Corinne Bailey Rae: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

September 19, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • It's been six years since Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae released her second album, The Sea, so this Tiny Desk concert feels like both a re-introduction and a welcome back. The Sea dealt with the sudden death of her husband, saxophonist Jason Rae; since then, she's married producer Steve Brown, and together they've made a new record called The Heart Speaks In Whispers. That album has this English singer recording with the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller and members of the band KING.
There's real joy in this genre-defying performance - just great songs and a unique voice. It's a treat for new fans and old friends alike.
The Heart Speaks In Whispers is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Heart-Speaks-W...
SET LIST:
"Paris Nights / New York Mornings"
"Hey, I Won't Break Your Heart"
"The Skies Will Break"
CREDITS:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineers: Suraya Mohamed, Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Colin Marshall; Production Assistant: Rachel Horn; Photo: Morgan McCloy/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@emilydauge6507]

Anyone in 2024??? 👀

[@timmyt7987]

Yeah 2024... Finally rain free In tropical FNQ Australia.

[@Timely-ud4rm]

Me!

[@elcrei_]

Yeap. Fighting ring wing politics

[@harperrynearson]

She is the human equivalent of sunshine.

[@0Cindrum0]

Harper Rye haha

[@JurienHuggins]

Wow, youve got me

[@FLUKEMEDIA]

HAHAHAH Love the brilliance of the call and the humiliation. Worth the post mate.

[@myplaylistsareimportanttom7925]

Rocking and smiling in a sundress!

[@mmmk1616]

Yes! And her face just beams out happiness!

[@DavidSotoJr]

This is what it looks like when you do what you love.

[@rudyvradio]

Right on...

[@barrycolley8079]

this also is the reflection of love manifest in life of a woman living it . love . time . ascension. gratitude. trying to see one's path . forward . lovingly humble.

[@cynthiae.6016]

@@barrycolley8079 : Beautifully worded🎈

[@Oak__]

It's more so her personality

[@tinkerbell3307]

Esooooo! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MrSeaborn1]

She’s one of the few artist that can take such long breaks in between each CD and still remain relevant.

[@kierah16]

I think its so cool how she smiles with her eyes.... :-)

[@sharkelms6932]

You have no choice but to smile with her!!!

[@hawkenparker1790]

It's called smizing.

[@deeniology101]

I think its so cool how cool how you expressed your thought....a perfect thought.

[@Andreluiz-dp2ho]

Haha i was just about to say that!

[@JanelleSpeaks]

It’s her secret weapon.

[@garfieldboi524]

Everything about her is so beautiful: her voice, her appearance, her aura. I'm so happy she's still making music, we need artists like her around for the long haul

[@barrycolley8079]

Amai Z.W. : and when they play" live " within your aera , go . support . appreciation .

[@Eclecticcelestial]

I swear your dad is a famous comedian. I can't remember his name tho oof

[@caseywalker1714]

If you aren't aware of her back story with her ex-husband who overdosed and died it's so dope to see her so radiant & full of life... AMAZING.

[@InappropriateShorts]

I didn’t know he od’d I thought he just died.

[@paradoxward2533]

@@InappropriateShorts it was an accident. mixed alcohol and methadone.

[@annm6171]

dope...

[@Moistbuddhist]

Who else is still listening to this performance after 6 years? Corinne is so talented. I always stop what I'm doing to listen to her voice and lyrics when this performance is on.

[@brandyrobinson2822]

Me

[@lvch]

🖐

[@sdenegal]

She is so beautiful, inside & out. She suffered a great loss in 2008 and for a minute I felt that Corinne would not recover, but recover she did and we get to hear more new songs sing by that sweet voice of hers.My daughter told me about her when she had the song, 'Girls put your records on.' She was fresh, naive, and innocent as a child. Today she is all grown-up and singing real heart breaker songs...You go girl....

[@johnsommers3902]

The sea was he best album dont right after the death of her husband

[@homodeus8713]

She put it all in her music and gave it to us

[@Agret]

She was in her 20s when she put out girls put your records on, definitely not a child

[@luluraven1938]

Yes My daughter introduced me to her beautiful music many years ago Sunshine 🌻🌻🌻💜💎

[@DAVIDND24]

I met her once a few years back in her hometown of Leeds in a perfume shop, summoned up the courage to speak to her and she was so lovely and sweet, buying a gift for her grandma, no security no nothing

[@mikegogel78]

DAVIDND24

[@ants9151]

I seen her in Santa Monica public library and tried to say hello but she gave me a look like i was the most disgusting person on earth

[@dbo514]

lol what did you do?

[@yurisebastiao1872]

dbo514: he must have done some wrong shit

[@legit_renz8452]

I doubt she would have security anywhere she went. Shes not that type of famous.

[@jedigandhi]

Voice like honey wine, a soul that shines through her eyes, a smile like God's own mercy, and a peerless musical talent. Lord help me, for I am in deep smit.

[@Orih20]

Her and Norah Jones fill me with such happiness when I hear their voices.

[@nicholasmoore7659]

Both born in the same year!

[@macewbee]

Yep

[@pa4362]

Love them both

[@emilymccarthy2292]

Yes!!❤

[@pa4362]

I love them both

[@KingTings45]

She soooooo beautiful

[@Quake2815]

type of women you give the sun and moon lol.

[@gordon920]

Now imagine how bright and beautiful her spirit is :D

[@jaquelinegillisfrancine2923]

She gets more beautiful with time, it's kind of weird.

[@gordon920]

Jaqueline Gillis francine The key is faith.

[@MrsValdry]

I was thinking the same! She looks inwardly happy!

[@KyleTogrul]

her smile and personality is so infectious, even to everyone in the room

[@83oakland]

yes! i can't get over how she just smiling so subtly through it all!

[@fumiyohirano8323]

Kyle Togrul ぬへへ

[@monicaotero2488]

💎

[@gyta316]

She has a great personality, apparently hasn't changed at all

[@wam0404855]

I had never heard of her, then I found her CD at a thrift shop for $1. Now I'm a fan for life. Please don't stop, Corrine.

[@kritikasampleone7457]

Her music doesnt belong in the thrift shop

[@napeakor]

i love the way her husband (the keyboardist) looks at her the whole time. so much love.

[@lantlewis8515]

napeakor she married again after the passing of her first husband? That's great!

[@ta5393]

I figure that was him because they kept looking at each other. It is so cute, and I am happy she found love again. You can see it in her smile. :)

[@lilo1733]

Wow he is a truly lucky man. Who would have known😳

[@funkeysman1]

Lucky man

[@TCt83067695]

@@ta5393 i thought they were just looking at each other so they know when to come in, start the next verse, change keys etc lol

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Artists like Corrine Bailey Rae are absolutely heaven sent! Rare gems

[@barrycolley8079]

many ARE out there , top 40 and corps like to tag and pigeonholing artist. .Manny go beyond like her .

[@imthefuture22]

I'm glad she's back. I missed her uniqueness.

[@tuffgirl922]

Her progression from youthful innocence to the woman she is still becoming is beautiful. It is so good to see she has not lost her shine and joy.

[@auroramariah9620]

I have her in my memory... when I lived in a place not good, one day I turn the tv on and was showing a concert of her, it gave me hope to make my life better

[@speedspeed121]

The Tiny Desk shows, with ****real musicians**** and talented singers, is EXACTLY what the Top 40 should be filled with.

[@comfycanadian8708]

You must have no idea how Top 40 works and what the industry is built upon. It's not about harnessing talent and promoting artistic integrity. It's about selling products. Challenge the "Top 40" by listening to what you like, Eric H.

[@pirateunicorn42]

Eric Hanaway didnt she make "put your records on"?? that was a REALLY popular song..

[@speedspeed121]

Phebe Palmer probably. I can barely listen tovradio

[@byculla6]

Comfy Canadian: So sad. So true. George Micheal and others refused to be their bitch and stopped singing for years.

[@Agret]

@@comfycanadian8708 no need to "challenge the top 40" it's totally okay to listen to top 40 songs, you get plenty of time for other music as the top 40 usually stick around for a month or more

[@moonchile245]

Corinne's smile for World Peace. She's just the cutest thing ever!

[@dianamcfarland1997]

SHE IS SO CLASSY.

[@jasonm1641]

13 years later and she is still my favorite musician. Impossible to not fall in love with the happiness and joy she brings with her music. Loved watching this :)

[@wjv2011]

One of the best Tiny Desk's concerts I've ever seen. Show stopping performance! Just WOW!!

[@mimi69810]

Corrine and Lianne La Havas are the best ones hands down!!

[@TheGreenerItGets]

Kamira Johnson And Esperanza Spalding 😁

[@SahilJain22]

Completely agree with you on this.

[@dotnb]

Kamira Johnson AGREED

[@kalvino67]

I thought they were the same person! :)

[@starbob2494]

I agree.

[@indelaxiom]

This version of "The Skies Will Break" is absolute amazing and uplifting. Just listening to her sing this song makes my soul rejoice!!

[@pedroluna9289]

That's how you know she loves music, just watch her play!

[@lucaskim8500]

Her smile is beautiful

[@Kazakor]

I can't watch this without grinning like an idiot. CBR looks so happy when she sings it is overwhelmingly infectious.

[@brentingram423]

0:00 Paris Nights / New York Mornings 4:02 Hey, I Won't Break Your Heart 9:38 The Skies Will Break

[@shaquanasmall6117]

I love her and did not know she had a Tiny Desk! So glad I found this. Corrine is so underrated.🥰🥰

[@jayfizzle9670]

I'm listening in May 2019 and just remembered how much I love Corinne Bailey Rae. Thank you for sharing this I will listen to this over and over again.

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

Smiled when I heard the intro. The Sea is my favorite album of hers!

[@fumiyohirano8323]

Her song is mellow and she is lovely!

[@TachirosLament]

Yea but, "Like a star" "Enchantment" "Put your records on" "Breathless" "I'd like to" "'Till it happens to you" and plenty more are all on on her first album. She would have to go in a new direction all together with team of people like mndsgn, bonobo, sampha, taylor mcferrin etc. to compete with that album.

[@Bvmbi]

FOR REALLL

[@lukethestarkillmickey8235]

TachirosLament both of her albums are good but Corinne was truly herself with The Sea. In fact both her second and third album she was truly herself in. Not to mention The Sea is so much better written and a lot more relatable. “I can do it all again” , “Diving For Hearts”, “Closer”, “Are you here”, “I would like to call it beauty” songs proves not only how amazing of a writer Corinne is but also when she’s truly in her element, she can express herself to in any genre. Hell, Corinne was a lead singer in a rock band back in her school days. As much as her self titled album is great and what got me into her, her second and third album is where Corinne truly shines her creativity. Which to me, proves how underrated of a writer and performer she is. Yes, she’s my favorite artist of all time

[@Firebird1844]

This is the best youtube music channel ever been. Thnx, guys.

[@susanmeertens606]

Дима Бескрылый AGREE!

[@fcool]

i've come back not only to listen to her, but to see her smile

[@purenoire]

I walked down the aisle to "Like a star" been loving this woman since say dot x 💜💜💜 hopefully she'll get the recognition for her artistry soon x Listening July 2019 and sounds wonderful x

[@MasterAppels]

I hoped that it was in the set list

[@Giovanni-gb6rr]

That’s the song I want for my wedding day thooooo 🎉

[@rudyvradio]

WOW, she really DOES, "smile with her eyes." Amazing. And her gift - indelible.

[@olerazzle]

Omfg her looking at her husband as she is singing hey I wont break your heart! You can feel the love melting between them. It's stunning and she glows of love

[@tubeyou89119]

I guess the guy on keyboard is her husband. They do lock eyes from time to time... So glad she is back in the game. Bless them.

[@Way2goful]

So happy for her, she looks happy and has that "in love" glow about her.

[@starcutie41532]

is this the girl who sang Put Your Records on???

[@shpfask]

yep

[@susanhelwig7002]

yes!

[@TreavorUnion]

She's a woman now. :D

[@ucheoutloud]

she was a woman then too lol

[@joaovitorferreira166]

He meant for she is not a little girl anymore she is a grown woman hahaha lol

[@javsies]

I'D BE SMILING AS WELL IF I HAD WRITTEN PARIS NIGHTS/NEW YORK MORNINGS BECAUSE WHAT A MASTERPIECE HONESTLY

[@EnchantedEmpress-yp9ux]

Exactly

[@guitar11diary]

And if i can have the voice like hers, i will never stop smiling!

[@collettecaraway2759]

"human equivalent of sunshine..." U captured an expressed ESSENCE!

[@ValerieGonzalez]

I love how you can hear her smile through in her songs. Radiant!

[@macbookproearly2011]

I love her down tempo slow songs, her voice is godly

[@sdboykin1]

I love her music.... I still listen to "Breathless" like it's a brand new song.... Love it... #greatTalent

[@skiitax8]

Watching this now, June 2024. My son brought me her first cd years ago. Seeing and hearing her brings a smile to my face. So naturally beautiful.

[@santanaincubus]

She has a romantic voice, since she first came out the music scene. Always loved her voice, it always captured me in a strong way. She looks great too,lovin her hair 👍.

[@ryankc3631]

Where does she hide her wings?

[@JessicaDominic]

I'm so excited to watch this! I love Corinne Bailey Rae. Definitely a fav of mine :)

[@adrianbaigorria4808]

Corinne is an amazing singer & composer. I've been enyoing her music for the last 10 years...

[@6justlearn32]

When you start to cry, its means she's cleansing you.

[@bitterick]

i am happy to see her happy. her sound is deeply affectionate

[@lucysmoo6807]

Saw her last night at the London Jazz Festival. Her voice is AMAZING and even better than before (if that's possible) So full of positivity!

[@Bringbeautyzulu]

The way I smiled when I heard the intro to Paris Nights/New York Mornings 😩❤️

[@peacemusiclove8693]

I saw her live in Austin and she was absolutely amazing. Been a fan since day one.

[@freemandockery4891]

Literally was listening to other Tony desk and said to myself I would love to see Cornnie B. And look! The universe knows how to feed my soul

[@yuyu.co.kr.]

Watching her smile singing the part 0:30 "one more coffee and one last cigarette" makes me smile too Can't stop watching the same part

[@susie8799]

I love her!!! Her music always feels like summer bottled up

[@philweller7387]

She's probably smiling because she gets to listen to that gorgeous voice all day.

[@EricaCYoung]

Love love love Corrine Bailey Rae! Musicians in this set are committed to music like no other!! The guy behind her (black guy) is absolutely focused on the skill and talent of the artists around him. Excellent beautiful Tiny Desk. ❤️❤️❤️

[@maria_natalia]

Thank you tiny desk!!!! Finally Corinne. Im sooo in love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@colorfullifeproductions464]

us to ! : )

[@bape5000]

Her first album was a classic!

[@KKelly-ng1ni]

All of them are.

[@modifiedcontent]

The Sea was a classic

[@amgm1996]

her first album is the fan favorite but her the sea album is specially deep and mature.

[@aroldoneto6042]

i love the way she smiles. Looks like she's embarrassed

[@kasmeneyes2227]

I dont know why but I was secretly hoping for "Put your records on"

[@chipesque]

And breathless, and Choux pastry heart

[@davidharris8459]

I wanted to hear trouble sleeping

[@mariaager1924]

I wanted to hear “Just like Star” ❤️❤️

[@swazimbuli8856]

@@davidharris8459 all the the above mentioned songs are my favorite

[@DSGDOLO]

I Wanted 2 Hear Everything From Her On Tiny Desk 💯✨🅿️🤷🏽

[@adviceforyoungpros]

When I was in Chichester for 3 months, I listened to Corinne every single day and now every time I hear her music, I’m reminded by that carefree moment in my life. She will always be associated with a little slice of happiness for me. Seeing her perform live reaffirms that. Thank you for what you do Corinne!!!

[@theOstenHugo]

Album of the year 2016, for me, was The Heart Speaks In Whispers, hands down. That and Blonde by Frank Ocean. CBR, has a gorgeous timber x persona x intonation x terribly honest lyrics x a charming smile in her eyes while she sings. Ugh, I’m getting all romantic but she brings it out in me. ❤️🖤❤️🖤❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@riellg.e.m.b-112beatz4]

One of my favorite Tiny Desks. I love Corrine!

[@ikoikjji5548]

omg her british accent was such a wonderful surprise!

[@benjaminwright5936]

Proves everyone wrong on KZbin that says that musicians of a certain era were the best ever. This is simply incredible and stands up to music of the past and I suspect that of the future.

[@wlm1029]

And suddenly I am taken back to when I first heard this young Lady, and thought, "She is undoubtedly brilliant." Absolutely brilliant is Ms. Bailey.

[@madeleinehiggins243]

"Hey, I Won't Break Your Heart" is one of the most beautiful love songs I've heard in a while. Still gives me chills. Love Corinne

[@kyronlohraw7683]

I normally wait when notified to watch but I was to excited

[@shruggingtoast3359]

Her smile is literally sooooo gorgeous

[@EnchantedEmpress-yp9ux]

She is just pure joy! Her aura is everything! ☀️☀️✨✨Golden

[@thiago1161]

She is so beautiful and still sings with a very sweet smile.😍😍😍😍

[@PedroPetipa]

she's magical

[@Brenda82Glass]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Soooo refreshing..love her style of music💯.. earthy..tremendously talented!!!!💎♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@steelyjay1]

It's probably unhealthy the number of times I have watched this.

[@barrycolley8079]

steelyjay1 : no . never . I dance through the house in my stocking feet to almost every song she's ever done and I'm glad to say I own two DVDs just wish I could find it on vinyl.

[@gayle2020]

No its not. Listen a million more ❤️

[@julioaranton461]

Attractive, fresh, free spirit approach in expressing her musical talents as an entertainer. A natural beautiful woman that projects her inner soul to the world with a magnetic child-like innocence as well w/great fellow band members...Namaste.

[@Pebbles2233]

the second song made me cry ....

[@charlinda_is_her_2058]

Me too😭😭

[@kisnerp]

"Paris Nights / New York Mornings" - The combination of her smile and the tone of this piece literally brought tears to my eyes throughout the whole thing. Can't remember that happening before. Exquisite!

[@Matt-zg5tz]

Look at that smile :) Heaven touching moment when that woman smiles and sings :)

[@philiq18]

She's one of the most amazing artistes to see in person. Her energy, enthusiasm, and storytelling is top tier. Sat through an almost two hour concert and every second was an experience. Been a fan ainxe her debut album Circa 2006 and it's great to see her still in her element and touring. 🔥🔥

[@niev1111]

ok she needs to stop being so fucking perfect

[@mindinthesand]

no. no she does not.

[@caxtrineo]

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahagaha

[@swatson108]

Nia Evans hahaha

[@groverreediii6487]

I love her "The Heart Speaks In Whispers" album. She has a great personality and such a warm voice.

[@terrywashington8669]

Here in 2020 listening to the voice of an angel to smooth my weary mind.

[@arlo2203]

"soothe"

[@Creaulx]

2022 and it still works

[@slmxoxo]

The beauty of her soul really shows through the glow of her skin... it's impeccable

[@mariaflauta2580]

she looks like a big little girl! lovely!!!

[@viiyana]

my mom loves her and i grew up listening to her music 😭 such a pretty voice i adore her

[@Fireside643]

Wow - I just wish it was a longer show. She's amazing. And the joy at the last few minutes made me smile

[@rl9427]

I literally watch this when I need cheering up, and it always does.😀

[@Lifeonmarslooksrad]

She has such a youthful, girly voice. It just makes you imagine you’re walking through the french countryside in summer. Gorgeous 🌞🌻

[@briannaphillips4255]

Pure Joy, and when I need to automatically smile I look at her singing in pure joy! Artist like her helps us out in real life.

[@nicolasruiz2116]

first saw "Put your records on" when I was like 11 on Vh1. Been in love with her since. Thank you Ms. Rae for always making beautiful songs.

[@Ceeby]

Oh! How fabulous! I've always loved her voice and songs. My favourite being 'Just like a Star'. Lyrically, it sums up all relationships. ♥️ xx

[@LorenzoNW]

Excellent back-up musicians.

[@MissSunflower242]

hippie child, been missing your sound. sumthin refreshing, non-radio-pop-princess crap, music of life. clicked on this notification so fast

[@nimrod2550]

Just beautiful. So great to hear Corinne back to her fabulous best. These NPR tiny gigs are just the best thing on KZbin.

[@charitami5331]

I would love to be in the studio with them because I know it’s a WHOLE VIBE.