James Blake | NPR MUSIC FRONT ROW

Each time I see James Blake and his band perform, I feel the extreme rush of hearing something for the very first time. The sound is sharp and visceral; it oddly vibrates the hair on my arms and, at moments of extreme bass, gets me feeling claustrophobic before the inevitable release when Blake sings. It's hopeful, mournful, always thoughtful.
These days, Blake seems to be in love, and the songs from his new album Overgrown reflect that emotional dance. As with love, the music isn't simple, isn't predictable and isn't always easy to comprehend, but it's intense and riveting. This concert took place on a Sunday night at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and the relatively quiet crowd could have been mistaken for uncaring or laid-back. But as I walked around the room catching the faces of so many, it was clearly an intensely attentive audience.
On keyboards and voice, Blake performs alongside an innovative and intriguing drummer in Ben Assiter, as well as Rob McAndrews on keyboards, guitars that don't always sound like guitars, and the all-encompassing bass sound he generates using bass pedals - meant for the feet but played with his hands. This is 90 minutes of some of the most breathtaking music I've heard and seen all year. I'm so glad we captured the moment. --BOB BOILEN
SETLIST
Air & Lack Thereof - 0:00
I Never Learnt To Share - 3:40
To The Last - 9:40
Lindisfarne - 14:44
I Am Sold - 20:22
CMYK - 26:10
Our Love Comes Back - 31:07
Digital Lion - 36:00
Unluck - 41:27
Limit To Your Love - 45:30
Klavierwerke - 54:23
Overgrown - 1:01:03
Voyeur - 1:06:40
Retrograde - 1:14:10
The Wilhelm Scream - 1:21:15
A Case Of You - 1:27:30
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineering: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Christopher Parks, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Maggie Starbard; Special Thanks: The 9:30 Club; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins

[@chef_vicky]

I was there, fans were awesome, quiet at the right moments. You literally have no control of your emotions, any outburst was involuntary. It was that good.

[@WazigeLogica]

I recognize this completely: had the same at the Northsea Jazz festival few years ago.. Just waves washing over the audience.. Or inside of the audience rather. Wow.

[@niplife6390]

@@WazigeLogica yep

[@martasanchez6091]

this somehow does not make me feel jealous but joyful about how special and hopeful it is to imagine how the concert was

[@callherfoofoo]

😊❤❤❤❤

[@jillk1312]

He's always that good

[@SirMTB]

Every time I listen to James Blake I get emotional, his music evokes such an uncontrollable response from me.

[@plahnt]

I remember watching this exact video for the first time a couple years ago and thinking to myself that I absolutely have to see this guy live. And I did just that last December. At 20 years old it was my first concert ever. It was one of the single most incredible experiences of my life. It's one thing to listen to James Blake in the confines of your bedroom, but to listen to him live was like listening to his music for the first time all over again. Incredible vocalist. Incredible talent. Rob and Ben are unmatched as well.

[@BrianHillenbrand]

dude same situation, the color in anything was my first real concert, and it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen.

[@neeleseidel677]

kinda jealous of you both,

[@neeleseidel677]

I will see him on Thursday for the very first time/I'm so ready for this experience-

[@GarrettWatts]

God bless you to heaven NPR. Thank you to 1-800 Dino and NPR for making this recording happen. I watch it about once a month.

[@tyblpodcast1555]

Garrett Watts Hi Garret, I love your channel. I’m glad I’m not the only one who has come back to watch this video over and over since it was posted

[@_angiiezaiia_7502]

I never though I could love you even more than I already did. It's fucking amazing that you listen to James Blake ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥❌❌

[@kayla2171]

I love you Garret

[@MsBaruschka]

I just discovered this through your tumblr and it's gold 😍 hope you are fine in Japan!

[@GabbyCamilleri]

Garrett I listened to your podcast and you put me on James Blake. All I can say is thank you

[@MrPaoloFelice]

It's so funny when they play "I never learnt to share" and the audience reaction gets looped. The first time I thought "whooa they're freaking out every fucking time".

[@k1001001]

Yeah that's really weird

[@orrgooRL3]

In my eyes it just makes it better

[@wingsatbay]

@@k1001001 🤣

[@felichagomez]

It's difficult for me to comprehend how much of an underrated musician James Blake is. He's an incredible talent.

[@EtopiaCA]

He isn't underrated. He certainly isn't as popular as other artists but that doesn't make him underrated, people rate him very highly. It also doesn't undermine anything he does, not being as popular.

[@callherfoofoo]

And still he's purer than the industry... Ima let him drive his own lane. You either get it or you don't

[@felichagomez]

EtopiaCA .... I wrote this 3 years ago. Now he's not underrated 🤣anyway lol.

[@l0v3b3ing]

I think he’s one of the most unique. How he blends things.

[@benjaminlopants995]

@@felichagomez don't sweat it :) but even back in 2013, he was helping produce a lot of stuff with Kanye and Bon Iver. he's incredible

[@lukeberrie3942]

For the mobile squad: Air & Lack Thereof - 0:00 I Never Learnt To Share - 3:40 To The Last - 9:40 Lindisfarne - 14:44 I Am Sold - 20:22 CMYK - 26:10 Our Love Comes Back - 31:07 Digital Lion - 36:00 Unluck - 41:27 Limit To Your Love - 45:30 Klavierwerke - 54:23 Overgrown - 1:01:03 Voyeur - 1:06:40 Retrograde - 1:14:10 The Wilhelm Scream - 1:21:15 A Case Of You - 1:27:30

[@IamHardtokill]

Luke Berrie THANK you

[@ensmith3725]

Thank you, sincerely.

[@doggoboii]

Luke Berrie god bless 🙏🏽❤️✨

[@rut2771]

Luke Berrie 1:20¿ its not cmyk

[@rut2771]

20:22 is not CMYK

[@melanierieger5389]

Watching this in 2021 during the pandemic. Oh my god, what a feeling that would be standing in that crowd and enjoying James Blake live. Was at a concert in 2016, pure joy.

[@tomasomaccio7606]

See you there when all this is over. I saw him in 2017, amazing!

[@Progrssn]

The performance of 'I Never Learnt to Share' (in the first 10 minutes) is one of the best performances of that song that I've seen by James Blake.

[@youwillovercome]

"Retrograde" just does something to you. Can't help but feel chills when I hear it... even after so many listens

[@pochavilla]

I remember seeing James Blake for the first time ever on this video in 2014 thinking that he's gotta make it big. Now he is. So happy for him. He's very talented and a wonderful breath of fresh air to the music available these days.

[@handohall3406]

I listened to his first Album "James Blake" when it came out in 2011. I was an instant fan and knew he was gonna be big. James blake is one of those people where you just know they had to be successful. So talented, unique and new.

[@em.michael]

This was super beautiful...it's 2024 and I'm still listening to this live performance

[@slitslit4748]

the most lit concert ive seen where the artist sits the whole time. if thats not power idk what is

The hell are you talking about rodent?

[@VKP604]

The infinity stones.. what is

[@user-wb4ur1gr8y]

@Chipmunk Jones thanks for the recommendation; I love unaware steaming piles of aural garbage. I got a two-for-one deal watching you try to play guitar and saying you were better than EVH! any other talent to recommend?

[@sometime.somewhere]

You can hear every genre of music in his sound, he's amazing

[@MonkTimo]

lindisfarme, wow...i keep playing over and over. what a brilliant performance and brilliant song! love it so much

[@t.f.6297]

Everytime I hear Overgrown I get chills. It's one of the most beautiful songs ever. I get the same feeling when I listen to Nina Simone, just jarring, emotional, raw and beautiful 🙌🏽👏💖

[@adelemma1]

i am so happy that this recording exists and it is available for everyone. the set contains a lot of amazing songs that probably we won't be able to hear live again from him.

[@user-sq6iw6dx2x]

I think, James Blake is one of the best musicians of our time

[@doreenchen1024]

I think you think right :)

[@Monolink]

What a masterpiece of a concert

[@mrrickygee.]

hahah the crowd wows got looped with his vocals on "I never learnt to share"

[@tiffani5889]

And on Retrograde!

[@_srgsh]

that's like a trademark of his, I love it, especially on such videos :)

[@YREHCorp]

it works out so well xD

[@JoselitoPradoMarques]

when you realize, it's too late

[@-boost-]

but I dont blame 'em

[@ajl240]

omg how have i just discovered this set..... old school experimental James Blake forever

[@vickysimpson3750]

Same a year later bless!

[@KwaziMthembu]

The opening set is insane!! still watching this in 2016

[@VivienneCallaghan]

I don't ever want to die if people keep doing this shit with music 😊

[@CR00K]

Fuckin right, my girl!

[@paulespinoza4746]

for real

[@jktea5323]

Hellikitty Callaghan Don't miss it

[@user-sq6iw6dx2x]

В точку

[@divineprowess]

I Love How He Be Groovin To The Music Lol

[@KlooslessMusic]

Might be the best concert I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@romainleo9667]

you should go out more often then

[@catalinamgf4870]

I love it too, I keep coming back here and have wanted to see him in concert for so long now :/ had tickets once and he cancelled the show...my heart broke a little, I was sooo looking forward

[@guitarbush05]

If you enjoy this, try Bon Iver's NPR video as well

[@frankmuelder4539]

Thanks to npr and other stations, this music is never heard, even in our public radio in Germany. James Blake is on my list now.

[@nonamenoface9487]

i like these beats. its like the prefect mix of hip-hop bass lines and techno.

[@MoeMeatsMeat]

ok...this is a very interesting description of his music

[@Jay-fq8uz]

Only way I could describe it as well

[@johnwayne7201]

the genre is Post-Dubstep if that helps..lol at me responding to a 5 yr old comment

[@hannibal19]

@@johnwayne7201 everyone don't know name of every genre . There are so many genres then there are sub genres . Be calm man

[@therealstevezissou8649]

I saw James Blake live in Miami, best musical experience ever. The bar hasn’t been reached yet

[@VaughnCampbell]

First experience with James Blake and I am blown away.

Holy shit, i swear the drop in I Never Learnt To Share got me like a total anesthesia

[@kayleecromling7132]

this is brilliant on so many levels i don't even know where to begin...

[@genderegg]

The piano is louder than ever... beautiful

[@dv9506]

I saw him live twice and it both was amazing ❣️ love him

[@alebertfama]

We were there. The amazing thing was how respectful the audience got when James Blake did his slow, quiet passages One of the better live shows I've seen this year. A first rate 9:30 experience.

[@spartacus3]

A Case of You cover!! Blake's voice is so textured and yearn-y, it's almost palpable.

[@gravitytwins1921]

What a wildy creative and fun time for music this was

[@hellodolly2551]

Right? 😭😭 I was 23 and starting to explore these genres

[@felichagomez]

Miss it

[@spacesplaces]

Here James shows us a glimpse of a reality just beyond ours. Perhaps it is a figment? But it feels so real.

[@Scrubeez]

I've been listening to James Blake since his first four EP releases and he is easily my favorite musician. I didn't see him live until 2019, but I saw him again in September of this year and the crowd sang happy birthday to him 🥹 Younger me is really wishing I could've seen this show 😭

[@jocelynkaleka]

ugh. Agreed. I've been loving him for about 8 years - I would have died to have seen this set. I feel this strange loss listening to this because I know I'll never experience it myself, but I make due by having solo concerts in my room

[@marcellohsc]

The video description describes perfectly the feeling of watching this masterpeace

[@jamesmikeymusic5242]

Love the new take on "Unluck" at 41:28. The asymmetrical groove of the original is cool and original, too, but I like how they remixed it for this live performance. He brings electronic music to the live setting like no other! Great performance by this power trio!

[@jackson11mce]

I’ll check out the original but I felt this comment so much

[@justinb5815]

The glass breaking in the background of the start of limit to your love is so perfect

[@birimet4476]

The ending of "Limit To Your Love" is so beautiful...

[@ilythabi]

watching to the last while you're high is a life changing experience

[@yungflyy19]

This entire set was amazing!!! I felt like I was there. Love James Blake and his band are so talented!!!!!

[@donniebasque2878]

all i have to say is this is profoundly good

[@JoannaRevelleCreative]

profound is the perfect word

[@Forealness]

The Heart is really revealed this young man is just beginning, as he gets funded more he has so much more to give , its natural for him !!

[@adhitamajje]

Self titled album from James Blake is just unbeatable. When listened to assume form I thought he might outdone his self, but watching this back, maybe not lol.

[@gbpacific]

Thanks NPR for putting this up. James Blake, wow, replay about a hundred times already.

[@poegogh720]

NPR .... You're a friggin heaven sent for music. Love James Blake and all you do!

[@niaanderson2419]

I LOVE his use of the tracks from Love What Happened Here in Unluck...Really clever!

[@JosephDanielHolton]

best version of limit to your love ive ever heard

[@JayyeMusic]

this is so fucking good the drums and bass are especially great.

[@paulespinoza4746]

UK "drum n bass" culture to thank for that mate! :)

[@remeiagullessimo1586]

One of the best JB live recordings. Bass drops are perfectly registered.

[@DEVAmy69]

Absolutely outstanding, looking forward to see you live mr. Blake.

[@brittberg2925]

14:45. Didn't think I could fall in love with Lindisfarne (or James Blake) any more, but I have. My 2nd favorite live act ever.

[@fusionistaaaa]

Favourite was björk?

[@brittberg2925]

@@fusionistaaaa Bon Iver

[@catherinemcgrath3473]

This is a blessed find only 10yrs in the making 😅 better late than never 🙏

[@marcocelis2104]

Great performance , excellent musicians ! Sound and harmony exploration at another level .

[@skima744]

J Blake is one of the greatest artists of my generation.

[@aslyswine]

He reminds me of Thom Yorke and David Bowie in Digital Lion❤❤❤

[@lilyjoiner8180]

Thank you a thousand times for videoing his whole set! its such good quality and sound! james blake is more amazing live than i could've imagined

[@vicgermain4179]

james blake is just a different breed, god i can't wait for his next record!

[@EnHamsterHjul]

Why haven’t I found this before now?! This is incredible, one of the best recorded concerts I’ve ever heard!

[@LilMissJoy]

What an extraordinary artist and an incredible show! The description says exactly how I feel about this music. Every time I watch this show, I'm completely transported there. It gives me chills. This music is powerful and emotive and James' voice is comforting and beautiful!

[@hadeskay6091]

"Aww. Aww. Aww. Omlette, Omlette havin' it here." - that's the starting lyrics for you.

[@jamesloscott]

Это мой любимый концерт уже 7 лет! Спасибо Джеймсу и всей команде !

[@TatyanaOcean]

Incredible! Thank you NPR!

[@3daygoaty]

Really nice to see Retrograde live. See the audience wowed with the loops.

[@Thefairybrielle]

this is so awesome I know they work hard

[@DianaNewMoon]

I love this... James Blake I love your voice...

[@cherieespinosa7036]

Whoever yelled out “we will” at 9:38 when he said we hope you like is my tribe 😂❤

[@thobydavis7649]

This is a fantastic show imo, I love the feel, the melodies, the finesse in the performances and real passion in the music

[@XAudreyS]

Amazing vibe, always on repeat

[@Moaritsu]

so true, i get goosebumps when they scream at the parts i love too

[@dw7708]

Wilhem Scream is one of those songs that I'll listen to anytime it plays. He's just awesome.

[@lorbucky3492]

This just randomly started playing after a tiny desk I was watching and WOW 😍 this is incredible

[@GabrielaAvellaneda]

This is just blowing me away

[@healthykrissy212]

I need an mp3 version of this whole video.

[@shobhitsharma1257]

That sound of the Prophet '08 will take my life some day.

[@thebee18]

That intro is sooooo sick

[@JayyeMusic]

beyond sick lol i got hype in my fucking kitchen watching it lol

[@GarryL]

this has to be one of my favourite videos in existence.

[@frankbombaci4977]

Just saw James for the first time yesterday and woke up craving more

[@luciagiovine]

OMG I´ve just discovered they exists and I love them! this music is so of my taste

[@gregorydunn2716]

Wow, I've just discovered James Blake! Thank you KZbin!

[@traceyplacide864]

Dr Frankinstein of music!!! Absolutely, utterly, amazing. His song with Chance the rapper brought me here. Love discovering new artists.

[@tamerathompson4809]

Wow / his music is epic!! Like no other-really like it-

[@mariamaroni8104]

overgrown is really out of this world. Its crazy

[@alexbuilder6983]

I keep coming back to this

[@lehilanisantiago]

The opening song tho.

[@_CoasterNinja]

Best performances of his on youtube. Thanks.

[@ainkbreakstuff]

excellent bass and beats. God bless Blake :D

[@albertoregalado8432]

It was absolutely wonderful audio! He's coming to town, and there is no doubt in my mind that I'm going to miss it!

[@thequaranfinofamily2026]

Can't wait to experience James Blake again.

[@pandupella4271]

i'm teary from the beginning :') so amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@crispyfryfry]

loved it! thanks for the recording and the great sound! James' shows seem to be sold out everywhere so it's nice to at least have a part of the experience here. wonderful music!

[@rbthesunsetloner]

I love this version of Lindisfarne so much more!

[@rbthesunsetloner]

The improv in this performance was flawless.

[@miglastoiglas]

Yee bro, I am not the only one who comes here often and skip to 14.44

[@handecelenk]

love him and his music

[@UnskippableDiscographies]

It may be the direct connection of the audio in this recording. But from the description, being there held the same potency. When I see music live, I don't want an exchange between the audience and the artist until the end of a track. James dominates the space so perfectly. Shows like this should have beds lol. The drums would be our hearts - all beating with vigor and youth

[@JayBiggz]

The mans voice is like BUTTER!!

[@Shazuma]

Great feeling and sounding music. Reminds me of 808s & Heartbreak

[@zonegirl90]

Utterly love James Blake, Rob and Ben sounds; Christine Ha's description is very good. Every sound they make is tactile to me, resonates deep, how does a boy so young get there?