Rhiannon Giddens: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
May 28, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- "We're not doing my original songs," Rhiannon Giddens says, before she and her partner, Francesco Turrisi, launch into an old spiritual, "'cause with these kinds of emotions, the old songs say it best."
Though acknowledging their good fortune - a place to live, a bit of savings, their children being safe - Rhiannon Giddens also pauses to tell us how the pandemic has altered their entire way of life. They canceled their tour of Japan and returned home to Ireland; Rhiannon lives in Limerick while Francesco lives a few hours away in Dublin where they recorded this Tiny Desk (home) concert. They're finding comfort in being together, making music together, thinking of their families in both Italy and the United States, and hoping to comfort us all with some down-home tunes. And with banjos, fiddles, a bodhrán, and that stunning voice, it sure worked for me!
SET LIST
"Black As Crow"
"Spiritual"
"Carolina Gals"
"Last Chance"

[@andrewwhite4668]

I'm a simple man. I see Rhiannon Giddens and I hit the like button. Then I listen and am never disappointed or chagrined.

[@josephbloggss7286]

When a man as talented as Francesco Turrisi just plays back-up most of the time, you know you are watching a truly special show. Wow!

[@ethnicmusiclover]

i just found this and am commenting before listening to whole thing. She is a treasure in music and on this earth. God we need that now.

[@gabriellee6770]

Duane Gibson, she is, indeed, a treasure. Saw her perform with her band at a summer music festival a couple of years ago. She was brilliant in every way on that stage. Makes my heart tender and it swells every time I hear her.

[@chokinonashes61]

Check out Valerie June for another magical artist.

[@mjw12345]

Am also commenting early but it's allowed as I have loved for ages! Also, as others have posted, Tiny Desk is always amazing.

[@YvonneJ10]

I know, me too -- STRAIGHT to the comments section, lol -- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Rhiannon Giddens! She's amazing and her music is so soulful and spiritual and heartfelt. We so need this right now! 💓💖🙌🙌👍

[@ethnicmusiclover]

@@gabriellee6770 I must be blind sometimes. Just saw your comment. Thank you. I found her while in the Mountains with my angel bride listening to NPR Fresh Air back in 2010. Carolina Chocolate Drops. I was blown away by them and especially her fiddle and vocals. Intense! Much has changed as my bride is now an angel and I have found unknown artists whose music heals the soul.

[@sarahwhite796]

"I'm not gonna use my original songs, because with these kinds of emotions, the old songs say it best." That humility from a person with so much skill!

[@brendasutton7156]

Rhiannon Giddens is a musical goddess. And I'm lovin' the frame drum.

[@PatLevitin]

What a gift Rhiannon and Turrisi continue to give us. WOW!!!

[@vedicleo5286]

Wow, from an Irish women, Ireland is very lucky to have you sharing your music in our beautiful country 💞

[@jwvica01]

One of the most impressive artists alive today!

[@KristinStJohn]

I can't figure out the perfect word for how she consistently kills it every time she performs -- no matter where or what. Thank you Tiny Desk for reaching out to Ms. Giddens about doing a performance from "home."

[@nprmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@KristinStJohn]

@@nprmusic Shoot...thank you all for all the work your team does behind the scenes to get these done and up.

[@lostvalleyramblers7048]

It's called heart and soul, the thing that always makes a performance stand out.

[@morsecode42]

When you're moved to tears within the first 30 seconds of the first song, you know it's gonna be a good'un! Much love to Ms. Giddens and thanks to NPR!

[@3lackdog]

I had the same reaction. ❤️

[@robertraish4279]

Small recommendation for the producers of the show. At the end a video recommendation popped up and covered up the both the artists as they finished up their last song and obscured their faces. A short buffer of 5 secs or so after they are done would prevent those pop up recommendations from obscuring the end of the show. Love what you guys do and thank you for spreading so much beauty and joy into the world! Definitely adding Rhiannon Giddens to my music library.

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

That drives me crazy. It doesn't just happen here, but other videos as well. So inappropriate to block performers as they are still performing.

[@jacquelinewalters2706]

We were robbed of Francesco's laugh at the end and their personal interaction. Otherwise...just blown away.

[@MrIGGY62]

Rhiannon and Francesco. We love you in Ireland. Thank you.

[@timothyreardon4243]

One of my favorite artists. Especially when she sings with her sister.

[@gabriellee6770]

@NPR Music, Thank you for this small, thoroughly brilliant concert! Rhiannon, you and Francesco may not have been able to hear anyone clapping as you finished singing each tune, the way you would playing for a live audience, but my heart is clapping loudly with deep appreciation out here in the listening world, and I have a feeling there is a resounding response of clapping from many many listeners for your exquisite and poignant NPR Tiny Desk home concert. Music IS, without a doubt, medicine. Thank you both so much for soothing the aches of this soul.

[@thecyclesmith4123]

NPR is todays Alan Lomax. Thank you.

[@Kelly-lj9vd]

Omg! Yes!

[@maurbyrne]

Hello from Co Louth! Delighted to hear you guys made Ireland your home! We really do value musicians! What a wonderful Tiny Desk gig!!

[@m.springs9519]

I'm from the Carolinas but I currently live overseas thanks to this extremely disruptive pandemic. I couldn't initially return home and it has taken quite a toll on me. I'm finding a lot of peace listening these tunes. Thanks for posting and creating an avenue for me to reflect on my blessings and culture especially since being so far away from it. There's no place home.

[@timmarshall7903]

The old songs do say it best. Take care everyone, this time will eventually pass. Another wonderful (home) Tiny Desk, just great to see and hear Rhiannon!

[@terrywashington8669]

Joy is where you find it. Glad I came across this today.

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

Same here!!!

[@bravelace]

Beautiful! Much needed. Music IS medicine.

[@ringthebells6414]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You quench a thirst when you go back to the old ones. Cleansing tears - face forward, not alone.

[@rac0t151]

I have never clicked on a new video so fast! Rhiannon Giddens is SO GOOD! Thank you NRP!

[@nprmusic]

Thank YOU for watching! We appreciate the love. 🤗

[@JanineEPayne]

Incredible. My soul needed this. Today. I will return when I am thirsty. Thank you for your joy. That last piece brought tears to my eyes. I don't think that I've heard a tambourine tell such a story of dance and rustic flirtations as Francesco delivered. I am thrilled. I agree with @robertraish - respectfully, producers please take note. Okay, I'm happy again.

[@jeffcmo1957]

That’s a mighty fine Fiddlin. Growing up in the Piedmont North Carolina, Rockingham county to be exact. Surrounded by old town musicians in the living room. Going to Galax in Mount airy. It warms my soul to hear this music. Keep up the amazing work

[@SunjayVideos]

I love how the hand drum sounds like a tabla. That last song was so full of joy

[@SeaWasp]

If you liked that, check out the kanjira, and mridangam. Both incredibly cool south indian counterparts to the tabla!

[@FrancescoTurrisi]

It's a small tamburello (Italian tambourine) made by AG percussioni, Andrea Piccioni model. It has a slightly thicker skin and it's extremely flexible. You tune it quite low and it has some amazing bass. you can modulate the pitch by pressing on the skin with your left hand. When close mic'ed it has incredible bass and overtones, it sounds like a drumkit. The inspiration comes indeed from the south indian Kanjira

[@ethnoid33]

It was so good of you two to stop by today, thank you. It gave a big lift to flagging spirits. These are hard times for the whole world but what an opportunity to see ourselves all in it together! And thanks to Bob Bolen and the NPR team that arranged the event and shared it.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Black as Crow* (5:34 / 8:11) 9:16 - *Spiritual* (12:57) 16:15 - *Carolina Gals / Last Chance* (20:06)

[@armanbf]

I love that air drum for the Spiritual song! What is that instrument called?

[@cormacobrien3224]

@@armanbf Looks like a modern Bodhrán. Its very big though and he plays it like a similar instrument that I have seen Pedro Estevan play. And I havent a clue what the latter is called.

[@quistunes]

@@armanbf , it's a basic frame drum. It has many names all over the world. Could be made by Remo, Cooperman, or perhaps another maker.

[@bitruis]

@@cormacobrien3224 in Spain we call the latter drum "pandereta". It is very used in the north of Spain in traditional dance and music (quite similar to Celtic music), and all around the country in Christmas songs

[@johnbarnes6568]

Some things fit perfectly in your ears like Rhiannon's beautiful voice, an artist who cares deeply in her heart for what she does, you can hear it, you can see it and you can feel it, simply amazing.

[@ekg793]

So gorgeous. Rhiannon's voice and warmth are so necessary right now.

[@fredpierre6448]

Two incredibly talented musicians. Rhiannon is a great fiddler! Wow. Thanks.

[@noragarza8628]

What a lovely Viola, Folk Music, Banjo!

[@anniebell6846]

How can music so eerie lift you so high? This is balm thanks NPR for organising this

[@nprmusic]

We appreciate the love, and we love that it's a balm for you! That's why we do what we do. 🤗

[@jayep13]

There is a Balm in Gilead. As we go forth in lives shortened, challenged and seeking we are given God's Presence through miracle talents.

[@howardcohen6817]

Came for Rhiannon but stayed for Francesco! Lots of Love, howie.

[@RobertSlover]

sweet frame drum to go with this swampy blues sound perfect!

[@gabrielmcwethy3441]

I was so excited when I woke up and saw this in my notification bar. I love her music so much!

[@deeliciousplum]

This performance was what I needed to listen to. Wishing you two and your children a safe and peaceful Spring and Summer. 💛

[@Jeff_____]

Just found her from the documentary Rumble: The Indians who Rocked the world. I highly recommend watching it if you like this music.

[@cgillingham158]

Thanks and I'm glad you both well and safe.

[@TNskinny]

Her voice brings chills to my soul. In a good way of course. Amazing talent and one of the best, if not the best voice today. I can listen to her all day long.

[@ThaDirtyVicar]

Envokes such strong emotions almost immediately. Thank you for sharing this.

[@pauljadot325]

Beautiful music, wonderful musicians. Thank you both.

[@krumple8560]

What a voice. A national treasure IMHO! THANK YOU!!!

[@glendabillingsley6996]

This Carolina girl loves you sooooo much Rhiannon! Francesco love your diversity of craft too!! Amazing!!!! Can’t wait to see you in concert after the Rona!!!! I adore how you are both such dedicated historians keeping the stories and music from both your countries and the world alive!!! We need you!!! God Don’t stop!!!! Love love love!!!

[@bluesoncamera]

How wonderful intimate is this , thank you NPR and Rhiannon, fantastic sound , honoust music beautifully played...you make forget what is happening in the states

[@twrites2845]

Her voice is hypothesizing 💕 she’s so talented. Thank you

[@surleyvalerio8437]

Thank You, Tiny Desk! From Brasil.

[@FournierBenoit]

Richesse de sonorité, jeu très épuré. Vraiment impressionnant ce duo. Nous faisons un grand voyage. Merci

[@Rocketscientist66]

Amazing sounds 😃 truly medicine to the soul! So talented together, toe-tappin good - especially the last song 👏🏻👏🏻

[@defaultuser1447]

I wasn't familiar with her work, but I like these TD concerts so I gave it a try. Not at all what I was expecting, but that's the great thing about the access to music we have these days. You can get a very pleasant surprise!

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

She did a tiny desk concert last fall too

[@larryramey915]

Amazing ... and a brief glimpse of her genius. Consider her roots music (Carolina Chocolate Drops), her performance of a Patsy Cline classic at the Grand Ol’ Opry, her podcast “Aria Code” with the Metropolitan Opera, her performance in “Porgy and Bess.” Studied at the renowned Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Love her!

[@larryramey915]

My bad recollection: can’t find a performance at the Opry, but nonetheless, there are many videos of her stunning renditions of Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You.”

[@jayaprakashsatyamurthy86]

Rhiannon Giddens is so talented 😭😍

[@kriswithak6931]

Anyone else wonder if she is playing a viola or a folkloric tuning? Too deep for fiddle to my ears… and I LOVE it. Grateful for this sharing, deep appreciation from here in Appalachian Ohio

[@m.g.4060]

I think she's playing a viola. I'm a violist myself and even though her instrument looks strange, it definitely sounds like it

[@siouxsqueakpickle3272]

@@m.g.4060 internet says she has an octave viola. Gorgeous sound ain't it?

[@siouxsqueakpickle3272]

@@m.g.4060 internet says she has an octave viola. Gorgeous sound ain't it?

[@tomas5376]

Incredible talent, powerful voice! Gracias👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵🎵

[@georgittesingbiel219]

Hi! From Raleigh NC! Stay safe you guys. ☮️

[@altidy]

I can't stop dancing, this is so wonderful.

[@nicolawillis2325]

Thank you so much both of you, and everyone involved in putting this up

[@dylancurtis-reeve5206]

Still hanging out for that hand percussion lecture series! Beautiful as always.

[@alicebandersnatch7939]

Big love from the states 🖤 Glad y’all are making things work as you can. I do miss the bones...

[@nancymello5246]

I just adore Rhiannan. So talented. Just added to my playlist💕

[@carolynpatterson5217]

These sounds bring much joy, sorely needed in the crazy times! Charlottesville loves you!

[@StephenCotterell]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful musical experience from two talented people

[@SteelyStrummer]

Love love LOVE Ms. Giddens!

[@andie_pants]

That is THE most skillful tambourine playing I've ever seen in my life.

[@blackbeantree]

A well played tambourine is a beautiful thing. A veritable drum kit held in one hand.

[@FrancescoTurrisi]

thank you 🙏

[@DerekUniqueBennett]

@@FrancescoTurrisi It sounds very Persian to me. Is it? Or is it that all good frame drumming sounds like that?

[@davidjacobs2180]

This was so wonderful, thank you!

[@daveyoung9090]

Beautiful, just beautiful.

[@eljardindelsonido]

Beautiful, just beautiful

[@LimitedEdition987]

This couple is unbelievable!

[@angeljuarez7784]

Reminds me of Parting Glass, the irish song. Beautiful banjar sounds and viola! especially the soulful voice.

[@mikaelsehlstedt1105]

Magic

[@jamesprecious1035]

What a gift! thank you so much! Best Health!

[@jamesmeade6341]

Nailed it! Just nailed it.

[@patricialyons491]

Wonderful! Love your work! Thank you for all you do!

[@sandybanjo]

It's about time, Rhiannon!

[@shockingguy]

Truly healing music

[@ancientfifer]

My soul needed this today🙏

[@scarletcomptonbellew8470]

I loved this music. I was lucky enough to see Ms. Giddens live in South Carolina a year or so ago . Amazing show ! Thank you for posting this ! I did actually hope to see her post a song she sung at the show, the name was too little too late, too bad. Her rendition of this song was great ! I had never heard it before, I have found other Artists doing this song.. it's not the same, she bought in her wonderful personality and that one song stuck with me. Maybe soon all of us will be able to hear her perform this song, hint hint

[@bobapbob5812]

Thanks so much.

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

Just recently discovered The Tiny Desk Concerts series. This is one of the best!

[@shantisilos2490]

OMG amaaaaaaaaaazing, Thank you for the story and the beautiful music

[@stephaniesabourin3248]

So beautiful and moving.

[@Rozzar1]

Was lucky to see her at The Stables MK, UK. That like so many more venues is now under threat. Thanks for this. Fabulous.

[@pamelademartini8888]

This turned my day around! Great artist!

[@gafaroff77]

First - many thanks to NPR for your project. Great work! I enjoy music, I can't stop! In this video - GREAT percussion! Not a single unnecessary movement. Strings, voice - all good, but percussion... Make great music's again ;)

[@Kunjesvari]

I miss our contra dancing days. So good to see this girl getting the gold.

[@JoanOjenima_Science]

MAGNIFIQUE !

[@korosuchimu1479]

Thank you for this one

[@AdrianPrath]

This is gold!

[@musicandfaith]

This is so great! I played "Carolina Gals" with a string band several years ago, but the version we learned was titled "Buffalo Gals" (as in Buffalo, New York). It is a favorite of mine from the oeuvre of that era; thank you for sharing this rendition!

[@felineth56]

I'm in love!

[@Angelovede]

Amazing, guys, thank you! Made my day and night:) very deep

[@richardwilson1234]

Thank you.

[@kevdavies3445]

shes brilliant

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Wonderful!

[@theniceone7243]

I like the mix of instruments 🎻!

[@Schumi0110]

This is so great! Thank You Rhiannon Thank You NPR tyni desk

[@Schumi0110]

Grazie Francesco

[@errolfellows409]

MAGNIFICENT!!

[@sallycasas4170]

Genius Warrior Goddess! Wonderful tune to end on😁😎🙋‍♀️

[@katiecannon8186]

Thank you for this. Important artist.

[@tlsparks8094]

Beautiful

[@tlsparks8094]

And you to I

[@cathykeal4731]

You sound lovely. Thank you.

[@nathanielhale8424]

Very nice! Thank you