Nathaniel Rateliff: 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.
Bob Boilen | April 12, 2021
Nathaniel Rateliff stands in an old familiar place, sharing his pain. The Mercury Café is one of the first places Nathaniel frequented when he moved to Denver in 1998, hearing jazz, dancing, and eventually playing many shows there. For his Tiny Desk (home) concert, he's assembled a dozen players including a string section, backing singers, and some of his oldest friends: Joseph Pope III on bass, Mark Shusterman on keys, Luke Mossman on guitar and Patrick Meese on drums. On the opening song and the title track to his 2020 album, And It's Still Alright, they're restrained as Nathaniel sings about loss, including his friend and producer Richard Swift, but he's holding on. "I'll be damned if this old man / Don't start to counting his losses / But it's still alright."
But restraint lets loose on the chorus of "Redemption," a song about breaking free of the past and written for Apple original film Palmer, starring Justin Timberlake. The ender, a tune called "Mavis," truly is a grand finale, a song that conjures up images of The Band singing Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" - and what a fabulous release it is.
SET LIST
• "And It's Still Alright"
• "All Or Nothing"
• "Redemption"
• "Mavis"
MUSICIANS
• Nathaniel Rateliff: guitar, vocals
• Patrick Meese: drums, keys
• Joseph Pope III: bass
• Mark Shusterman: keys
• Luke Mossman: guitar
• James Barone: drums, guitar
• Chris Jusell: violin
• Joy Adams: cello
• Adrienne Short: violin
• Rachel Sliker: viola
• Larea Edwards: vocals
• Chrissy Grant: vocals
• Kinnie Maveryck: vocals
CREDITS
• Video: Rett Rogers, Jasper Gray, Frank Pickell, Will Gardner, Hillary Thomas, Trevor McKenna, Christian Silberbauer, Sam Sigler
• Audio: Patrick Meese, James Mefford
TINY DESK TEAM
• Producer: Bob Boilen
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
• Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame
• Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #nathanielrateliff

[@sheisapearla]

I look after a girl with profound intellectual disability who loves music...I play this concert for her and she absolutely loves it (as do I!)...she gets so excited when she hears the first track starting - I would love Nathaniel to know how much his music moves us, especially how it affects her! ❤

[@delcastillo81]

I’m not the only one that comes back to watch this ever day, right?

[@pault1439]

3 times so far today. It's still early, so I'm probably not done.

[@miguelsevald-beaulieu2002]

Sounds track to my year! Thanks Nathaniel

[@fr1034]

Several of these are on playlist repeat

[@privatelyplaylisted]

And It's Still Alright is one of the most heartachingly beautiful albums out there. It's raw, honest and profoundly hopeful despite being enough to make you cry at every turn. It's an album for staring forlornly into the distance and reflecting, a slow sunrise for the dark days. I cannot understate just how much I love this album ❤

[@mikegreen2417]

You said that very well my friend.

[@irnbrunicorn]

Have you gone into his earlier solo stuff (pre night sweats), 'in memory of loss' is an album I return to again and again. Raw and simplistic with his trademark turn of phrase featured in every song.

[@delcastillo81]

@@irnbrunicorn such a fantastic album. You Should’ve Seen the Other Guy is phenomenal.

[@mikegreen2417]

He was the last concert I attended before the pandemic at Red Rocks. Phenomenal

[@wolfcreekboys7353]

Agreed..

[@nicolew6904]

I've discovered so many new artists thanks to NPR.

[@CaseTheCritic]

Nathaniel Rateliff is definitely one of the best singer/songwriters of today

[@adriank8151]

So many great tiny desk performances imo dont translate outside of npr the same. So many absolutely amazing tiny desk performances but then i listen to there normal stuff its just not the same emotional qualities....again imo

[@francoisesoullier7592]

@@adriank8151 f,j×+

[@bierbrauer11]

You definitely need to check out his previous appearance if this is your first exposure... pure brilliance!

[@sheisapearla]

Same. Just love discovering artists of Nathaniel's cailbre! So exciting!! Life's tapestry just got SO much richer 😍

[@zombigurrrl]

I just lost a dear friend to cancer, a month after losing my mother-in-law to COVID-19 and today was the first day I heard "And It's Still Alright." Shame on me but my goodness, it stopped me in my tracks when I heard the words and they struck my heart like no other. I already found Nathaniel to be a very special vocalist and artist but this tiny concert was something else.

[@d9bates]

I'm not an artist but I would imagine that your message is about as great a compliment as could be received. I'm sorry for your loss and also grateful you're able to find little pockets of assistance in the world. God bless.

[@zombigurrrl]

@@d9bates Thank you so much. That is very kind of you to take time out of your day to say this. The power of music is unlike any other. Sending huge virtual hugs to you and wishing you lots of blessings.

[@nathanielbeauvais689]

@@zombigurrrl THE POWER OF GOOD (GOD)

[@dustinpace848]

Wasn't expecting to cry today. But that Redemption performance got me real good. His stare into the distance...whew. What an incredible group of artists.

[@christyellis263]

Yes killed me too , so beautiful . Just what the doctor ordered . Very healing .Played it several times . Going to go look up the lyrics now .

[@mattrowell1240]

He literally gets better and better every time he does something...just crazy good. Thank you, Nathaniel!

[@adams565]

This is fabulous. I love the band and his solo work. I'm so very glad to have found this music. Special shoutout to Mark Shusterman. Killer keys player but his vocal harmonies are just so good and work so well with Nathaniel. He's the special sauce in all of this and I don't think he gets enough appreciation.

[@mrshoosz]

🙏😭

[@dylanthomas2457]

Well said

[@jacobhicks3306]

Truth! It's all awesome but Shusterman is a total beast!!!

[@HenriksenDolf]

totally agreed!

[@doctorsnake8764]

I thought he was using a vocal processor!

[@aleckelly2706]

I’m a Scotsman, and I stumbled on this gem of a guy and the band through KZbin, we have nothing and no one even close to this precious music and sound..makes my eyes wet on occasion when you least expect it👍🙂🙂

[@michaeldibartolo8782]

We lost my mother-in-law to cancer back in March, and for her graveside service, my wife chose And It's Still Alright and Redemption as songs to play. So as I was looking at Nathaniel Rateliff's page I saw this video. Loving the Tiny Desk concerts, I let it play. Then I noticed that 2 of the songs in the set were ones my wife had chosen, I looked to see the other songs. I saw All or Nothing and smiled, as that was still very much my MIL. Then I saw the 4th song in the set, Mavis, and almost dropped my phone, as that was my mother-in-law's name. I showed my wife, we both had a good laugh, then a good cry. Thank you, Nathaniel and band. We miss you, Mavis

[@MichaelWilliams-ks8qv]

Love hearing Mavis live. My maternal grandmother shared that name with this lovely song, and was my best friend. Heard it for the first time a couple months after she passed. Helped me through the biggest loss of my life

[@itsthejaykay4145]

This performance of 'Redemption' and 'Mavis' is absolutely otherworldly. The power, the emotion, it sends shivers up my spine. Phenomenal stuff.

[@ztbt]

During Mavis when everybody is smiling. Man, just seems like there’s so much joy in that room. Being able to be together and perform like that in these times.

[@ingricarmenate9182]

My English is very bad, but went I hear your voice I smile incide. Thank you for been so good.

[@123monkey2]

I can't get enough of this guy.... His band too is insanely good. Thank you NPR!!!

[@milespro4907]

It's great how many people will be introduced to this wonderful artist through this exact performance~

[@TheGodorock]

“And there’s nowhere to hide” always hits the feels

[@MiscDotGeek]

My new favorite Tiny Desk concert. I'm sitting here with hot tears streaming down my face. If any of the band see this: Thank you.

[@wolfcreekboys7353]

Especially the opener.. What a record

[@eduardoaragon3512]

*feb/2023:* both songs Rdemption/Mavis made me cry, like Nathaniel here,,, was to easy for him convey a nostalgic feeling to me,,,,

[@nicknetti5168]

Artist that aren’t afraid to show their hearts to the world. Treasures

[@jonnygodwin6956]

Love the shrine to Richard and the clear emotion in Nathaniel's eyes as he sings 'And It's Still Alright'. Really puts into context how beautiful music really is and how it can help the most tragic and life shattering experience we must face as humans - the grief of losing a loved one. RIP Richard.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *And It's Still Alright* 3:52 - *All or Nothing* (8:43) 8:55 - *Redemption* 13:18 - *Mavis* [18:00 - Tiny Desk team]

[@RobertSlover]

nashville pop....zzzzzzz.

[@SackSmasher]

@@RobertSlover boy what

[@robinlhs5256]

@@RobertSlover then why are you here?

[@RobertSlover]

@@robinlhs5256 nashville pop....zzzzzzz.

[@sawkakowalik5749]

I also have string quartet at my house

[@shmeli]

Now you just need three backup singers’

[@judyjones3562]

True dat

[@wolfcreekboys7353]

😂😂

[@jackoconnor3999]

Doesnt everyone?

[@sheisapearla]

I bet they sound better in the bathroom.

[@EarnestWilliamsGeofferic]

Best version of Redemption I've heard yet.

[@noahguthman899]

Talk about a guy that sings from the heart...

[@jameskolstad6789]

Remarkably beautiful and deeply felt !!!!!

[@RobertSlover]

nashville pop....zzzzzzz.

[@angelagardner3779]

The keyboard player is AWESOME! When I saw them live I was floored. Pure talent!! ❤️👊🏼🤙🏼👊🏼🤘🏼

[@Wallygoose]

Just found this man! Goosebumps ensued! Stunning.

[@gobigrey9352]

I found him a couple years ago. Best thing that ever happened to me musically. The art he's made is mind blowing.

[@KristinStJohn]

Love me some Nathaniel Rateliff -- his music is just so, for the lack of a better term, chill. I can listen to his stuff -- with or without the Night Sweats -- on repeat. So happy when I got this notification earlier this a.m.

[@Defghi19]

Love to see the stripped down, intimate setting of a stage and full string orchestra. Really gives it that raw feeling.

[@kewpie7868]

I love every Nathaniel song 🥹🥺

[@Star111490]

So beautiful... I love Nathaniel Rateliff and I love him with the Night Sweats. So much emotion and feeling in every song and his voice is so unique... I'm so glad they came back to NPR's Tiny Desk!!!!

[@debrapowell2239]

I love music that makes me stop...and just...listen. This is that kind of music

[@michelvanderlist5809]

Very happy to see Nathaniel look so much better / healthier than in videos from a couple of years ago

[@delcastillo81]

I’m here for every bit of this. So amazing.

[@cotinaspann9475]

Eclectic and beautiful ❤️. Love his voice and the stories he weaves with his lyrics.

[@colleenhickey4995]

fabulous in every way. best start to a week in ages with this blasting and dancing in the kitchen. so good.

[@MDA-rs4uf]

I've been watching these guys and seeing them live for a number of years now and I think they are indeed in their element now. They work well together and continue to put out the good stuff.

[@susanbrodsky1067]

Simply spectacular! ‘And It’s Still Alright” one of my fave albums from last year.

[@JeffAdamsMusic]

I have been a fan of @Nathaniel Rateliff ever since I first heard him years ago. I'm grateful to have caught this! So great! ☮💚🙂🎶

[@themoonme5983]

His music makes me feel something beautiful

[@JuanoGaleasS]

Never have I clicked so fast. Nathaniel you're awesome! Greetings from Ecuador

[@d.cypher2920]

This is great! First time hearing NR. Great guitar, backing instruments and singers... Great voice. Excellent and memorable lyrics. Thank you for sharing your music with me today! ☀️😎🇺🇸☀️

[@ivyyoung521]

Pure Musical Magic right here! Love Everyone of you! Your all magical!

[@shanemillott5229]

Thankyou so much for the upload 💓 totally fell in love with him and his band tonight!!

[@kellymorelli2550]

Love, love, love this!! You have a beautiful soul, NR ☮️🎼💜

[@user-rw6rj6kn8r]

Love Nathaniel his voice sends shivers up my spine. The Nights Sweats with Orchestra just sets the mood. Just keeps getting better 🥰🎸🎶👏👏

[@kamam.7556]

Thank you for this gift of music! Been a fan for years.

[@musicforyou2010]

What a sound and feeling!! Brilliant songwriting and playing. Thank you, Nathaniel!!!! Thank you to the great band!!! Greetings from Germany, Joe

[@orthomansam]

My new favorite artist. So many goid songs. I can't quit listening to this dude.

[@Miquelodeon87]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, Rateliff.

[@jupiterjazzybelle]

omg !!! i barely discovered him a few weeks ago & my appreciation for his music is deepened by this tiny desk

[@nolenandfriends2004]

Nathaniel and his band are unbeliebable. So excited that we will be playing that same room this Thursday :)

[@michaelscott6880]

Coming from a true belieber

[@ProctorsGamble]

Acht du lieber!

[@gagejohnson6882]

Feels good when can truly feel a song Thank you Nathaniel

[@goldlapis4652]

Thank you for the wonderful performance🌈Everyone's performance in the beautiful starry sky warmed my heart☆💘☆

[@sergejstankeev3199]

Absolutely brilliant. Touches me to the core every time

[@Me20241]

Great hearing from these guys again....love it

[@iangassman625]

I saw Rateliff back in 2010 or so play a solo set with just his classical guitar at Mercury. About 10 people were there. I was obsessed with him back then and still am. I think he's investing in keeping the Mercury Cafe alive in light of development. A crucial indepedent venue. Good on ya, Nate. P.S. If you like this, check out his old band, Born in the Flood.

[@orangeplaysmc1829]

I love this...Nathaniel’s voice is rich and sincere...nice touch with the strings and the bands low key play. Reminds me a lot of the Town Hall mini set from last March that signaled troubled times ahead 🎶🎸

[@adamroberts1080]

This was an epic start to my day, thank you.

[@hosstoronto]

Exactly what I needed right now... just wow.

[@leechong5335]

Thank you very much mister Nathaniel big hearth so beautiful song en words love it fantastic musiciens merci beaucoup muchissimas gracias tiny desk 🌸 🌺

[@angelagardner3779]

🔥🔥🔥 My favorite band in the history of bands. And these back-up singers are🔥!

[@davidevergaraguirald7078]

mis lagrimas mis gracias profundas con todo el corazon! bendiciones a todas todos! onelove!

[@dylanthomas2457]

So cool to see these guys on SNL and now another tiny desk. I wish the best for this band and all the other great bands I love who are meant to be touring and playing live shows. We will get back to those days, just hold tight guys!

[@camvigil4]

Redemption is such a good song! You can feel that chorus coming for such a long time

[@sarahnunnally3663]

one of the best sounds out there. makes me nostalgic for things to come.

[@markgiorcelli5607]

Love the Harry Nilsson in some of his music! It’s such an amazing feat to take the recent hardships he’s had to go thru and translate it all into some of the finest music I’ve ever heard. You can watch him and see him singing from the heart!

[@laurenfritz9876]

Fantastic way to end my evening. Thank you!

[@cindypaul1127]

Music that touches my soul, thank you!

[@oPBo]

I needed this...... thankyou 👍

[@VALENTNHO2010]

Masterpiece! Amazing!!!

[@aquilesjorgerabaud1030]

Hello from Cuba!!! YESSSS CUBA!!! God Bless you. You're an inspiration for me!! Blessings!!

[@danielscott1040]

Wait, Cuba? Oh my god!

[@CT---if3nk]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@rezrider2616]

Keep the Mercury Cafe alive! Love that place 🖤

[@maribelorozco-sandoval4028]

I was literally scrolling down waiting for the confirmation- mercury cafe is magical!

[@edithgover7029]

Thank you for the great music .

[@SeanConway99]

you can see the same emotion every time he plays these songs

[@hoovestol3610]

Luke Mossman is an amazing guitar player.

[@danmossman1607]

Yes, he is! Proud of my nephew and his success with this band.

[@snowdengray]

@@danmossman1607 I’m a huge fan of him and the band. Maybe if you get a chance, you could ask him what neck pickup is in the tele he’s using please and thank you? It looks like a humbucker sized gold foil...

[@danmossman1607]

@@snowdengray The guitar is a Danocaster - which is basically just this one guy making Fender-style guitars in Nashville. The neck pickup on this one is an Arcane Gold Foil.

[@mirianansotegi649]

Thank you for this gem💫💫

[@Texas_Flood_L8Gr8SRV]

Remarkable performance!!! No words grand enough to accurately describe how utterly fantastic and poignant this is. *chills*

[@bmonck5110]

this is just so good and so addictive !

[@brookemccombs513]

I am deaf in one ear,, but can feel music through the floor. I have done much gardening and good work for my family. My favorite is the friends and family are, yeah, working to the beat.... Would feel more proud the words.... d to share

[@apertureonfirephotography4795]

So mad I'm just now seeing this. Fell in love with this guy's music two months ago. So amazing. So glad NPR got this. I hope The Sweeplings will do a tiny desk concert sometime

[@TotalstarGamersByfkhan]

➡️ livegirls19. com ⤵️ B.e.S.T f'u"l'l D.a.T.i.n.G h.o.T G.i.r.L's -L-o-V-e-S-e-X---❤️😘 ..👍 !💖🖤❤️今後は気をライブ配信の再編ありがとうです！この日のライブ配信は、かならりやばかったですね！１万人を超える人が見ていたもん（笑）やっぱり人参最高！まさかのカメラ切り忘れでやら1かしたのもドキドキでした,. 💖🖤在整個人類歷史上，強者，富人和具有狡猾特質的人捕食部落，氏族，城鎮，城市和鄉村中的弱者，無`'守和貧窮成員。然而，人類的生存意願迫使那些被拒絕，被剝奪或摧毀的基本需求的人們找到了一種生活方式，並繼續將其DNA融入不斷發展的人類社會。. 說到食物，不要以為那些被拒絕的人只吃垃圾。相反，他們學會了在被忽視的肉類和蔬菜中尋找營養。他們學會了清潔，切塊，調味和慢燉慢燉的野菜和肉類，在食品市場上被忽略的部分家用蔬菜和肉類，並且學會了使用芳香的木煙（如山核桃，山核桃和豆科灌木 來調味g食物煮的時候 1618744812

[@jimmyjam5109]

Not my day to day. But 8 beers in. This is making a lot of sense. I'll be back

[@carlosa.ferreira816]

He's really amazing! I hope his concerto onde day!

[@jody024]

This band is always amazing live.

[@zibabird]

Fantastic! Thank you for posting, shared.

[@Mofobagginz]

Wow . Nathaniel rateliff is high on the short list of great artists I need to see live . He’s done a great job surrounding himself with a lot of good talent too.

[@kelliemishmish]

How did I miss this!!??? I've been watching the other one over and over!

[@kulleenhatcher1191]

New to hearing this music. Nathaniel and band has a new fan! I hope I can get to a concert someday. Redemption was just amazing! Ear candy pulling the heart strings!

[@nromagnola]

This is soooo powerful!

[@CarCrazyRDM]

I'm not sure it gets much better than Redemption... what an incredible song!!!

[@theoldfutures3044]

This is beautiful

[@BadlyBentPub]

Amazing as always - I never NOT love this guy. Also really enjoying this performance of "All Or Nothing" channeling Harry Nilsson at his finest.

[@bobripkey3924]

I feel like the song has a real Randy Newman kind of vibe for the first part too

[@nancelot6115]

reminds me of his first album, love it!

[@lebogangmokotla5075]

Thoroughly enjoyed this 😍😍🥺.

[@lucky5452]

The most phenomenal artist out there today.....the song Redemption is beyond compare

[@lilasprintemps1368]

Merci infiniment pour ce moment de douceur et de force 🙏💋

[@Cwagify]

This made my Monday morning.

[@haffnajoe]

Absolutely incredible

[@rareplaid]

Beautiful ! 👏👏👏👏