Sam Amidon & Bill Frisell: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Sam Amidon takes traditional music and makes it his own. He might begin with a traditional murder ballad and then morph it into something of his own, fueled by Bill Frisell's languidly atmospheric guitar, Shahzad Ismaily's minimal but essential percussion and Amidon's own yearning voice. At other times, Amidon weaves his own new tunes into worn, weary, seemingly ageless sagas.
Amidon has been doing this for a long time. In 1998, back when he was 16, NPR aired a story about his Vermont contra-dance band Popcorn Behavior, a group he'd assembled with his friend Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman). Sixteen years later, Amidon has made a gorgeous new album, Lily-O, and performed a pair of its songs at the Tiny Desk - followed by "Short Life," from his 2013 album Bright Sunny South. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Blue Mountains" 0:01
"Pat Do This, Pat Do That" 4:57
"Short Life" 10:45
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Nick Michael, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Susan Hale Thomas; photo by Susan Hale Thomas

[@nielrasmussen1448]

maybe the best backing any folk singer ever had

[@whimaeneas]

Tyt

[@benjels2421]

too bad he it total ass trash. What hideous sounds he makes with his voice and the instruments he knows how to "play"

[@everythingisopen]

for your consideration, if I may, Joni Mitchell, Shadows and Light, 1979: Don Alias, Michael Brecker, Lyle Mays, Pat Metheny, Charles Mingus and ehhh - Jaco Pastorius. www.allmusic.com/album/shadows-and-light-mw0000200161/credits

[@SeanVedell]

@@everythingisopen Those were the glory days, eh? What ever happened to Lyle Mays? After the The Way Up tour with the Pat Metheny Band he just fell off the earth as Metheny went off to play with more traditional combos. Damned shame. Metheny and Mays were what the Lennon and McCartney of Fusion Jazz and I've never had anyone disagree with me. Damn I wish Pat and Lyle would get the band back together.

[@everythingisopen]

​@@SeanVedell Maybe they consider their fusion-prog-jazz project completed, having been around since dawn of MIDI and tried it all. IIRC Mays preferred to stop touring and went into IT business and/or cars!? May his hair remain smooth and fair.

[@walterquinlan9414]

I've been listening to Bill Frisell for many years and his work with this trio is one of my favourite things.

[@jonathonmeyer2398]

That guy playing bass and percussion has such good feel and suuuuuch a delicate touch

[@TheSecondNature]

He's part of Ceramic Dog, one of Marc Ribot's projects

[@eficer04]

his name is Shahzad Ismaily and he's cool

[@poop__sandwich]

@@eficer04 3:16 camera dude zooms on his head

[@lovebaja]

Translation: he's mediocre and you can barely hear him.

[@kckrye]

When I listen to Sam Amidon, I feel like a kid just learning to jump in on a double dutch jump rope session.

[@Loganlips1]

Exquisite team, Sam Amidon is a bundle of underrated talent..

[@ericfricke4512]

Bill is my guitar hero.

[@plumeetpixels7062]

and very discret and humble, this genius of Shahzad Ismaily...

[@lovebaja]

Where exactly is the genius? I watched the whole video and I know 14 yr olds who play that well.

[@thebestone1578]

@@lovebaja Restraint, adding to the texture, awareness in a group musical context. These are elements which require good discipline and musicianship. Maybe you've heard the phrase "it's not about the notes you play but how you play them". A genius is not only someone who is actively demonstrating technical virtuosity, but applies also to those who have an ear for expressing subtlety in the composition, in my opinion.

[@bfgivmfith]

I love Tiny Desk Concerts, and this one just took it to the next level for me. It is not often that you hear a song that grabs your attention for the first time, I just heard three in escalating order! Thank you!

[@Com_Truise]

I saw Sam open up for Anathallo in 2009 at the Exit / In. His cover of "O' Death" had people weeping in the crowd. Glad to see he's still putting out music.

[@michaellambgelo]

I first saw him open for Anathallo in 2008! I think it was at Proud Larry's in Oxford. I fell in love immediately

[@AToolyTime]

His version of O Death is probably one of, if not, my favourite version of the song.

[@jwildman95bamf]

Got to see them live at the wolf trap. Sam is a hell of a lot taller than I thought. And he does the screaming when he plays wild bill jones too, bill and shahzad just stopped playing after awhile and just looked at him till he ran out of breath. Great performer

[@Sparkles713]

I`m not sure what`s better, hearing these guys lock in, sensitively and beautifully.Or Bills gorgeous smile when the band are `in sync` and utterly somewhere else

[@taikoking1]

I love to see Bill playing in this kind of setting.

[@brohamhd8644]

My dad played this song when I was 5 and I loved it and just found it 7 years later

[@xthepierrex]

Never heard him before. That was amazing.

[@gigglydookie]

I love his stories :) and how he just keeps on going.

[@nacienlos70]

Man, the way everything just blends in... beautiful.

[@KocmurMusic]

Is there more of this? I don't know how it's possible for a person to never sound bad in their entire life, Frisell is an alien.

[@garrettcall]

Look up his east/west album. Its a three piece and its killer.

[@WingedHelmetLady]

Outta this world!!! >(:^D

[@timothyrenner1102]

Amidon’s Lily-O is a beautiful studio album.

[@michaelhockus8208]

totally amazing, this is a great document, thanks NPR, Sam, Bill and Shahzad

[@thiele.banana]

the end was stunning, i like this raw sound. his voice is very emotional an true

[@contactkeithstack]

bill frisell you are too good

[@Ephel81]

Very atmospheric, simply and beautiful.

[@catbutler1343]

I saw this lineup on tour at Fringe in Philadelphia. I had never heard of Sam Amidon, but I am a massive fan of Bill Frisell. I left the show a fan of Sam Amidon.

[@hanrolf]

Meget vakkert. Flott utførelse av gamle tradisjonelle låter. Fin komp.

[@323arana]

Man!! The second song "Pat do this, Pat do that" reminds me of the show "Outsiders" Great music. Love it!

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

Damn, that's some tasteful drumming ...

[@privatesnowball3032]

that rumbling sound at the end of Blue Mountains with Shazad's drumming and Bill's guitar is one of the most beautiful sounds ever. Sounds like thunder on top a mountain

[@kellymcgrath5541]

that voice.. and that guitar. wholesome and lovely. I dont doubt it for a second

[@TesterWriter]

I have no words to describe how great this is! What a phenomenal collaboration!

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Spellbinding as always. Wonderful.

[@haimlute]

Awesome, so expressive!!!!

[@TH-ph7gg]

So good, just fantastic...

[@francescobertanzetti3697]

Quanta storia! Quanta musica così eterna, quanto tempo traslato! Un attimo nella verità.

[@mikeburke5553]

Wow, fantastic.

[@local-teen]

This is fantastic.

[@coleemmersonhallman5329]

this is so amazing

[@noodles4573]

Sam has been putting in work.. Brilliant dude

[@andersingram]

spellbinding ... would love to see this live so interesting to here american versions of folk music from Britain ... and then to hear it in such a modern style lovely

[@TheAwesomeGingerGuy]

Anders Panders are they british folk songs?

[@jpconnolly831]

While I can hear similarities to British/Irish folk, pretty sure all three of these are American folk; Blue Mountains has the line at the end "...past dark cabin windows, where eyes never see, across the blue mountains to the Allegheny.." plus is its a Sam original; Pat do this is a Appalachian folk song, recorded first in the 50's (i think) and may be based on Paddy Works on the Railroad which was probably adapted from Irish folk songs; Short Life is another one of sam's originals too. That said I couldn't agree more with you sentiment Anders, if they come around I'll make sure I save a seat for you!

[@SeanVedell]

Check this out. Same song. Different venue and a special guest that makes Pat do This truly special. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rJiWSFobiCndk

[@sushi_the_beats]

Impressed by the drummer. So sensitive.

[@danmartinazzi]

Great art thanks!!!

[@IvoVollering]

That's beautiful and interesting! Love it!

[@Jmillerlakeside]

Good god, this is fantastic

[@Jerkcurb1]

spiritual and beautiful

[@kellymcgrath5541]

ive played guitar for about a decade.. and ive never wanted to play another instrument... until now... i need me a banjo

[@benjels2421]

his mediocre-at-best banjo playing was what gotcha?!

[@kedgwell]

It's a quintessentially American instrument, having come from Africa only to become a staple of folk and country music.

[@laurenb2558]

sam's donkey dream is absolute storytelling gold. 8:40 - 10:40

[@tiocoolj]

Bill's guitar is so cool

[@theyankeeracers]

Agreed. It's just so...so, dreamy I guess. It's taking me away and I'm not resisting.

[@BeeDubDakota]

It's a Collings I-35. Beautiful instrument.

[@MrGREYMATTERS]

Pure MAGIC here!

[@chrispackhamdrums6791]

Great set!

[@DanielRedding]

Awesome!

[@chriscampbell5373]

thank you all

[@ilre1]

Super figata! Cool!!!!

[@Misericordy]

Ma che spettacolo per le mie orecchie, saluti

[@hongdekong]

bill = the man

[@neonfear]

great things!

[@vimalravindran1055]

big ups to teller for coming on and playing for sam

[@icantflyfpv4835]

This is one of the greatest things ive ever heard. This fills a void I didnt know existed.

[@billbernhard3582]

Peeling back the edges of tonal simplicity, to reveal another penetrating story. Explorer Bill Frisell presses and swells and blends the sound.

[@kreg3283]

His screaming is clearly some form of overtone singing, but I haven't ran across that method before. Does anyone know what that method is called?

[@visicircle]

I remember talking to a girl from Charlestown, WV. she actually had a lyrical voice like that, even when just flirting. there is something enchanting about Appalachia. not all the bad stuff we were told it was.

[@ziceer]

Danke!

[@francescobertanzetti3697]

bellissimo

[@bryantmcneilakaherusirius293]

yep!! yep!!

[@GabrieldeAndradee]

Incrivel

[@TheBassfresh]

wow, i gave sam bass lessons ages ago

[@markuselipka]

GREAT!!!

[@Flintones]

Wow..

[@Lanearndt]

I wonder if that Banjo was made on Salt Spring Island on the west coast of Canada? I've seen a builder there who uses star inlays like that and he makes really great claw hammer style instruments.

[@leonardomotta4613]

awesome! they should have recorded an album together

[@fede22081]

What do you mean? The did, they constantly recorded together the three of them...and many more :)

[@danwalker2110]

San in his own little world and Bill madly trying to follow him.

[@collidednb]

Never knew that was his interpretation for 'Short Life' I was guessing it was a Civil War song.

[@udonnya1]

SAM　AMIDONには失礼ながら　BILL　FRISELL　おっちゃんに　感動しました。

[@grg.leonte]

Shahzad Ismaily - such a delicate artist and a great human being he is

[@taila1976]

wow

[@CynicalBastard]

this has purpose.

[@roshlal8443]

The fuzzy donkey goes 9:51

[@tapsteeltapper4607]

Sam sounds a lot like Bert Jansch. A great sound together.

[@alejandroblanco2071]

Bass player is great

[@BenLubin]

This i s so fucking good.

[@emilianomeza9498]

SHUG SHUGAROO SHUG SHUGAROO

[@RandyTwang]

Is that an Australian five dollar note in the background? If so, why?

[@estebanb7166]

"A little pitchy, dawg" Exceptional guitar playing.

[@lambrusco1970]

Parts of the second tune to me, sound like Tinariwen's style of Malian rock music.

[@RainyDayWolf]

he reminded me of Kate Bush when she "turned into a mule" for Get out of my house... cool!

[@vfanarjian]

hi shahzad !!

[@MrSmithoono]

valerie fanarjian I know Shahzahd from Tempe, if that's the same guy, and his sister sang!

[@wackery_zeimer]

Where is Trey's recording?

[@ChojoVS]

Songs or artists that sound like "Blue mountain"?

[@JaneWillowMusic]

Pancho Veliz check out orange sky by Alexi Murdoch

[@kckrye]

Frisell kept me here.

[@thensaidJacob]

I hope this is a presage to a Julian Lage Jacob Collier collab.

[@mmyuan7612]

and there's a doraemon on the shelf!

[@oldbirdwing9114]

is he claw-hammering that bajno?

[@andrewhaught]

yes

[@pstampfel14]

AKA frailing AKA dropthumb.

[@thefrench-nordicsessions2542]

Check out this atmospheric duo, Freddy Koella x Aske Jacoby: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3zTeamfr9Rkl80

[@WeareSouledOut]

15:00 don't do drugs kids

[@CleomatraOfficial]

why is nobody talking about 14:50

[@citizentuck]

who is that percussionist

[@2112CO]

He is a percussionist , bass player and singer who also plays with the guitarist Marc Ribot and drummer Ches Smith in a band called Ceramic Dog. Pretty out compared to this! N.Y session guy as well.

[@stevengoogin3729]

Shahzad Ismaily

[@abemusselman9845]

His voice is exactly halfway between Tim Eriksen and Bruce Molsky. Kind of uncanny.

[@samamidon3221]

two of my heroes!

[@abemusselman9845]

Mine too :)

[@saraamancio6977]

How do you sing both octaves at once? Am I losing my mind? Love this - bravo.

[@Mike_LaFontaine75]

Wow, he sings off key just like me!

[@dawgpost90]

No idea Dhalism had any musical abilty

[@carguy3460]

hahaha, dude....score! Made my night.

[@torgo4ever]

this comment is YOGA FIRE !

[@SenorCinema]

idk why anyone likes bill frisell. he didn't really add anything. and on the second song it totally sounded like bill didn't know what he was doing. bill being there just made the banjo sound worse somehow. if it was just alone, unaccompanied, it would've been better

[@MrMusicguyma]

Interesting takes on trad music. Sam is talented and creative, if a little precious. Frisell is among the most subtle and melodic of electric guitarists I have ever heard. My own taste runs to traditional backing on this kind of song, but I am glad someone is singing these sturdy songs and I suppose they do the songs no harm ;) I like the original melody to "Short Life of Trouble" better than Sam's melody. Buth that's OK

[@soyruli6620]

we need jacob collier in tiny desk please !!!

[@SeanVedell]

He's recorded a Tiny Desk. Think it's coming in conjunction with the release of Djesse Volume 2 on July 19th. Somewhere around there anywhere. He told us about it in a Patreon Q&A in June. Can't wait.

[@SeanVedell]

Enjoy this one from Sam and Jacob. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rJiWSFobiCndk

[@MrJonahWhaler]

We actually don't

[@rael1999]

Great musicians ...great tunes.....think I'd audition for a singer though !

[@benaaronmusic]

08:43 That might be the strangest introduction to a song I've ever heard: "What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul." *Weird intro, but entertaining.*

[@tylermbussey]

Ben Aaron he's foreshadowing the fiddle freak out, use your imagination