Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman: Tiny Desk Concert

Bob Boilen | October 24, 2023
There's a sweet moment between songs when Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman reminisce about their love for traditional banjo and fiddle tunes. Speaking about 'Across the Rocky Mountain," banjo picker Nora Brown says she first heard the song when she was about 10 or 11. That puts a grin on fiddler Stephanie Coleman's face, as she chimes in to say, "I had the same experience; we both were middle schoolers who were obsessed with old banjo players." It's this passion that these two have for traditional tunes that sparks me as a listener, and the audiences that come to see them. It's a body of work that's been handed down from player to player for centuries.
Tiny Desk fans may remember first meeting Nora Brown a few years back, when this 10th grader performed a Tiny Desk (home) concert thirty feet below the surface in Brooklyn. Now, with her musical soulmate, the two perform a few songs behind my desk from their recently released EP, Lady of the Lake, including the title track and "Copper Kettle."
I think it's safe to say that none of the original creators of these tunes could have imagined a world where this music is so easily accessible. This music still feels inspiring, with emotions of yearning and joy that are still central to our being.
SET LIST
"Across the Rocky Mountain"/"The Old Blue Bonnet"
"Lady of the Lake"
"Copper Kettle"
MUSICIANS
Nora Brown: vocals, banjo, guitar
Stephanie Coleman: vocals, fiddle
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Director: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Editor: Michael Zamora
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant
Audio Assistant: Kwesi Lee
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer, Josh Rogosin, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#norabrown #stephaniecoleman #nprmusic #tinydesk

[@sturoc0]

These are the songs, the real mountain songs, that bring tears to my heart. As a mountain man myself, when ever I am away from where my heart's home truly is and I hear these songs I long cry to be back home again. Where the hills and hollows close in to comfort one, the traditional songs still live on, especially when sung and played by these two talented young musicians.

[@petermartin7885]

I aint never been no mountain man, but these songs put me right smack dab in the middle of them. So glad to be able to experience it through some great music

[@pikeythepixie]

I'm from the northern Appalachian mtns myself. The Catskills of NY but it's basically northern Appalachia. Same my line just north. I play banjo n that is because I am a MTN man at heart n soul. The old-time Americana actually originated up north n the immigrants moved it down thru the coal and Appalachian mtns regions to the south where it got popularized but was northern before even southern thanks to the Irish n african Americans and dutch n all the others that made this beautiful genuine real American roots music. When they say America has no culture they don't know our heritage. The 5 string banjo wether made form an African gourd instrument from slaves and the Irish was American made. No 5 string banjo anywhere else, it is as American as you can get.. Same with MTN dulcimer. Two American made instruments. 🖤😎 I like the tropical beaches n all n everyone loves the hot sunny beach which has its own zen but my soul is in the mtns, the MTN streams n the river valleys. A cabin in the pines down in the holler. 😎🪕🏔️🏞️🌲🦋🌙✨🌞🌻🏞️🌲 🪕✌️

[@optimus163]

@@pikeythepixie Interesting that you are in the Cats as I have spent much of my youth in those mountains. We had a cabin - not a fancy 2nd home or vacation home but a real cabin. Our good friend had an old Haybarn he renovated so he could live in summer. Off the beaten track , up a dirt road and with a view of Belleayre, Graham, Doubletop and eastward over to Wittenberg, Slide and Panther. There is a hypnotic vibe in the Cats and if it grabs you it will stay forever in you. The local folk music is still alive there, down the road from us Hilton Kelly lived, a well known fiddle player. Sadly he has passed but there are other younger musicians taking up the reins in those mountains..

[@chaplainwade]

@@optimus163 The great music from the Appalachians will never die. Just as we think it is fadin' out, a new generation picks it up, and helps it stay alive. That's been happenin' since my grandparents were kids from what they tell me. And I ain't no young un, I'm turnin' 60 in a couple ah years. So, that's been a few generations now. I've been a lover of bluegrass as my daddy played banjo, and when we would visit my grands in the summers for family get togethers, I learned to play guitar. We would all gather on the porch, pull out the railin', and put on a good ole show for the extended family. Of course, farming families from miles around would come together for all of it. It was a whole lotta fun. My granddaddy and his friends, with my dad, would've also put together a wooden dance floor of about a good 20'x20', at least. It was always a good time for everyone. Of course, you would here some songs two or three times, but with rotations of musicians it would sound different each time 😂😂. I really do miss those get togethers. That was all in the '70s and '80s. A lot of those folk have passed on, and there boots were never filled. It really warms my heart to see pretty young ladies like these keepin' the traditional music alive. My God bless them and keep them strong, as they raise their voices singin' songs that are well over 100 years old now. Love them!

[@drock6310]

Watching from Ireland on a cold January day and the light in the sky is short and weak. These musicians fill me with the warmth of their tradition and their skill as they play with such subtle but captivating pulse. Go hálainn!

[@garymelnyk7910]

She’s visiting you soon! Don’t miss her! She’s better live than you can imagine!

[@drock6310]

@@garymelnyk7910 Yes! Baltimore fiddle fair 🥳 thank you 🙏

[@georgerooks7690]

I hope people realize how good these musicians are. The harmony, the subtle talent on the instruments. So good. All that double stopping on the fiddle!! Go, go, go!!! Love it.

[@andrewfenrich1986]

This TDC is by far one of my favourite. Can feel these songs in the soul.

[@thomasvello-xamon7732]

Listening from the lonely, misty shetland Isles and it is a true delight that this got into the KZbin autoplay, can't believe how these musicians got so incredibly talented in such a short amount of time, their love for this music is palpable and infectious and i can't wait to hear more

[@rashmika9742]

I'm happy to see Nora Brown back on Tiny Desk! I remember listening to her previous Tiny Desk on repeat during COVID lockdown.

[@zachb8012]

God why does everything associated with NPR feature comments of people pining with nostalgia for the good ol' days of the new normal? It's like anybody who didn't bail on NPR after it was taken over by far left activists got their brain fried.

[@Roukasful]

Listening to this record again this morning. I remember Nora playing in brooklin folk festival in 2018, with her big hat. She was just a kid but already amazing. It's very beautifull to see how she grows and met with other amazing musicians. She faithfully plays the beautifull ancient folk songs all these years.

[@roddymccalley1795]

Lovely! Thought I heard familiar lyrics in that first song... nice to hear Nora explain how it was constructed from old English ballads...one of those old ballads (Jack-a-Roe) was a staple of Grateful Dead acoustic sets--the story of a woman disguising herself in mens clothing, finding her lover wounded on the field of battle and carrying him to safety, just as in this Appalachian version. Wonderful how the old songs are given new life by each generation of musicians.

[@Jjboneyard]

I love little nora brown so much

[@beemichelle2276]

I swear, two seconds in and I felt a tear caught in my throat. I'm already invested in this ❤

[@LukeLehmanMusic-hk9br]

When Stephanie transitions into Old blue bonnet out of rocky mountain, my heart is filled with that joy that only a fiddle can deliver

[@boxingodric]

This is one of the best Tiny Desks I've heard in a while.

[@chris_economou]

“There’s not a lot of heroines in old time songs, so…” Golden!! What an amazing musical duo!! Keep on shining!! Thank you both and thank you, Tiny Desk, for expanding the world of creation and inspiring others!!✨✨✨

[@rexjamison2170]

this---is why i grew ears!

[@andydonham8612]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the original creators could never conceive how accessible these songs are now. Love Nora and Stephanie. Been a fan for awhile. ..

[@海野直子-j5s]

They are coming to Japan soon ! I can't wait !!

[@rheabruen]

very, very beautiful music. and their chemistry is undeniable!

[@kirajohnson6]

This kind of music seeps into your bones and transports you to another time. What a delight! I was first introduced to Nora Brown by her Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, and was quickly enamored. Thank you for bringing her back, and to Stephanie Coleman for adding such soulful fiddle sounds!

[@ChangChang-wc4dn]

Thanks Tiny Desk for letting me enjoy the many forms of music.

[@sylviarabiner2571]

Reminds me of the traditional music that made its way to NYC in the 50's and 60's played by urban folk musicians. Wonderful that it continues on.

[@im1385]

For being the masters of tone that they are, they are so young

[@daffyP71]

Long time fan, so excited to see how far Tiny Desk can push this talent into a broader audience.

[@fairydust8345]

First time hear them singing. It’s so healing and beautiful.

[@onewhitaker]

I'm straight sobbing over here. That instrumental bit at the end of the first song touched and healed something deep. Thank you!

[@quinnythepoo96]

I had this same reaction! So intimate.

[@michaelkutulas8878]

These talented ladies don't just play their instruments, they ARE the instruments... quite mesmerizing!

[@untilgrass]

Yes, this is the stuff!

[@nicok5600]

Being a Virginian was a long time ago, but I loved being near the Shenandoah and its rich musical history. Love yr work

Chills in the spine... Big thank you! See you in Budapest in July...

[@charlesl5894]

Wonderful! Thank you, Nora and Stephanie.

[@RomeoLopez-u8u]

I love you Noraaaaa! ❤

[@NFG3rdeye-su7rl]

Two very strong girls. Well played ladies 🙏✝️❤️Action and confidence💚care and love 💜 intelligence and intellectualness...3 become 1. Thank you. Peace.

[@donaldneumeyer4423]

Phenomenal Nora and Stephanie!

[@plainoldjason]

These two young women are absolutely fantastic! I recently discovered Nora and now I’m a big fan of Stephanie as well. That last song…just amazing! Bravo!

[@xXpurplenurple007Xx]

Brings tears to my eyes.

[@DanDDirges]

What a great set! Really like the first song, Going Across The Rockies! Amazing to see the girls all fully growd up now. Been following them since they was just knee high to a grasshopper.

[@forumfighter18]

Frickin Awesome!

[@pgpollets]

This is so good and tasteful. Nora and Stephanie are a great example of superior musicianship.

[@rory42o]

The first song 'jack a roe' is a cover of a grateful dead song

[@robotandroid74]

@@rory42ono disrespect to the Dead. The GD mined traditional music and developed their own interpretations. That’s part of why their music is so magical. This song did NOT originate from the Dead.

[@rory42o]

@@robotandroid74 no disrespect but you're speaking of "jack monroe"..Jack a roe is most certainly a dead song, but it's based from a traditional song...toodles.

[@robotandroid74]

@@rory42o not disputing that Jack A Roe is a grateful dead song based on a traditional song, but the song Nora and Stephanie played here is not a cover of Jack A Roe. They explain where they got it. Roscoe Holcomb.

[@lizmoss]

this is awesome. glad i found them.

[@hollivybez]

I appreciate that they brought some of the history of this music to Tiny Desk

[@N1CH0LAS007]

Beautiful performance tiny desk produces the BEST music on KZbin cheers to the whole TEAM 🍻

[@72bonnie]

Thank you from New Zealand

[@joshuarivera2081]

It´s amazing how 10 strings, two woods, two voices and one bow can create such a calm and beatuiful environment. Beautiful work and great talent ❤

[@juliasharp2857]

That was wonderful! Thank you!

[@Lynn-r4h]

❤wow😊❤love this,,just Scrolling n heard this,just awesome ❤😊

[@susansaadati6998]

So so beautiful!!

[@kriley570]

Nora is a gem!

[@chart4513]

Saw them perform last night at the Groton Hill Music Center - so delicate and tender.

[@Lynn-r4h]

Harmony🎉🎉

[@ianroberts3948]

I'm keeping this forever and will play it and keep being wowed

[@cliffmcmann3058]

So very Human in its sound and scale. this is everything music at its purest should be. Thank You for sharing.

[@foneco]

Another great find that only this channel allows

[@ant-space]

I was just getting ready for the next tune... and it was over. Thanks for this. I love Nora Brown, but hadn't heard her play with Stephanie. Great!! But too short.

[@janekelton]

I love your music so much, the pair of ye. Keep at it and thank you. Lifting my heart in these times.

[@jasonkennedy7993]

I love this so much ❤ thank you

[@terrylynch1259]

Brilliant!...

[@vec875]

I like the Celtic feel. Warm and emotional music.

[@Ellier215]

Lady of the lake sounds Celtic.

[@nickwhitestar7646]

👉💥👈 Wonderful ....... 🧡

[@davidjerezgomez]

Thank you so much for this. What a treat! I love the warrior maiden ballad. Can’t wait for this album release next January! Pity “Across the mountain/ old blue bonnet” is not on it. I learned another warrior maiden ballad, “Banks of the Nile”, listening to Ewan MacColl Scottish ballads. It’s surprising to see the similarities.

[@vickiwalker3486]

You bring me great hope for the future of my favorite music: the kind you make!!

[@dwcoleman01]

Watching this performance made my day.

[@Justin-Rossi-Realty]

This resonated with my childhood so much! I cried. Ya'll are amazing!

[@banjolady]

So beautiful and wonderful to listen to

[@Kenzi24]

Love watching live music. It's so inspiring to me to see the beauty humans can create

[@ricksephton5991]

Beautiful! Well done, ladies!

[@carpentrydesigndovetail4219]

so beautiful

[@dunkmct]

This is stunning

[@thomasb.9173]

yay nora brown

[@chita1205]

Bom saber que há jovens fazendo assim música!!!

[@Freedirtrecords]

Beautiful performance y'all!

[@trixyrivergypsy]

Such great talent! I love these tiny desk concerts bc it puts forth artists that need to be heard and I also have discovered many that I would have never heard had they not been on here.

[@HelioMorenoMarquez]

Maravilloso.

[@volkerke5315]

A new fan from Germany!

[@ary__]

you made the banjo to my favorite instrument!!

[@jsblastoff]

☺️ Keeping it real !!

[@mhsj]

Fabulous voices of instruments and singers, we forget the past we loose so much of our deep humanity in song and story. Thanks!

[@Aglaja_]

Thank you - I love it! 💜 Greetings from Germany ✨

[@ronaelf]

I love hearing you both perform together. You complement each other so well, creating a blend of one soulful experience with each tune.

[@neardark7017]

Wonderful 💛❤💚💙💯💥💥💥💥💥

[@paulyoung5327]

Excellent

[@carlat1170]

Beautiful 🥰

[@juanmacias5922]

This was so cozy, and warm, thank you for those banjo tunes!

[@michaelstclaire]

wow! amazing!

[@petehalupka1]

Really, really, really good. Bravo.

[@xXChloeKissXx]

10/10 needed a good tear jerker tonight 🙏

[@raggedbreath]

Lovely playing and singing. On an Epiphone Olympic I think? Rawlings special!

[@evarlast]

I thought it was an old Gibson Kalamzaoo, but when I could finally read the make, I see I'm wrong. I never knew about this model Thanks.

[@llpaints3677]

Gave me chills. Soulful and stunning. Thank you

[@jennatracy]

Beautiful 👌

[@micssticksnpipes]

Loved this 🤘🏽

[@crshuby]

Sometimes I close these tiny desks early if I'm not feeling it. This one found me wanting more after it ended. Great find NPR!

[@BoarhideGaming]

Nora has a fantastic youtube channel of her own, plenty more like this on there!

[@Ellier215]

Same

[@meme115]

Serenity ❤

[@TheTenpennyCollection]

Beautiful music from a beautiful area of our country. I grew up around a banjo, fiddle, and guitar. It is so nice to see this music in such a beautiful light instead of the disparaging way it is usually portrayed.

[@おちむ]

Fabulous❤

[@samamidon3221]

So goooood

[@julietwalden669]

Spectacular! Love discovering new to me music and this was really good!

[@remmary100]

Got me in the feels. Beautiful!

[@jessicateer-smith1941]

so good

[@Jesusisnothere]

nice choice of artists ! have listened to Nora Brown for a couple of years

[@lucasdantassimao]

Thats amazing

[@shirinnarmo602]

YES NORA!

[@january2798]

👌 👏 Thanks for sharing.