Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile: 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.
Sept. 1, 2020 | Josh Rogosin -- Yo-Yo Ma, arguably the best known cellist in the world, assembled the world-class musical ensemble known as Goat Rodeo nearly 10 years ago. You've probably heard Stuart Duncan playing fiddle on albums with Dolly Parton, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and he was named the Academy of Country Music Fiddle Player of the Year numerous times. Edgar Meyer has played bass with Joshua Bell, Béla Fleck and Christian McBride, and the Nashville Symphony commissioned his first orchestral work in 2017. And you'd most likely recognize Chris Thile's vocals and mandolin in the music of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers.
The four musicians played Bob Boilen's desk as Goat Rodeo in 2011. Fast forward a decade and this collaboration channels that same spectacular frenzy, separately captured in the gorgeous homes of the artists and mixed to perfection. As the audio engineer for Tiny Desk, I don't have a favorite (home) concert yet, but the very first few seconds of this performance sent chills up my spine.
Not Our First Goat Rodeo (which you can hear at this link: goatrodeo.lnk.to/NotOurFirstTD) is the second album in nine years from the ultimate jam band, and it's just as spontaneous and joyful to listen to as their first, The Goat Rodeo Sessions. All four musicians are credited as composers. They're accompanied by songwriter Aoife O'Donovan, who lends her pitch-perfect vocals to close out the set. Chris Thile, the master of ceremonies for this Tiny Desk (home) concert, explains that "The Trappings" is about work/life balance, a timely sentiment.
SET LIST
"Your Coffee Is a Disaster"
"Waltz Whitman"
"The Trappings"
MUSICIANS
Stuart Duncan: fiddle, vocals; Chris Thile: mandolin, vocals; Yo-Yo Ma: cello; Edgar Meyer: bass; Aoife O'Donovan: vocals
CREDITS
Video by: James Rothman; Music Produced and Mixed by: Gabe Witcher; Producer: Josh Rogosin; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@johnkastelic2771]

Edgar Meyer is a monster on his bass. He's just in his gorgeous living room, with his classy furniture, in a forest, wearing flannel, not giving any Fs. Probably gonna chop some wood and then paint a Bob Ross painting right after he finishes shredding bass for the day.

[@humanbeing3337]

😂😂🤣😂😂

[@kevinmonasmith274]

Yeah. This.

[@matiaspena6710]

Can we start an edgar Meyer fan club

[@ronstuff6330]

He's got quite a George Lucas vibe going there! :)

[@Helltoy5]

Chris is pretty much a tenured professor at the tiny desk concerts

[@mjgarratt]

You know it’s good when Yo-Yo Ma is beaming from ear to ear.

[@globalsoundconcerts]

In case anyone’s curious how their producer put this together: “There’s too much latency to all record together, unfortunately. So we recorded in this order: mandolin/vocal > bass > Aoife (on The Trappings) > fiddle/vocal > cello. I would make a pretty-close-to-final comp of each part before recording the next person so they could play to the best version of each performance. And then I did final editing tweaks after I had all the parts recorded and then mixed it.”

[@cicciosangabriel1912]

Josh Rogosin Hi I would like to do my version of a tiny desk concert for a fundraiser in school. Is it possible if I can ask you some questions ? Or contact you in anyway

[@patm5493]

Well, my man, this is stellar!!!

[@CashOnDeliveryPayUp]

Well, u rock.

[@schiffdigital]

Great Job. What's the mic Edgar is using? Looks cool AF.

[@globalsoundconcerts]

Joe Schiff that’s a Coles 4038 Ribbon mic. I often use them on brass at the tiny desk (see chance the rapper or DJ Premiere to name a few)

[@levipatton93]

Stuart Duncan has the most healing voice on "The Trappings"! It contrasts with Chris Thile and Aoife O'Donovan so well. Thank you NPR and to all of these amazing musicians for letting their light shine and being so true to the music.

[@TuckerTheMandolinist]

Sounds great in harmony with them as well

[@ikazy13]

When you're like "Ma is jamming out!" at the start, then the cam comes back n and it's Edgar. Whaaaaaaaattttt

[@forestfreeman7079]

They're also talented they're probably in the top 10 on their instruments each of them but Edgar Meyer is something different there's things he does on an upright that I haven't seen anyone anywhere do tones, progressions, Sonic quality he's just something totally different

[@reesedavis3499]

When Yo-Yo and Stuart are harmonizing in Waltz Whitman I want to jump out of my skin, it's so beautiful

[@rwsansom76]

Stuart Duncan’s pizzicato on Your Coffee is a Disaster... I’m speechless

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Insane

[@JaySuryavanshiMusic]

It is so groovy and *fonky* !

[@dww2002]

i said out loud "woah what i have never seen that"

[@frmcf]

His banjo shredding abilities probably come in handy there.

[@mothman.industries]

Can't get past how good of a time Yo-Yo Ma seems to be having. I want that kind of joy in my life.

[@hansentw]

Masters of their craft. Virtuosos of the highest order, each and every one.

[@ireneruthfox]

When they walk down the street....people say, there goes the best that ever was..

[@flexprog3374]

Every musician in this band makes me think "What ? How is that even possible on -their instrument- ?" and on top of that, they make some of the best folk tunes I know, mixing different cultures. They deserve the utmost respect.

[@janet7640]

Life so worth living. In a dark room, in the sunlight, and the cold clear morning. Thank you, All.

[@radar5706]

my mans with the big boi upright base really maken me feel some kiind of way with his wee weee woo woo

[@korkee1111]

Waltz Whitman was so perfectly named and so beautiful.

[@SmallMartingale]

These guys are truly a supergroup

[@lordbuddybear]

If there ever was one :)

[@whatdothlife4660]

I had never heard of Edgar Morgan before these sessions and looked up some more of his performances. He is unbelievable!

[@ramimorrison5420]

Seriously! Chris keeps finding ways around the "one time only" rule at tiny desk!

[@reinbald]

Luckily for us!

[@alex0589]

He cant keep getting away with it

[@dmsanct]

I think by now the rule has been officially modified to "One time only *" *does not apply to Chris

[@RosyRosie42]

Lol that was my first thought, too. Go Chris! 😆

[@pjw2000]

They all did this time!

[@msandls]

"Coffee roasted in a volcano for millions of years" I feel the outrage

[@antislutful]

Chris: four times already (I think) Yo yo ma : three times. These rule breaking badasses

[@woodiana6624]

Thank you for bringing so much unbridled joy in our dreary world! I’m 41 and just got brain surgery. Your goat rodeos bring me solace and JOY despite the pain and the not so nice consequences of the illness…. Thank you for sharing your gift with us

[@robertfox7969]

Wow! That was FANTASTIC. Also, I did not realize that Stuart Duncan (my favorite fiddler in the entire world) had such an excellent voice. I believe these and the original Goat Rodeo performances will be academic study material for future music Phds 1,000 years from now and more. Just amazing, entertaining, perfectly executed musical excitement. Thanks, all of you.

[@RowanGolightly]

The look of delight on YoYo's face, the bliss of the vocal blend with the brilliant instrumentals makes this my favorite thing in the world on a hot Saturday morning. Please, please continue Goat Rodeoing!

[@flamnguitar]

Thank you, NPR for working with all these AMAZING artists and posting their videos for us to watch for free. You are making my work from home so much more manageable.

[@Nomadicmonkey23]

If only every cup of disastrous coffee was as enjoyable as this. Simply amazing

[@andreyamakesmusic]

If anyone was in doubt that Edgar Meyer is a maestro the first minute of this should clear it up.

[@sstrauss415]

I've been an Edgar Meyer fan forever (I'm a bass player). I once read a critical review that claimed he was the best musician on the planet, and I couldn't agree more. I had a chance to see him live many years ago with Bela Fleck. My jaw was on the floor for the entire show--he was beyond unbelievable. He's also a concert pianist btw. I suspect that the first tune is one of his creations.

[@alex0589]

He’s wrestling an elephant with the grace of a ballerina

[@mrsethatwood]

long time fan of his, true master.

[@iloverumi]

who was ever in doubt about that?

[@DannyDoomPink]

He is an absolute musical champion. So compelling to watch/listen to.

[@christianefleurant7089]

Thank you so much, these days I tend to forget that humans can get along wonderfully.......(from Montréal, Canada).

[@philaeew4866]

This is the ultimate winning combination. I adore all of these musicians, and together they make magic.

[@christiankenney2059]

Stuart Duncan may be the most versatile musician on the planet, honestly. GreatestOfAllTime (GOAT) Rodeo..... I see you, CT!

[@sarapohl7832]

Now that they have cancelled Live From Here, can we get a new job for Chris? I cannot live without his music and banter.

[@xHektorx]

I wish Chris Thile could narrate and score my life.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Your Coffee Is a Disaster* (4:36) 7:29 - *Waltz Whitman* (11:05) 12:48 - *The Trappings* (16:24)

[@marafortune3713]

Thanks so much!

[@PentameronSV]

@@marafortune3713 Glad to help! How's Robert, by the way? Is Johannes okay too?

[@marafortune3713]

@@PentameronSV I mean we all know about Robert and I can't tell you anything new about Johannes (considering that I don't really know him well). But speaking for my children (Marie, Elise, Julie, Ludwig, Ferdinand, Eugenie, and Felix) are all doing considerably well (of course ignoring poor Emil who died as an infant). Thanks so much for asking! :D

[@PentameronSV]

@@marafortune3713 My condolences for Emil. Hope the others will do okay.

[@sbc_4738]

As a coffee roaster myself, I love this bit all the more! Adding Bela would be like that little sugar cube on the side of an espresso plate!

[@Bullroarer-oj3sp]

Omg that Indian slide playing, Edgar, Edgar, Edgar you are a special musician...

[@seanundercofler7731]

"we like... good coffee." As a small craft roaster and long time barista I cannot agree more. well said and even better played!

[@TheJellicle1]

Good to the last note! We are lucky to live in such a time to hear this amazing collaboration. Yes, lucky, in spite of everything else that is going on.

[@jefflettington5254]

This rocked! My wife, with a little bit of rose in her, kept saying, "this is fantastic!" and ended with, "this made me feel alive, again." (She is a school teacher, who is loosing students daily, with no plan from the district to keep them on track... she is loosing it, so thank you.) Thank you, ThAnK yOu, THANK YOU! We really do appreciate your blessings on us.

[@MacTeee]

Feel your pain Jeff...my wife's teacher as well.

[@sarahpfarr834]

I'm a teacher and I feel the same way. I teared up a bit when I read your comment. I shared this video with my students. I'm losing it but so are the kids. We all need to, "feel alive, again" and this helps. Thanks for sharing.

[@saratippetts5941]

Teacher's need a 6 figure raise yesterday!!!

[@stuteachmsturner]

Public Title I Secondary choir teacher here... this made me feel alive again as well. Virtual hug to all my teachers and their families out there!

[@RowanGolightly]

All teachers are heroes as are all parents having to home-school while working, etc. Bless us all in these times!

[@troyalcorn1184]

Finally, all the dots are connected from country and bluegrass and jazz and blues and rock and Celtic and and and and and all genre of music :)

[@Lorangebeatrice]

I love when NPR gives me this much wood

[@slianyong7550]

Small, medium, extra large: all good

[@tonyakarp]

this comment makes me want to be friends.

[@ebrown4532]

Been waiting SOOOO long for these five to get a follow up album out. Thank you NPR for bringing a little slice of joy to a miserable year.

[@theannualmailman8619]

THE BASSIST THO!!! THAT E STRING

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Edgar is a beast.

[@ellisnunery7210]

This type of music is generally not my cup of coffee but it speaks to me. Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@albertogonzalez01]

This is one division of the avengers right?

[@tirecow]

This IS the Avengers

[@jerrigraham5738]

I wish!

[@andrewuliana6140]

This Chris Thile guy is entertaining. They should give him a public radio show or something..

[@GnomaticReverie]

He took over Prairie Home Companions.

[@andrewuliana6140]

GnomaticReverie yeah I was joking, since they recently canceled it

[@alex0589]

**long sigh**

[@dantecusolito8513]

Maybe since it could be in real time at a specific place they could call it something like "Live from Here" or something. IDK

[@shaynejohnson574]

He's managed to tank two of them so far....

[@ArjanSangraa]

So... many... good... vibrations...

[@ayeshaworsham]

I think Trappings is my new favorite song!! Thank you!!

[@JarodJesus]

"For maybe, millions of years?", he says with the straightest face. Hahahahaha total geniuses!

[@swisscourthustle]

I can’t stress enough how important angel roasted beans are to my daily functions. You could say those words struck a chord with me. Solid tracks gentlemen!

[@ryanlemmers5300]

@ 4:58, love Chris’s vocalization of Edgar’s riff on Your Coffee Is a Disaster. 😂😂😂

[@TuckerTheMandolinist]

It makes me want an acapella version of Your Coffee Is a Disaster where Chris is all of the instruments

[@abnerlook3869]

"Your Coffee Is a Disaster" reminds me of Within You And Without You

[@frazerspooner7683]

Was looking for a post about this, that insane bass lick (Meyer has no right to be that precise) is a definite sample of the bridge ending before the drum break in Within You Without You

[@thebadge1409]

This deserves way more views. Such an incredible group of world class musicians.

[@thrillscience]

They all have such neat houses. I have piles of scores everywhere.

[@bluesdjben]

The recording and editing on this are phenomenal - worthy of the music!

[@johnb7889]

When did Yoyo Ma get old? What am I talking about. When did I get old? 🤭 What a great batch of musicians! Wonderful!

[@Observer285]

Chris looks like he needs some coffee that isn't a disaster. Miss you Mr. Thile!

[@rikkline4059]

Amazing musicians all. “Waltz Whitman” is something special.

[@meg31585]

How could anyone not love Yo Yo?!?

[@humanbeing3337]

Chris, your soliloquy on “Your coffee is a disaster” - mind blown b/c what I flipped over was Edgar’s riff that sounds TOTALLY middle eastern, Arabian, ya’ know where coffee got its start (maybe Ethiopia) - I do appreciate knowing that riff was the origin of the composition. phenomenal all y’all

[@bryanleemartin9747]

A classical example of why we are better together!

[@luckyintervale]

For the love of god, WHO downs this?!? Bloody brilliant, for DAYS! Cheers y’all 👍

[@mkilptrick]

Trolls. Best to ignore them.

[@amyr3285]

I really like this group and wonder if they all still play together at events. I saw that Yoyo Ma does, by himslef but I wanted to see them all to hear them play together. They're maginificent.

[@miamiangelo]

after six months in quarantine now we have "The Disgruntled Goat Rodeo"

[@joelhixon]

That was incredible. I was supposed to see this band this summer and of course the pandemic ruined that plan. This definitely helped to fill the void.

[@TheBookerstein]

Can’t imagine the energy in the room when these guys play live again

[@barbaraheed3509]

I just can't get enough of this !!! My newest grand daughter at the age of 4mos feels the same. She loves the and all of anything punch brothers do. She is off to a great start I believe. There's nothing better than this for sure. Thank You So Very Much.

[@LeftCoastStephen]

As someone raised on jam bands (Allman Bro’s., Greatful Dead) this is the ultimate jam! The tightness they get when playing in different places and different times, is amazing! Very well done.

[@tomas5376]

What’s not to like? Absolutely electric vibes. Great music, great musicians, great vocals! Gracias👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶

[@spencerbrown8364]

A great way to start the morning! Great strings, incredible musicians. Love this spirit lifting session!

[@ThePsychoRenegade]

Love Chris Thile. I can't get enough Punch Brothers.

[@konumbra]

yes! they should be much more famous

[@tericollins88]

Thank you for reassuring me that such beautiful synergy is possible between human beings. Long live music!

[@AceTrainerBanjo]

Searched for "This ain't my first rodeo" and this was one of the top suggestions. Not disappointed in the slightest.

[@lordbuddybear]

They are so great, as people as well as musicians. Also, I want to live in Edgar's house. Edit: aww he's also got a little moose, love this man

[@lordbuddybear]

Nah Ashley, not now...

[@lordbuddybear]

No Nyla, you too? Oof... Besides, I want a tutorial from Yo-Yo Ma how to roll up the shirt sleeves that elegantly

[@bigmac51290]

That fingerstyle violin sound is mesmerizing.

[@hunterholmgren]

I'm heartbroken. I had tickets to see them in Denver with my kids and the show was cancelled. I am SO EXCITED that I can show this to my kids and get a taste of the experience we were going to have. This weekend I declare a concert at home! It's a goat rodeo and everyone is invited!

[@artplant4871]

this is f****** awesome, I appreciate this so much. Thile is a great musician, I remember as a kid I saw him do a Radiohead cover in a youtube clip, sent it to someone thinking they would love it. The reply I got back was 'never send me anything ever again' haha, I completely misread this person entirely. The mandolin isnt for everyone but Thile has effectively climbed the mountain of the mandolin and inspires many who never even play the instrument. the rest of the players here are great too, lots of gorgeous ornamentation in the arrangements or maybe just in the players phrasing who knows only them.

[@glennl70]

I just stumbled onto this performance. Just what the doctor ordered. NPR forever !

[@malikas2367]

This is so cool!! The strings are singing. Bravo

[@marcscordato4385]

Bela fleck has a knack for picking amazing bass players Victor Wooten On electric Edgar Meyer on the upright . Yo-yo ma slides between classical and bluegrass effortlessly and the mandolin and violin. are superb . Great stuff!

[@stephendawg1]

I just love Edgar’s feel, tone and intonation. A beautiful set by all 5 of you! Thank you!

[@jakewelch.design]

Waltz Whitman makes me feel like I'm in a bad Mormon pioneer movie, in a good way

[@A-Aa-ron]

As a post-mo, this is the best possible description of the song.

[@illuminatiCorgi]

Just a bunch of musical titans making nice sounds 👀🔥

[@jrbship]

Is Chris’s mandolin the same one from their first Tiny Desk? Such talent. Musical avengers, assemble!

[@PawsAndKeys]

Yes, I think so. "In 2007, mandolinist Chris Thile acquired 1924 Loar-signed F5 serial # 75316 that was an exceedingly rare find, as it was in virtually new condition. It reportedly cost him around $200,000."

[@patchnovae]

It's been what, 10 years since the last time we saw these greats on NPR? love it!

[@andyagaluh7420]

Even The Avengers can't handle this super group

[@jackieedwards-henry8315]

I am in awe at every level! Bravo to all, and thank you for bringing joy and inspiration to your worldwide audience and fans.

[@jsnell126]

That 2nd piece. Just so beautiful.

[@deadbzeus]

Yo-yo looks so into it, they are all masters of their craft. Great show, thank you to everyone involved.

[@jinzhang4952]

What a fun musician group. Yes coffee roasted in volcano brings us the quiet yet eternal energy, which you can find even in a waltz. THANK YOU!

[@BlueBass2]

simply phenomenal, never get tired of this

[@liathompson2332]

This was fantastic. I smiled the whole time. Yo Yo Ma plays so deeply and passionately on the Waltz Whitman. Loved it.

[@stevenhearrell1564]

Bunch of hardworking guys. Real musicians.

[@codybass]

Amazing they can be so responsive and dynamic in this setting.

[@MB-gx3jn]

Super! Thanks very much!

[@ethanrutter2553]

Nothing more beautiful then the music these 4 guys produce. Best of the best.

[@soyboy1000]

The 56 people who disliked this are clinically insane

[@edwardmartinez5898]

Chris's monologues are actual gold

[@jwkingsman]

Chris' facial expressions at 8:37 make me giggle... like his face is saying "oh why thank you for that note good sir; 'tis a fine note"

[@duanetv1925]

INCREDIBLE! Let’s go strings!

[@deefarnsworth1849]

So great. Thank you. I love Yo-Yo Ma’s smile!

[@vickylikesthis]

one of my tiny desk classic fave is back!

[@gracefulfish]

This is all too adorable! Love it; love all of you! (hearty-hearts dancing all over the place.)

[@CarlosCastilloVioloncellistSP]

Thank you so much for this Tiny desk concert it was my lifesaver today ❤️