Watkins Family Hour: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

September 15, 2015 by BOB BOILEN
The Watkins Family Hour began a dozen or so years ago as a way for a group of friends to get together and play old and new tunes. For Sean and Sara Watkins, it served as a monthly bit of magic: a musical variety show filled with extraordinary talent in the world of folk, bluegrass and beyond at L.A.'s famous Largo.
Now, the Watkins siblings - known for their work in Nickel Creek, among many other projects - have taken their fiddle, guitar and charm on a country-flavored yellow brick road, gathering friends and surprises along the way. For this tour and their Tiny Desk Concert, their biggest surprise is the addition of Fiona Apple as a guest vocalist who actually yowls along to songs like the traditional tune "In The Pines."
Watkins Family Hour is available now.
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/...
Set List
"Steal Your Heart Away" 00:00
"In The Pines" 04:05
"Hop High" 09:35
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Ariel Zambelich; Assistant Producer: Rachel Horn; photo by Ariel Zambelich/NPR
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[@jazconinternet]

WE NEED FIONA ON HER OWN TINY DESK!!!!!

[@mattmieks5787]

Fiona...❤❤❤ come on npr!!!

[@hunternewbold3338]

SERIOUSLY ON EVERYTHING!!!!

[@manul2008]

yes pleaseeee

[@KiraFORTHEWIN]

I love that Fiona just appeared from the floor like she was summoned

[@geoffjones6444]

she is truly an earth angel. and the best of us as musicians.

[@FeistyGirl23115]

I saw her perform with Watkins Family Hour in Newport. She did the same thing at that concert. She likes sitting on the floor next to the piano. She is a gift! It was a very special concert.

[@jravensc]

She just pops up like someone resetting a Guess Who board.

[@tashaprather]

I saw her with them some years ago. On the songs she didn't sing on she sat by the piano and drank tea.

[@patti.boersma8379]

Fiona's social awkwardness is so endearing to who she is…I just LOVE her!

[@willmclean6428]

fiona is just so frickin cool. i loved her little dancing in the back

[@sillystrings]

The way Sara plays backup fiddle is amazing. Like obviously her solos are awesome but also her fills and the way she fades in and out of the texture and her general sense of phrasing...I've watched this video so many times just trying to imitate that. It's like the instrument is an extension of her voice, she just knows how to work it

[@matthirn7858]

I keep coming back to this session. Not only does Tiny Desk do a great job recording, you would be hard pressed to find a higher quality mix of musical talent presenting an old-time song set with such nuanced perfection.

[@orgelssecondrule9221]

Perfect words

[@jaynecobb5774]

This is what we call 'good'... just so we are all clear. This is what music can be when its done right.

[@beginningtosee7457]

This old man in Alabama agrees- and they are kind also.

[@surdazar7792]

I miss Fiona everyday of my life. Great to see her here. Still waiting for another solo record though... Had to say it.

[@sorcerer1975]

I agree ... can't wait for new Fiona material ... I adore her and her music !

[@kshafe17]

+Nuno Duarte SAMMEEE!! Got to see her in DC whenshe did her tour for Idler Wheel and it was unbelieveably amazing. Took a couple videos too that you can see on my page.

[@rootypoots]

Won’t need to wait too much longer, I think!

[@jakedmagic]

Oh man I bet you're jazzed right now.

[@nerdonic]

Four years later I’m sure you guys are happy now :)

[@ruby-rv6cj]

Sara's voice is seriously the best thing ever!!!!

[@hoyvintagecycles2936]

truth, pure.

[@allisonwhiston9290]

Agreed!

[@madlift]

I love every single moment here. Just a magical blend from Sean and Sara, plus the other musicians were killing it, and then Fiona Apple??? Couldn't get better!

[@mlbeaumont]

Great to see Benmont Tench playing in this company, its like my music worlds colliding, im in heaven.

[@sumitkinger7142]

Always and always good to see Fiona.. Feels good to see you sing..

[@amisha25211]

Yeah✨

[@aa306911]

For all the greatness in this video, don’t overlook Benmont Tench on the piano. The *legendary* keyboard player for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

[@ThelastDJ1976]

When the set started I thought to myself that piano player sure looks like Benmont Tench but there's no way... When they introduced him I nearly fell out of my seat! With an all-star cast and a fantastic set this has become one of my favorite Tiny Desks shows yet - keep up the great work!

[@akeithing1841]

Right?! They go way to the Largo days. Speaking of which check out Fiona's song 'Largo'. Satisfaction guaranteed

[@SandraNevermind]

The piano-player is just . . . 😮. Wow.

[@SempreGumby]

Those Solos in Hop High. OOOgh so smooth. Yesh Yesh.

[@clutch1141]

I have a whole new level of respect for Fiona Apple

[@52rickenbacker]

I didn't realise I liked this type of music until now! That was kind of life affirming.

[@LarkVsOwl-de3op]

Hats off to the sound guy...perfect mix

[@powbobs]

Lark Vs. Owl It’s always so good.

[@staliepop]

Where is Fiona's full tiny desk set? My heart aches.

[@TeddyLovesBacon]

i hope so.. i love fionna

[@beng8488]

My 2-year-old just spent half an hour directing me to this, apparently his favorite, rendition of In the Pines. He described it by the howling chorus! Thank you all so much. This is terrific stuff.

[@Hardbody94]

Fiona Apple! I haven't heard of her in a while it's nice to see her around.

[@Workshop-oe7er]

Can't believe I've overlooked this gem for 2+ years. Tiny Desk never disappoints. Crazy good stuff. We need more of this during these days. Thank you.

[@rashmika9742]

I followed them on Spotify after 20 seconds of this set. What an amazing homage to bluegrass musical tradition.

[@cristianobaruffaldi8049]

Nice to see Fiona Smile, allways in my heart😉

[@RobbiesVideoArchives]

That's one of the best things I've seen/heard in ages.

[@tobiasdeleij9536]

I cried.. ;,)

[@tobiasdeleij9536]

and now again..

[@flakeyjay]

Amazing! Loved the enthusiasm from Fiona Apple and the power of Sarah's voice and Sean on guitar. Love them as Nickel Creek and other works.

[@ebaristogringo]

after watching this 200 times,i fell in love with Fiona even more...

[@52rickenbacker]

juan timmers I have lost count of how many times I've watched this.

[@GeneRogers-en2xv]

I truly enjoyed nickel creek but it has lead me to Watkins family in so greatful and all the great artist and apple Fiona lol so beautiful to warm my empty life

[@lorenmiller3797]

There's something just so amazing and unique about Sara's voice. It's genuine, and vulnerable, and real. Then there's also her incredible songwriting...

[@TheVoxinator]

I watched this to see Sara Watkins - was blown away when Fiona popped out! Love love love Fiona Apple.

[@rinnswimmer]

They make their playing look so effortless... pros👌👏

[@shaunspeers2656]

Just when I think I’ve heard all of Sara’s ethereal, goosebump making songs, I hear Love will steal your heart away. Wow.

[@JumpingMountainGoats]

Sara Watkins has such a beautiful voice. I hope Sean does some more Fiction Family with Jon Foreman soon!

[@janosik150]

Ohhh...beautiful girl... And Fiona Apple...wow...its been 20 years I think since I listen to her..wow....I love you Fiona!!!

[@sorcerer1975]

Such a great group ... New music Fiona !

[@bcsuda]

That was awesome! Such a great and fun group. I could listen to them all day!

[@delewan]

+Brian Suda I know! Can we petition for a "Much Larger Than Usual Desk Concert"?

[@2ManyNamesTaken]

We're all in love with Sara. Beyond her talent on violin and her voice, she lights up the room as if she were an angel, sent to make us feel the splendor of Heaven. -- Indeed, that is a room FULL of talented people making some stirring music!

[@artnouveau4332]

I just found this band. Thanks NPR Tiny desk What a joy to be listening.

[@hollywilson9327]

Fiona, you sound amazing and look amazing! I am sending you love and perseverance. Your music speaks to many souls.

[@GeneRogers-en2xv]

The Watkins family and the other artists have brought so much joy a dollar can't touch it

[@CrustyWhiteBread]

The last and the first place I would expect to find Fiona... I swear i pooped myself.

[@brentwalker8596]

Yeah, I was like, oh, just Fiona Apple . WTF!? Looks like she's having fun.

[@leepshin]

@@brentwalker8596 Fiona looks ..........erm........"ILL". Anyone know if she's she actually alright health wise?

[@SneakyPete0007]

North Alabama,born and bred. Haven"t heard music like that in a while.

[@AnElectricLlama]

God damn that guitar sounds beautiful

[@thepatriotfarmer3580]

+Jacob They all do when Sean is behind em'

[@mezasergio27]

Jackson Browne gave Sean that guitar!

[@rob8872]

I agree with TheMusicWell

[@excavatoree]

Reminds me of something a drummer said: "These drums don't sound good; I sound good. You're hearing me, not the drums." We're hearing Sean.

[@ArepoEn]

This is fantastic, so much musicality and emotions! Bluegrass at its best. And of course, Sara is from another world...

[@allenmissenis6437]

fiona"s eye color changes as she sings.. amazing

[@organicistheway5956]

Man oh man, Sara's voice is so perfect!! I LOVE HER!!

[@scottmorrison3505]

Wow, I've been listening to band in this genre all night, just exploring and seeing what I can find. This is by far THE BEST band I've heard. Probably ever.

[@manimok]

O Fiona , hope you will recover totally - cause you are the best.

[@pathoscatz1]

What a wonderful group of musicians came of of that collective, I can't get enough

[@nolandionne1262]

Such a diverse group of musical people! A wonderful Tiny Desk.

[@GeneRogers-en2xv]

You and your music family bless my small life with happiness

[@musettemusic8261]

Hey, Sara Watkins is a rockstar!

[@mistercolin1234]

I wish my family sounded like that!!

[@jacasadia]

And Sebastian just keeps playing. They are all such gifted musicians!

[@carolynblake498]

That first song. It's so good!!

[@errmoc5682]

i love the way sara dresses

[@GeneRogers-en2xv]

It warms my heart to see so many great artists together

[@rickblackford8494]

What a great band! I love coming here for this set. All pros.

[@grantburgh1]

ive watched/listened to this about 30 times since discovering it 3 days ago

[@davemeshamsr6000]

TEARS OF JOY IN MY EYES!!!

[@rayfinkle7064]

I freaking love Sarah Watkins ...

[@dmhowe2001]

Pretty awesome music. I particularly like "Hop High".

[@petejameson4392]

I've enjoyed this series since its inception. "In the Pines" is a singular moment for TDC...bravo, amigas y amigos, pedro in pa

[@SteveShaha]

Wow, everything Sarah Atkins touches turns to gold.

[@penta5676]

Wonderful session, that I'm watching regularily. Very sensitive playing and nice close-up of drummer Don Heffington. R.I.P.

[@YouTubricant]

Oh my god that's actually Benmont Tench. Ooooowhoops!

[@davevallelunga5796]

Saw em all here in Redding Cali with Fiona and they nailed it hard!I Awesome!

[@tg071407]

Let's give a little love to the drummer! Nice job back there.

[@cometome255]

Man I loveeee Fiona. I missed her. I really like the sound of their music, never got into bluegrass but definitely something I'll check out. ALSO, amazing guitar.

[@StephenBilski-dq3ml]

I vannot stop listening. It is energizing, beautiful and thought provoking. It makes me pause and think, Who is truly inspiring us. Peace be with you. Thank you.

[@thebonebox488]

Loved Fiona before, but I think my head just exploded. What a fantastic, talented group of musicians.

[@richardradcliffe5567]

The Watkins Siblings and Fiona and other assembled personnel played outdoors at Lincoln Center in NYC this summer. Their project was reenacting Dylan's album "Highway 61 Revisted."

[@michaeltingle816]

I THINK THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE HEARD SARAH WATKINS SING !!!!! IT IS SO CLEAR AS WELL AS THE INSTRUMENTS !!!!!!

[@deangasinowski8015]

Another NPR Tiny desk that I will be listening to over and over.

[@rickblackford8494]

This is great. I love Sara but they are all perfect.

[@PoopiteeScoop]

Oh WOW these guys are great! I think a banjo would add a lot to their lineup, but love what they've got! Heading over to Apple Music to hear more 😂

[@martinamenescal2710]

I love the song "Remember me (I'm the one who loves you)" sooo much

[@mygodyousuckatthat]

Wow - that voice on the first number - dreamy !

[@skyzefawlun]

So fantastic to see Sebastian Steinberg and Fiona Apple with Watkins Family Hour! Two artists that I have loved for a long, long time. While Apple is certainly a household name, Steinberg might not be as easily recognized by some. For those curious, he was a member of Soul Coughing ;)

[@walkingbassline]

+skyzefawlun Yeah! Great band.

[@thepatriotfarmer3580]

+skyzefawlun I had not made the connection between Sebastian and Soul Coughing, thanks for that! I still play a full SC list every month or so, loved those guys... such fun music. The people at the office used to look at me kinda funny when I played SC there, lol!

[@marcotrosi]

the mix/sound of the first song and the song itself is amazing. love it.

[@mmariethomas34223]

Love Fiona’s vocals♥️♥️

[@VeeDubR32]

Really like the rasp that Sara's voice has developed

[@adrianbrien5249]

That was some mighty fine pickin' and and a singin'!

[@hippiechick2755]

Adrian Brien I wish I could love this comment. One if the best lines of that movie. ;)

[@GeneRogers-en2xv]

Was such a blessing to see some many great people sing a great song

[@mattmieks5787]

love the music,,love the tiny desk....love the Watkins Family..❤💛💚💜🤎🖤🤍

[@fergieNH]

She seemed so shy, but when she opened her voice…. Wow! made her even more attractive! great band!

[@paulelliott3220]

Absolutely fantastic What a great set of artists collected to play with Sara and Sean - love the album too Wow !!!!!

[@StaceySonder]

Yes, we need more Fiona. She needs to come up and see me and Idaho spend some time and we have lots of fun.

[@AlexanderRogers-tz6hs]

But sharing how great you and your family is and you with nickle creek was so priceless. Sincerly Savannah ga Gene. 🎉

[@debrabish1494]

The best tiny desk EVER ever ever ever ever-soooo fuuuun nnnnnnn Debra

[@rickblackford8494]

love the piano with this world class bluegrass. so great. great band. love sara!!

[@MegaDanCrow]

Never heard them before watching this. that will surly change!

[@davidkoval6415]

Nicke Creek are truly the Real thing!

[@Pandameter13]

I don't think I've ever been attracted to anything as Fiona Apple is into the piano playing at @12:08

[@ericharmon9025]

..and Donald Sutherland on bass...

[@prairiedan]

I'm unfamiliar with this first song song, but as with everything Sean and Sara play it turns to gold in their care. No amount of recognition does justice to their talents.

[@jamenb7344]

love a full dose of sara

[@laperez80]

Largo brought me here and I left my heart at Largo.

[@allenmcclain2745]

An amazing gift for my ears!

[@jward9637]

I love this!! Whoa woooo!!