Patrick Watson | NPR MUSIC LIVE

One of my favorite performers, Patrick Watson is dramatic but understated; deadly serious but unexpectedly candid and funny. And the music feels so warm, with melodies that haunt and enchant. The singer-pianist and his band put out a new record in 2012, Adventures in Your Own Backyard, and it's one of my favorites of the year.
In this Sept. 5 concert from the 930 Club in Washington, D.C., Patrick Watson - the name of both the bandleader and his band - came off as loose and particularly playful. Maybe it was because the tour was ending, maybe it was the choice of drink, or maybe it was a bit of both, but the group members seemed to surprise each other and push each other all night.
I love that sort of back-and-forth that happens on stage, where a phrase catches the ear of one musician and sparks a new idea in another. It's subtle but easy to see, especially in this video, where facial expressions are so evident. On this night at the 9:30 Club, I got a sense of what it might be like to hang out and listen to this great band of friends gathered around in someone's living room, playing extraordinary tunes and having a grand old time. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Lighthouse"
"Blackwind"
"Step Out For A While"
"The Quiet Crowd"
"Words In The Fire"
"Into Giants"
"Strange Crooked Road"
"The Things You Do"
"Luscious Life"
"Big Bird In A Small Cage"
"Morning Sheets"
"Adventures In Your Own Backyard"
"Noisy Sunday"
"Beijing"
"Man Under The Sea"
Credits
Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Robin Hilton, Bob Boilen; Host: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Claire O'Neill, Zac Visco; Production assistant: Christopher Parks; Special thanks to the 930 Club; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins

[@Xavier-Denis]

What I love about him he didn't change at all . You look at him in 2012 and he still the same in 2020. No Rolex, no Big Golden chain, no flashing things. He stay grounded to earth nothing changed except some grey hairs and a new drummer and his music still touching me. He looks like he could be your neighbor. e live in the same city and I hope to cross his road one day just to tell him thanks for staying the same and for his touching poetry in his songs.

[@phildupuis-skateboarding]

Truly a well observed sensitive comment Denis, simple and sincere persons, artists or not, seem to rarefy in this world.

[@Xavier-Denis]

@@phildupuis-skateboarding Are you also from Montreal? I imagine him sitting in a café on St-Laurent Street with Rufus Wainwright and Leonard Cohen (when he was alive) They have the same style, the images and the poetry in their head.

[@phildupuis-skateboarding]

@@Xavier-Denis No I'm not, frenchman in center of France. I really love Watson's musical sincerity and generosity

[@Xavier-Denis]

@@phildupuis-skateboarding Ah d’accord, il y a beaucoup de Dupuis ici. Patrick Watson parle très bien français ainsi que Rufus et notre ‘’ange’’ Leonard Cohen. Quand je disais dans mon commentaire qu’il est resté authentique. Il m’a fait tellement plaisir quand j’ai vu sa vidéo Here Comes The River de son dernier album. Cette vidéo a été tournée dans des quartiers ouvrier de Montréal et sur le Mont-Royal. Petit budget pas de flafla

[@phildupuis-skateboarding]

@@Xavier-Denis Ahhh belle démarche oui ! C'est un artiste que je rêve de voir en concert.

[@LilRedRasta]

This guy's a genius. Finally an artist to get hooked to. After much searching, I've found one.

[@roobtheloob]

check his older stuff too. primo!!

[@phdez10]

RedT dale color

[@johnk.8783]

Awesome performance, love this musicians. David Gray is one of those Artists as well, who lives for the music on stage!

[@Steve-pi1eg]

❤️his style and lyrics.

[@MariMomose]

Me too.From Japan My best music.

[@cesoire]

I saw Patrick live last week and I love that he can control the vibes in a room. There were no phones out, everyone was living in the moment and I loved every second

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

Well here we are in 2022 and this is the 1st time I have ever heard of him. What a find!! Unbelievable!

[@debbierees7677]

Still love watching this ........so so so much .... There is no one like him out there and it's 2022 now!!!

[@VeroLg99]

00:00:00 Lighthouse 00:04:52 Blackwind 00:09:50 Step Out For A While 00:14:20 The Quiet Crowd 00:21:32 Words In The Fire 00:25:21 Into Giants 00:31:23 Strange Crooked Road 00:39:32 The Things You Do 00:42:40 Luscious Life 00:48:36 Big Bird In A Small Cage 00:54:02 Morning Sheets 00:58:57 Adventures In Your Own Backyard 01:08:37 Noisy Sunday 01:17:34 Beijing 01:27:28 Man Under The Sea

[@ellerbroekb]

KZbin Hero..

[@Xavier-nq3oi]

Icon!

[@tea7172]

I love u

[@AlexandraMarsella]

thank u love

[@siwonoh8279]

after ten years he still natural. And You are all.

[@TheEldubz]

How is it 2024, and I am just now hearing this/ this band for the first time? I feel ripped off. And also blessed. These guys are the real deal, the type of artists/ sound you spend years searching for in hopes to find one day.

[@SkenkBeg]

patrick watson is the man.

[@bryangloria5566]

Saw this live! Amazing night!

[@scottmenear1236]

Was there too :-)

[@wendygould1438]

Changed my life.

[@rbenjamin1429]

Re listening to this concert…I try to see/hear Patrick Watson any time I can…what a beautiful, amazing guy! 😮❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@luispinheirodosmontes7219]

Amazing. beautiful. music.

[@photomakerman]

Bring back this setting~

[@samleblanc7922]

Noisy Sunday.. I was literally crying

[@MrJeddy12345]

As Simon Angell's aunt the guitarist, None of them are on drugs.. these a clean guys.. The giggles is Patrick's natural enjoyment of his audience and his band

[@avavedA]

very good !!

[@rubens77dj]

More than artist, he is a really good person, I have a priviledge of know him personally! And he is just him.

[@Funnylovefunnylife]

Big bird in a small cage almost made me cry. Been listening to him for a long time, I hope I get to see him live one day.

[@timobaker3230]

I accidentally clicked on this... And I am Soooo thankful I did too. Absolutely beautiful!

[@Ziraffo]

by far the best shows ive seen in my life were patrick watson's. so creative yet so simple and intimate.

[@rbenjamin1429]

Patrick Watson is a true genius and I adore him and all of his music. He is simply amazing!! 🥰🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@minueliko]

Genius!

[@boelima]

saw him in VAncouver.... the band and he as a singer are fantastic!!

[@diegoteabsolvo5258]

Great discovery. I was just listening to another band (dirty three) and then youtube played this guy. Something new (for me) to listen next weeks :-) I think i will love him

[@fredhie4885]

genius

[@wingzofsteel]

Thanks NPR. Never heard of Patrick Watson /Band, but I have now. Really like the music.

[@chantalquirion9902]

Nous avons eu la chance de voir Patrick Watson et son band samedi dernier avec l'orchestre symphonique d'Ottawa. Je suis encore sur un nuage!Meilleur show à vie à part Harmonium avec l'Heptade il y a près de 40 ans. Je les met ex aequo. Performance complètement déchaînée et quelle maîtrise! Bravo pour ce mariage inespéré. je n'en suis pas revenue encore! J'espère que des extraits vidéo seront diffusés un jour ou sinon qu'on annoncera de prochaines dates pour un retour.

[@scottmenear1236]

This was the first time I saw Patrick Watson, I landed in DC from the UK, with no plans and this was the only gig happening on a Wednesday night in the Capital. My God, this guy blew me away, so much so that I followed his tour trail and watched him at the world live Cafe in Philly 2 days later and then at the Bowery ballroom in NYC on the following Saturday, At every single gig he was interactive with fans and had a drink with me and some other fans in the bar next to the venue in New York. He remains the artist I have seen the most times (9), never disappoints. Absolute gent. Also big shout out to Tony Decker and the great lake swimmers, who were also amazing xx

[@scottmenear1236]

And the ticket price was $13

[@marianaesteves4807]

Pure magic. Love U Pat

[@filipeminhava5496]

I met him yesterday in his show in santa maria da feira, portugal! What a wonderful musician...

[@paulmurphy6679]

IV found this chap and the rest of them love to it

[@elisec.6344]

Okay I have been a fan of him for a few years now and I'm just now seeing this video!!!!! I just lllloooovvvveeeee him!!!!!!!!

[@mega1e]

I saw him in Vancouver and sat behind his parents who now live there. When you see him live, it's not just pure music, it's an artistic performance. I think the visuals are very effective.

[@EllyjTh]

Patrick Watson, I love that raw edge and passion in the music. Brilliant piano playing and compositions as well.

[@PamelaStewartArt]

Now this is someone I'd like to sit down at a dinner table with...and then hang out around a campfire after.

[@jujuxbubux5977]

N den eat him 4 dinner🤣🤣😉

[@bollocknaked1975]

Just discovered. What a find ....

[@patrickmurphy3942]

No doubt awesome craftsman. Kind of forgot about him but amazed by the river and look at you (sorry not paying attention for a few years). Emailing all my friends now that I have woken up to listen again. This guy deserves our attention. Just such amazing beauty in this music. Omg. No one like this at all. True treasure.

[@Teona1212]

Wonderful music ! Thanks.

[@cletor2708]

Amén

[@iSpidro]

your sir are a legend.

[@seanmcmorris]

Back for more! What a concert... just great!

[@TheOutdoorlife78]

Pure genius 👍

[@inMuro]

his shows are so wonderful

[@camilla8332]

beautiful... magical ...

[@burnningbridges]

God, I adore this man!

[@mtnrunner1969]

This man is a genius.

[@creemeeontop]

These musicians are from another world! WOW!

[@marieeveduchesne]

Can't wait to see him again in Quebec with the Symphonic Orchestra. This is going to be perfect as it always is.

[@rubens77dj]

One of the best musician I've ever meet listen his adventures around the world!

[@paloma6755]

music which takes one to unparalleled alto levels..

[@JackShuter]

Oh my god. This is perfection.

[@matixjp]

The things you do left me speechless. Finally saw these guys in L.A. two years ago and it was without doubt one of the best shows I've ever been to. I was pretty much surprised it wasn't even a sold out show. People don't know what they're missing out but oh well... Go see them if you have the chance, you won't regret it.

[@ThepapeS]

Leur spectacle au Vieux Clocher de Magog était tout simplement extraordinaire

[@FebruaryMang]

This is the music that soundtracks life in all of it's haunting glory.

[@doraedehorta6317]

He stole my heart!

[@lani2023]

Love his music and voice.

[@anawhite6807]

Going to see a live January 29 🎫 Austin TX , Awhhh I already know I’m going to lose mind 💙

[@alex123216]

♥ it!!!

[@alealealeginger2007]

This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The vibe he gave off and the audience!!! I desperately need to see him perform live.

[@zert07]

juste an other univer of consert!! show man!!

[@shoreals]

that's part of what draws me to the music... I always get that sense when I listen and watch them perform!

[@phildupuis-skateboarding]

After several years, I still watch this concert and listen carefully to each musical pearl it contains. Revealing a state of grace between musicians, love for what they do and share. I think it's quite a gem among all the musical landscapes I discovered until today. Thanks Bob Boilen for keeping this alive and for your whole work to make people discover such great musicians.

[@sulamith105]

Phil DUPUIS where can we find eachother?

[@haticehbo]

I saw him in Istanbul on April 19,2011. It is definitely in my top 5 concerts list. It was a wonderful show! and I feel the same way whenever I watch one of their videos on youtube. If you have a chance to see Patrick Watson and his band live, don't ever miss it! It is not only the good music you will hear, it is the great mutual interaction that you will have.You will feel like you are in a one big zeppelin with the band and the whole crowd and heading to the best cloud to live thereafter

[@Charlesstamour]

I was there too, it was an amazing show! Genius music

[@bunathan2485]

i love watching his live performances and the band itself

[@isaross2710]

your beautiful voice takes me back to childhood and seeing fairies. they love music too! little kisses all over your forehead from them xxxxxx isa

[@YashnaSmiley]

Magical !!!!

[@leh24072000]

Such a great artist! love him sm

[@RiperVag75]

He is sooooo AMAZING in live!! Gosh, this was the most beautiful moment ever!

[@ToninoCandela]

Really AMAZING ! i just love Patrick Watson. And im really happy to listen song like "Man Under The Sea", and not every time the same song of the new album. I hope to listen other old tracks again soon, like "The storm" or "Tracy's Waters"

[@cfreckna]

I was at this show, it was AMAZING

[@nekaz]

God, am i finally in heaven?

[@luzelenavillegas1004]

Wow! Es hermosa esta musica. Que musicos!

[@mav632004]

I was there in 2012 and will be there again this May!! I can't wait!!

[@jordandbarkey]

saw them at massey hall on the 8th.. just magestic. shivers down the spine several times throughout the show

[@7841569]

I saw him while traveling through paris, he played with an orchestra, the show was magical. I can't wait for another chance to see him live.

[@virginiagarmendia]

Un lujo de concierto.....

[@DarkRoosterTHN]

They are the only ones, who in live sounds even better

[@karinecote1591]

I saw him this weekend. Amazing concert with an orchestra! A must see.

[@melindaalexander5778]

Great concert! Thanks NPR!

[@marcellamiller4439]

Brilliant! Original, beautifully crafted music. Discovered him accidentally via trailer for Walking Dead and hunted him down. Amazingly creative!

[@SchlafferAffe]

thank you for this NPR! listening to one of Patricks songs in like living a whole life in just a view minutes.

[@ScreamingDeaf]

Saw him last night in L'Assomption. Patrick and his band are very talented. From my experience, the best show I've seen with Rush and Dream Theater. Watching this video is amazing but to see this live is indescribable ... After the show, everyone had that same kind of smile; a collective eargasm smile... :)

[@netaweisman]

Just amazing.......

[@ismailgouriech6739]

Amazing concert! i like it (y)

[@MariaRuiz-vu3el]

Tu música alivia el alma. Gracias.

[@nerkoids]

Hot damn. I thought the CBC Music concert was happening... this one... wow.

[@qqssaa]

Great artist from Quebec !! Thanks NPR !! SO MUCH

I can't stop listening to this concert. Magical!

[@blackhaloful]

By far my favourite singer! Along with Bon Iver :)

[@mazetcyrille1130]

tout simplement magnifique

[@losyg8421]

absolutely fantastic

[@FloreciaALeano]

Bellísimo, directo al alma

[@nicklagasse6900]

I always find it amazing / refreshing when the amount of views for (what I deem as) excellent music, such as Patrick Watson, are significantly lower than more popular music, such as Kanye (no disrespect). Either way, to each their own. Patrick Watson Band is a great reminder of how beautiful and complex life is.

[@Trevor_Hill]

Some people (Kanye) deserve disrespect.

[@marshalsea]

Trevor Hill It's a Bell Curve that in all probability lines up with the IQ one. However, there's a place for Kanye - you just have to learn to ignore them and let the great unwashed congregate over there while you enjoy beautiful music.

[@WallyBrando]

marshalsea it's fine that you have a taste in music but trying to say that that taste somehow makes you smarter than people with different taste is unbelievably stupid (so is thinking that iq is at all a valid measurement but that's besides the point)

[@marshalsea]

You miss the point. Taste often comes with intellect. You'll be telling me the normal rubbish that music is completely subjective. Also, IQ is a measure that obviously works, there's proven correlation. Careful with starting a flame war...

[@abearwithshades]

Trevor Hill If you respect artistry you must respect Kanye as an artist... You may not like his personna but you can't deny that he's a creative genius. (Coming from a guy who absolutly loves Patrick Watson, Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, etc.)

[@ruthharvey7986]

Love it

[@anyssachorvat7]

Wow this is so beautiful I wish he would come to Australia!

[@20y0I4n]

to my Great Surprise i've found & reached my final destination. im $o Grateful to ya Dear Sir Patrick🍀

[@alibula]

Thank you NPR for this!

[@PrimaveraPoetica]

meu cantor preferido

[@aguaildaana]

e a simplicidade é adorável , porque é genial.