammy performance just earned a new fan - refreshing to see actual musicianship on that show like these guys.

[@radnowonward]

Gabe Dixon on keys!! A lovely surprise 💜

[@awglasgo]

I saw these guys in concert on 9/8/21. Easily one of my favorite concerts. They put on a great show and I highly recommend seeing them. You won't regret it.

[@snowstrobe]

Country music rocking out...

[@SteveG123]

Great stuff! Love when a band is so together.

[@shiranbernie624]

The BEST BAND!!! I just Loveeee their music!!

[@ItsRyan265]

That drumming is giving me Bonham vibes.

[@evanbragin9620]

Would love to see these guys work with the Robert Randolph Family Band👍

[@omahahaha]

I miss live music. To be honest, I sampled a couple of their songs and didn't come back to it but hearing and seeing this band has changed my mind. Especially love Muskrat Greene leading into Dead Man's Curve.

[@RockstahRolln]

I am discovering this band for the very first time and I am thrilled I have, they are so freakin GOOD!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikecito1717]

So that's what happens to a tele neck when your fingers are on fire. So good.

[@bluesdjben]

I like when bands come on Tiny Desk and don't feel like they have to tone down the energy.

[@thomaskohl6788]

I love Brothers Osborne's music. Perfect! Greetings to the band members.

[@tylerwillison4962]

Nothing short of amazing. One of the best country bands out there.

[@mitzibud6908]

Love, love, love BrOs!!

[@jodineiman7863]

Beautiful. Can we talk about TJ's guitar strap? That thing is amazing!

[@themothballprophecies5367]

Melco Leather made it! Isn’t it incredible!?

[@cameronbethuram]

Dang! That first tune was smokin' and what a tight band!! Every tune was great and well played...definitely impressed!

[@JustinDeMattico]

They’re truly so talented it’s unreal! Absolutely love them

[@TheMANuel2595]

Not what I expected from the thumbnail at all, this is 🔥!

[@snowstrobe]

I thought they were going to be some past-date manufactured pop duo I'd never heard of...

[@Baribrotzer]

Great country-rock, in which the country tunes hit as hard as the rock tunes. This stuff really packs a punch - the Brothers are excellent, and their band is just as good.

[@joenoah9906]

This is a great session. Had my attention from beginning to end.

[@acedemi5229]

Awesome video! Love TJ!

[@noellenotnoel]

Love these guys! And they are AMAZING live!

[@mikeymad]

I didn't know I needed this in my day until I could not imagine my day without it.. killer set

[@scientificpeople02]

So refreshing to find that they sound just like their albums!

[@layneweber9329]

They sound WAY BETTER live! What you talking bout?

[@BretJohnsonboyofthedog]

I heard this band for the first time closing out the Grammys last Sunday, and this tiny desk concert did not disappoint! You have a new fan!

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

Love love love these guys from the first time I heard them! They're almost like a fine wine - they get better the longer you listen. And I'm so glad that most of their songs have a subtle finger in the eye of the extreme right.

[@krispenn5000]

TJ’s voice is something else! But I also need more solo John verses here and there!

[@woodenplant7202]

I feel like its a crime not to be having a drink while listening to this!

[@johnwrath3612]

I would absolutely love to see these guys collaborate with Billy Strings.

[@thedobros741]

Great call

[@carolannadams6196]

I was thinking the same thing! The drummer is Adam Box from Meridian MS

[@janeparker1475]

My son got me listening to these guys - 👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@brettscharff]

That was so badass! Wow. 🤯 musicianship here was unparalleled

[@tonprobe]

Best live mixing I've ever heard!

[@ScottRandall31]

I wonder what mics they are using?

[@tonprobe]

@@ScottRandall31 The one at the snare drum is the Telefunken M80.

[@tperiodjackson]

I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched this and still get goosebumps. So dang good. Thank you.

[@ronaldlane6785]

Geez, that's talent! The writing, Skleletons, WOW, ain't heard that kind of good in a long time! First time I've listened to this band...thanks, I needed that!

[@chaosdromanah8620]

I love country music

[@jeron23]

Amazing the Bass player is playing like in slow motion and Guitar player/singer like a rollercoaster, jejeje

[@mikeyirish1967]

Y'all are EVERYTHING !!! This was amazing. Thank you, Brothers.

[@Phlizz]

Came for funk and soul... left happy with country.

[@jacoby75]

Wow. It's rare to see that level of raw talent in current popular music. How very refreshing.

[@user-rw6rj6kn8r]

Okay who else was singing along to every song?🎶🎸🖐

[@glenkellett492]

First live show I saw after the ‘demic. Cried. Can’t wait to see em again

[@angelvisions444]

Great live performances from a fantastic brand! Especially gorgeous TJ!

[@fivepointsroad4499]

Lost count of how many times I've watched this!! Love it.

[@tahween]

Enjoy these sessions. Exquisite guitarist yu are John Osborne. Everyone Outstanding!

[@FishyBoi112]

I’ve seen them in concert twice and they are truly amazing

[@texashazzard7606]

Wow this was one of the best sets ever!!!!

[@RN-kq6cp]

✌️❤️ WOW! Incredible! Sharing this with everyone now! Amazing musicians one and all!

[@MathiasKreft]

Big fun! Thank you!

[@chrism4960]

Just exceptional, period!

[@ednewyork1]

you guys are THE GREATEST! i haven't loved a CD this much in years. bought it both on digital and a hard copy cause i want it everywhere. you are the best and SKELETONS rocks!!!

[@StereoStickman]

Love this, brilliant guitar duo and band

[@YohanSBach]

Sooooo GOOD! 🙏

[@donnieevans57]

Thank you fellas ! Great Job !

[@kpmilehigh]

I can't wait to see the BROS in October! It's been too long without live music and they're going to tear it up with a full set. 🔥✌

[@ZDES178]

Seeing them for the first time, October - Santa Barbara.

[@sajjadimam6067]

The first track reminds me of the Charlie Daniels Band. Enjoyed the whole set, nice jam!

[@MiyaIshida]

I love it!

[@johnferraro707]

The Charlie Daniels band rocks man

[@jessw.82]

So great, guys! Saw y'all at the Opry in 2016. Can't wait to see you live again one day.

[@martindeleon6062]

Increible amigos !!

[@jimbokessler9635]

wow wow wow so so good BrOs 4ever!!!

[@JoshuaOLake]

How have I never experienced this before!! Wow!!! ❤❤❤ those strings!!!!!

[@robertpickert1750]

Wow, wow and more wow! I had heard of these guys, but hadn’t really taken the time to listen before. As soon as they get back on the road, I’ll find them be there!

[@Traveling.Chuck2861]

the intro 🤯

[@sneakerhead74]

SOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!!! Let's go brothers!!!!!! This is LEGIT!!!!!!

[@YoungAlmighty]

This drummer has real vibe.

[@WolfieRich1]

Absolutely sublime.

[@blue_line_music]

These guys are amazing!!!

[@carolpomper4688]

Great concert, and music set! I hope they get back on tour soon.

[@leoparcoeur]

Wow! What a surprise to see Gabe Dixon playing keyboard. Brothers Osborne and Gabe Dxion are the artists I've listened the most these last years. Great sound!

[@RobMLyon]

Love these guys

[@tinkarobert]

Brothersosbornecellent

[@kellyteasdale8252]

Great job guys!

[@mimoellagrimas]

Wow such a good performance guys!!!

[@adriancruse3413]

So good!

[@cptntwang]

This brings me so much joy.

[@MiyaIshida]

Great!!

[@knickell50]

Best I have seen in a long time!

[@sheercerebralpower]

Amazing!!!!!!

[@michaelmueller8746]

I don't know what I love more that tele or that playing. I'm going to with that playing. But dam that's a cool tele. Love this band god bless you guys for the music you guys give us.

[@EversonAlencar]

Wow! That's great!

[@javierguzman2795]

Sounds so huge, good work guys!!

[@starbright1256]

Thank you. xo

[@suradxetry6578]

Clicked And Now Iam Stucked

[@hiptoalieu]

NEW FAV BAND!!!