Natalie Prass: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 25, 2019 | Joshua Bote -- Full disclosure: We here at NPR Music have decreed Natalie Prass something of a patron saint for roséwave - our groove-laden, pink drink-soaked soundtrack for the summer. So, when the Richmond, Va. artist arrived at the Tiny Desk, it was a cause for celebration, especially amid the January blues that seemed to permeate the NPR Music office. Decked out in matching, cobalt blue outfits (with a matching keyboard stand to boot), Prass and her backing band, comprised of Eric Slick, Alan Parker, Jacob Ungerleider and Brandon Lane, seemed to bring a warm breeze in with them.
There's a sly political bent to Prass' 2018 album, The Future and the Past. Ahead of its release, she said she actually had a different album nearly finished, but scrapped a huge chunk of it after Donald Trump's election, which in turn led her to make this album instead. She highlights this mission statement on the album opener - and first song she performed at the desk - "Oh My." It's a track that speaks pointedly about the abject feeling of horror and exhaustion that seeps in when you tune into the news cycle, with bleak lyrics set against bright, dance-y music.
For the unabashedly delightful "Short Court Style," Prass brings on Angelica Garcia and Kenneka Cook, two backup singers who, like Prass, are from Richmond. It's a rare kind of song that celebrates hard-won love in all its intricacies.
Before closing with "Hot for the Mountain," Prass tells the NPR office that "the song's a little off the beaten path, but, I don't know, it's my favorite." "We'll take you on / We can take you on," Prass, Garcia and Cook sing in unison, a refrain that resounds emphatically. Her vision was clear: If you want to overcome the times, find strength in numbers.
Set List
"Oh My"
"Short Court Style"
"Hot For the Mountain"
Musicians
Natalie Prass: vocals, keys; Eric Slick: drums; Alan Parker: guitar; Jacob Ungerleider: keys; Brandon Lane: bass; Angelica Garcia: vocals; Kenneka Cook: vocals
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Patrick Boyd; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kimani Oletu, Beck Harlan, CJ Riculan; Editor: Kimani Oletu; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR

[@ahmed1987m]

Every time I watch a live music been played I realise how essential and important to have a good bass player.

[@Jazzaman1]

Tight drums and bass are essential to a tight band.

[@piedmonttemperancemovement7601]

Dude has gotta have a back ache after carrying the rest of the band the whole set.

[@bruceleehiiiyaaa]

especially a black one

[@thomasoring]

This is playback. And the bass mix is shit.

[@thomasoring]

Who is playing the keyboard theme at 5:40? And where is the fat slappy Fender bass sound? Cool band! Fake vid..

[@MarketBear]

Bass player is out of this world good!😯

[@geocyo8835]

He really is though.

[@MarketBear]

@@geocyo8835 the guitarist has great rhythm too. He balanced himself well with the bass player. Those guys are a good combo😀

[@anaphylastiks]

yep need more of them. Everyone wants be drummer or lead gat.

[@thomasoring]

Would be good if the mix was better, and if it was live.

[@Tensen01]

@@thomasoring It is live... And the Mix is amazing considering the format.

[@fmradiostyle]

I watch this 5 times a day. Hot for the mountain is my absolute favorite. Her articulations are to die for. I love to see the energy flowing though the musicians.

[@delewan]

What a crystal clear sound! The superb bass, the Jazz-inspired intonation, the tight backup singers, the general grooooove... it's like a female-forward Steely Dan. I like this very much. This is good fodder for a proper HiFi setup.

[@TLMuse]

Even by the high standards of Tiny Desk, this performance was unusually well recorded and mixed. Thanks and congrats to Josh and Patrick for the exceptional audio work here! -Tom

[@twoslowcabrio]

I’ve watched this enough to focus on each individual in this concert and each person KILLED it on their own. Combined, it’s out of this world.

[@johntylersounds]

2:16 that bass slap.....

[@kamilahcummings1827]

This has quickly become one of my favorite Tiny Desk performances. Well done! In addition to the lovely sound and vibe, I love that they took the time to coordinate their outfits, right down to the pop of orange the singers added. Costuming is such an underrated but utterly enchanting aspect of live music. This Natalie and her band prove that you don't have to be extravagant to pay attention to this too oft overlooked aspect of performance.

[@jonathankoepersonal]

Prass is one of the most underrated vocalists of our time. Her voice isn't flashy but boy is it expressive and versatile! And her intonation is fantastic.

[@joannestazio4495]

Jonathan Koe Yes! And she writes her own music, plays guitar, piano and who knows what else. She was fabulous, live.❤️🎼

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Agree! She doesn't really make something different than all those indie girls imo, but for some reason I find her and her music totally fascinating and basically can't stop listening to both her albums.

[@benwoodard6851]

She sounds like an adult doing a baby voice. Not much in the way of range or pitch control. Dont get me wrong the band is awesome and I dug the style of music. Just would prefer one of the back up singers to take lead vocal.

[@wezlam]

When this drops on a Monday morning it paves the way for a good week. Oh lord yes.

[@girlmusician24]

Yes to all of what you said.

[@joeblankenship377]

I love clicking on a random Tiny Desk and becoming a fan of a new artist. She's great and that band is tight!!

[@DeNichols-old]

I appreciate the instrumentals of this Tiny Desk. The bass player, especially. Like, if this was just instrumentals, I would still enjoy it.

[@KB-hg1xm]

Man, I just got on to Tiny Desk in 2018! OMG, I discovered so many new artist and musicians, that I've never heard of and the sound engineers are BEAST!

[@trevorkelly5372]

I am in the same boat KB

[@BATTIS94]

Damn, kudos to the sound guy! They sound so clean.

[@d0nj03]

Too clean. The voices are too dry / body-less because of the shotgun mics. They bring in so many good vocalist-centric acts only to slice their sound surgically and reduce it to the direct wave like that. At least they could get one non-shotgun mic for the main vocalist, some low-gain cardioid to be used with proximity effect or something. It's a crying shame to hear all these good voices castrated like this.

[@wavepirate]

@@d0nj03 wow sounds like you know stuff

[@the_glitter_is]

Look dude, I knew this chick in hs and she could find notes that didn't even seem to exist. If the sound is amazing it's cuz my girl is flawless.

[@natex9156]

@@d0nj03 unfortunately this is true. drums sound weak as hell too

[@carpentrydesigndovetail4219]

that last tune is too good - shes too good - i love your way natalie- what a wonder

[@RJWSuffolk]

Understated but excellent guitarist as well.

[@1olivinka1]

This is spectacular! Congratulations to Natalie for writing such wonderful songs and joining together so many wonderful musicians!

[@oversensitivenipples]

one word: TIGHT

[@anthonyyoung3208]

Bass so clean its disturbing

[@PleaseNoMoreFarmhouseDecor]

Amazing tone as well

[@anaphylastiks]

I grew up and everyone wanted to be the lead guitarist or drummer. Yet in my opinion it is the rhythm gat and bass players who make the band.

[@scottlaned]

Brandon Lane!!!

[@sealevelbear]

Natalie is so good! Can’t wait for LP #3 already!!

[@metronomejack]

How do they manage to be so focused and relaxed at the same time?! Your music is magical!

[@FelipeTorres-ex9fk]

I have been following this awesome lady every since her and her group opened for fleet foxes last year and I can’t believe she’s already having a Tiny Desk. 😍

[@theworkingtitlefilms]

Same here!

[@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx]

she's been on the scene for like 5 years, her song that's sampled in poetic justice by kendrick came out in 2014

[@antigua26]

Felipe Torres she’s been around for yearrrrssss

[@wavepirate]

@@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx what song? I thought that was a Janet Jackson sample.

[@andresvargas2343]

A Collab between this band and Tom Misch would be awesome.

[@docnative328]

i agree fully

[@joewilson9962]

A wonderful performance all around! I first became aware of Ms.Prass when she toured as part of Jenny Lewis' band a couple years ago. So nice to see her doing so well by doing so good!

[@BlueBass2]

Angelica Garcia is a FANTASTIC solo artist as well, if you’ve never checked her out do yourself a favor. Natalie supporting local artists makes my heart happy

[@murdaapolis612]

Love her voice. She reminds me of my music teacher, who loved to come to work😁😎

[@erica2912]

Every time I see a new tiny desk concert, I ask myself, should I watch this? So far have never regretted clicking on one.

[@shawncicalese4094]

Yes! I say I've yet to see one i didn't like,

[@annajezejones3566]

I dont know why but I literally cant stop watching this. I saw her open for Maggie Rogers and now Im hooked.

[@clairecouplandmusic]

the bass player is officially the coolest person on the planet

[@dan-ce8bb]

I love the matching outfits

[@MrJblay18]

I love them too!

[@christophersmith3005]

Throwback to the bands of the 1960's and 1970's (Partridge Family, Jackson 5, Osmunds, etc.).

[@frankcoffey]

Would be fun to cromakey out the blue🙂

[@Jacqustic]

Wow this is incredible. So tight and low volume. Love it.

[@ZielinskiMD]

great performance Natalie. One of the best in tiny desk.

[@tmbgfan5]

ANOTHER ONE. These sessions have been my number one source of killer new tune discovery. Bless you, Bob.

[@lilianelelisoliveira2273]

Blue and red match perfectly! Thank you so much for the songs!!! So nice!!!

[@jonnywoods5244]

That’s the drummer from Dr. Dog! Now that’s a band that should do a Tiny Desk!

[@satori101]

Jonny Woods And her husband.

[@VolkerundWallyMusic]

Very good Performances, great LIVE Sounds

[@carinm.bonifacino]

Such a fan of Natalie’s! Great singer, songwriter, and performer. They all killed it on this.

[@courtneyfox4028]

GOOD LORD, THOSE ARE CLEAN BACKUP VOCALS.

[@Letdavidcook]

Everything about this performance just shouts "CLEAN" to me for some reason haha. Bass, vocals, drums, everything was so solid!

[@MrJblay18]

Wow, this is the first time ever hearing them for me. Love it! If this was the 80s early 90s they'd be on the top 100 pop charts easily!

[@TsunamiDreamJesusIsLord]

Kickin' off some sweet vibes on this one... Thanks for sharing.... Jesus bless you...

[@kanekitchen3802]

I could listen to Short Court Style over and over again forever. Soooo good

[@JonSimonSid]

Top favourites for this solid band. So tight 👌

[@Rustysporkman]

Tiny Desks are always wonderful, but this was a delight among delights!

[@tinman2420]

Amazing intonation between the singers!

[@philipcurnow7990]

Tiny desk back on track. wow! Shout out for the drummer please.

[@joannestazio4495]

Philip Curnow Eric Slick also plays with Dr.Dog-I was surprised to see him on drums for Dr. Dog after seeing him playing with Natalie on tour. I had no idea!?!? Dr. Dog was fab too!

[@leomorland]

what a band!

[@ramzahnY]

This is by far her best recording.

[@treesnhoney]

Bass player outplayin' everybody!! And looks the coolest while doin it.

[@FenceThis]

Guitar player absolutely awesome

[@rayleslie354]

I went to college with the keyboard player Jacob. He is truly gifted and the nicest guy you'll ever meet!

[@paparazziico4563]

This puts me in such a great mood!

[@ramzahnY]

Up until now this seems to be the best band setup she's ever had. (including that awesome bass player, of course)

[@ROMOHDs]

First time I see the blues without feeling depressed wow!!!

[@adamisaac4685]

Natalie Prass is fresh.

[@shekinahrodz8769]

Best on the band : Bass Player !

[@FenceThis]

Guitar player

[@stefanofratta7648]

Am I the only one who hears some Baker/Fagen vibe in it all? And I LIKE it!

[@igormedeirosrodriguesbelem4527]

Brilhante, super banda e cantora de presença leve e ao mesmo tempo imponente.

[@DaveToneMusic]

Absolutely beautiful! Hot for the Mountain is just exquisite!

[@mithranvyravipillai8822]

Tfw my own favourite song is also Natalie's favourite song 🤩😍

[@odog8x16]

Whew, that bass is cool

[@SPLENDIDZEN]

Very good band... with very good bass player... and the girls for the chorus...

[@pmon8297]

Just wonderful!I love Nathalie Prass.The bass player is amazing.Don Pedro from Montreal.

[@imeldaschweighart]

Awesome singer. ❤️ Perfect fit.

I'm in love with the bass player. He's good!

[@marcoandreascalia28]

WOW what a sound! am I the only one that recognize something similar to quincy jones of early 80's ? such as OFF THE WALL smooth songs...

[@maxstrife9407]

FINALLY!! TY!

[@babib]

I think I’m up for a heartbreak administered by the bass player ♥️♥️♥️

[@SecksyMan]

such beautiful tasty tones. This is the kind of refined music that fills up your soul

[@jacobkrabill9023]

This group is awesome!

[@thatmombielife]

Love the BLUE!!! 🥰

[@martadelgrandi4645]

Hot for the mountain is my favorite too and it's great she played it!!! Oh man what a band

[@jpbisa_]

SO GOOOOD!!!

[@duathani]

time to go listen to their album

[@girlmusician24]

This is just the right kind of music to wake up to.

[@catfishmudflap]

Lovely, delightful...

[@MarabloomOG]

That was fantastic!!! Great Stuff guys :) *love

[@Hannah-fh9sm]

Wow- Natalie’s a cross between Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Bjork, she looks like Donna Reed and she’s being backed in the style of the Brothers Johnson, Phil Upchurch, and Marcus Miller. Love the syncopation, groove, and tightness of the rhythm section. Excellent lyrics that play on words, vowels, and vocal yelps. That bass player is their secret weapon- play that funky music black boy! Wouldn’t be surprised if any of the band members attended Berklee, given the talent level. This band’s on par with Tegan and Sara, Graham Nash, Mandolin Orange, Aimee Mann, Jackson Brown, Suzanne Vega, Tom Jones, Adele, Ssing Ssing, I’m With a Her. Need I say more? Thanks NPR!!!

[@StanislavBoyko]

This is cool!!! Wonderful song"s

[@luciano53688]

Bass dude is SICK and COOL

[@dezitall]

Tight band! Awesome grooves!

[@cgds1974]

love u, Natalie!!!

[@distastefulvideos]

So cool!

[@anaphylastiks]

Dope as! Bordering on super dope.

[@keykiyox]

I have just added another favorite among tiny desk... What is this magic that a lot unknown come here and I watch it and like it a lot?

[@cristiancharlothemolinabel4723]

Oh your voice is amaizing!

[@shaytal100]

Wow this is soo coool! Love it!

[@documentationistimetravel]

Vulfpeck tiny desk pls

[@Remind_Jang]

She has unique and beautiful voice.

[@stephenwyatt88]

Thanks for saving Hot For the Mountain for last. That tune is amazing!

[@catherineelkhattabystrauch4759]

that last song was my favorite by far.

[@user-hc7gn7hz6t]

I just love her.....

[@OddOneOut99]

You can’t go wrong with a live band 🔥👍🏾😎bass player killing it......

[@Louie203]

NATALIE!! Where have you been?!?

[@YuSavvy]

Great voice

[@rimbaud0000]

This be good. Always good to see fantastic musicians playing in a very restrained way and not showing off

[@trollkarlenjp]

Who gets to enjoy all of this music live?

[@patrickmiller5385]

ugh this a bass player is a bad bad dude🔒🔥

[@toristeeves4545]

The second song is on this month's Starbucks playlist. Happy to be introduced to this band 😍

[@brianchen5606]

Tori Sarah Steeves Short court style

[@riccardomusiu510]

Great music! Beautiful!!!! ❤❤❤ 👏👏👏 Congratulations!!! Greetings from Italy! 👍😊

[@dameinoferrall2400]

I like it. I like it a LOT!!

[@bobmkhwanazi6649]

You like eh the juice eh?