Scott Mulvahill: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 18, 2019 | Bob Boilen -- Scott Mulvahill has been trying to win the Tiny Desk Contest for each of its four years. He's always been one of our favorites, though he's never been our winner. The double bassist entered his song, "Begin Againers" in 2016 and though it wasn't the winning entry, we all loved it so much, I invited him to my desk to perform his extraordinary song. He opened the Tiny Desk with it, only this time he was joined by bandmates Jesse Isley and Josh Shilling who shared vocal harmonies.
Scott Mulvahill honed his craft touring with the great bluegrass mandolin player Ricky Skaggs. "Playing bluegrass with him is like playing jazz with Miles Davis," Scott told the Tiny Desk crowd.
Each of the three tunes Scott Mulvahill played represents different aspects of his creative spirit. He challenges himself to find ways to use the bass as a solo instrument, but its most common role is to accompany others. So he brought his band along for his most rollicking song, "Gold Plated Lie." There's a bit of Jackson Browne in his voice and a bit of Paul Simon shows through in his self-reflective words.
For the final tune, the title track from his self-released and current album Himalayas, Scott Mulvahill goes solo, brings out a bow for that bass and we hear a spaciousness I don't often find in the Nashville world he inhabits. This is a perfect introduction to an artist with enormous talent and an artist seeking to stretch his musical world.
Set List
"Begin Againers"
"Gold Plated Lie"
"Himalayas"
Musicians
Scott Mulvahill: bass, vocals; Terence Clark: drums; Jesse Isley: guitar, vocals; Josh Shilling: keys, vocals; Gabe Scott: dobro
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kimani Oletu, Kara Frame; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR

[@nprmusic]

Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.

[@EvilMandark13]

Best tiny desk in a while. Now get Vulfpeck on.

[@maurodavid6492]

Yeeeeeeeeees

[@calcradden6293]

There's a cool connection actually, our boy Scott here played with Cory Wong of vulfpeck at the Brooklyn bowl

[@dpertschuk]

Damn, does anyone realize how difficult it is to play bass like this dude? No frets and every note in tune. While singing! Raw talent.

[@matu1gaara]

Yep, like every single double bass player since it was invented... lol

[@ramzahnY]

The real difficulty here is to play a fretless instrument while singing. Your ear has to discern the small errors in intonation between the two voices. And it's difficult.

[@Red4350]

don't forget eyes closed lol

[@kallepalm4948]

Yeah even just playing chords, or i guess you'd call them double stops with just two notes, on a fretless instrument is pretty hard but singing harmonies over it at the same time is not easy and making it swing at that. Threw in some tasty fills as well. Good stuff, i really enjoyed the first tune.

[@phantomprism7659]

Not to mention the percussive elements he adds to it....

[@jaseneffendy17]

Damn the frickin harmony in the first seconds...

[@dan-ce8bb]

I knew right away that they would be good

[@guysaul6212]

Yip same here

[@medichillxtx9752]

Just when you thought you’ve heard and seen it all NPR TD surprises you with yet another nugget from the gold mine. I’m transfixed, the amount of artistry, soul and sincerity In Scott’s performance is impressive to say the least. Thank you NPR, thank you for your undying service to the culturally starved community of corona times.

[@THADUDEZ]

A total original...i'm an instant fan of this guy I never heard of,that's why NPR is the greatest.

[@marcscordato4385]

Great vocals , sweet bass playing,. Something about vocals and bass it’s feels earthy and gritty and primal .

[@qrisdavis]

Marc Scordato Man for REAL! This makes me want to learn to play bass and sing

[@jerryhorton5708]

How in the heck did this guy never win the Tiny Desk contest? Oh, wait...the better question is - how in the world can they choose a winner? I’ve never heard a bad act on the Tiny Desk. Scott Mulvahill is fantastic! Thank you to NPR and Bob Boilen for introducing me to yet another amazing artist!

[@FancyAng1122]

Was first introduced to him in Austin when he opened up for Dan Layus. He blew me away and I got to talk to him after the show. He’s super down to earth and his music has so much too say.

[@codi6850]

This is stunning. THEIR MUSICALITY IS INSANE.

[@jacob_mcm]

Saw him touring with Andrew Peterson's Christmas concert in December. Had no clue who he was and was absolutely blown away. Great to see him getting this exposure!

[@landonmiller2037]

Always can't help but appreciate the sound quality on these videos, and that the crowd isn't hollering throughout the entire thing.

[@KilgoreTrout-vo7uy]

That's actually the reason why Tiny Desk concerts began to be made in the first place. These guys were sick of people whooping throughout some artist's performance.

[@grantcarlson9078]

You guys should see if there are SoFar Sounds concerts where you’re from. I love intimate gigs and thats what they are.

[@nadya_a]

@@grantcarlson9078 These have been on my radar, but i haven't made it to one yet. What are they like?

[@grantcarlson9078]

Nadya Abramava I’ve just been to two now, but they’re super cool! The artists hardly need to use mics because they’re so close. And they choose three different styles (e.g. hip hop + R&B + spoken word). Everybody’s nice and you’re just sitting on the floor or wherever in a neat space. They’ve got a monthly membership that pays off after buying two tickets in a month, highly recommend.

[@nadya_a]

@@grantcarlson9078 Thanks, i might give it a go after all :)

[@hamsandwichson]

It's like Tiny Desk came to life as a person. ❤️

[@chrisbigheadmilburn]

Most talented guy(s) I've heard in ages. Blown away totally

[@Dj_pekas]

I love every tiny desk performance, you never know when you’re going to find a new awesome Band, thank you

[@ElGuitaristo79]

Another NPR Concert with a live performance that sounds even better than the original production. Amazing music and what a sound!

[@6justlearn32]

I know right.

[@RichardPhillips27]

This performance was incredibly unique! The bassist is nuts talented

[@joelleshaddai444]

You could at least learn his name

[@jorgeruanoperez4252]

That's a really big ukulele

[@innovativeatavist159]

Lol

[@averydixon3681]

Piano it’s a cello💀

[@850911darren]

@@averydixon3681 whoosh

[@akiawilliams2590]

😂

[@danman6669]

You're all wrong lol. It's not a ukulele, a violin, or a cello. It's a double bass, as is mentioned in the video's description. Reading is fundamental.

[@medicalpiff803]

Bass players unite!!!

[@75sissou]

Super Bassiste

[@Gassyyetclassy]

Aw, I want to be a bass player

[@Redawuk1]

So good, @@ScottMulvahill. Total pleasure listening to you.

[@jacquesstrauss6975]

This might just be the most passionate performance on NPR jet

[@doschk_music]

That‘s exactly why I love Tiny Desk

[@tmbgfan5]

That little riff around 3:32. GODDAMN. 👌🏼

[@nicktaylor1902]

GODDAMN

[@regiramanathan6245]

I like the one at 2:11 too!

[@ohifonlyx33]

@@regiramanathan6245 I like... ALL OF THEM. 😮

[@-overdooo-]

I've never seen the four chords played with such originality, musicality, and technical proficiency as this.

[@willykayak]

there's something serene and flowing about this voice and bass melting together.

[@pollabear7493]

This is the sweetest way to start my morning, thank you

[@kattatu]

One needs headphones to appreciate the skill

[@noahaikens2862]

Known about this guy for 2 years now. Welcome to the club people. It's a good place

[@NeilGregoryJohnson00]

Man.. I'm a third generation performer and musician.. been trying to make my way for a while.. and the quality of this performance.. just makes me want to get better.. I honestly think that the standard has never been set so high.

[@BounceHideki707]

Funky infectious bassline. Great band. So happy I stumbled upon this. Will be looking into this group!

[@jacklandismusic]

It’s awesome to see country and pop sensibilities applied in such a unique and interesting way!

[@Dustiliciousz]

The upright bass sounds awesome. I like these kind of artists, doing something different than the crowd.

[@intermedianguitarsguild4482]

They're playing is so clean, they're singing is in tune, they're musicality is amazing. Definitley checking these guys out

[@catalogodefantasmas]

He knows his bass very well. This sounds basic, primal, perfect.

[@highlandreverie]

Pulling some serious tone from that bass, and those harmonies, Nashville’s finest👌🏼

[@gabriellerivera7551]

His voice quenched my eardrums. so incredible!

[@aqiiiiiiiil]

Hello, new band to discover.

[@kennacapwell7318]

Love you're music

[@bfrazell]

This just became a new favorite tiny desk. It's refreshing and bright. What a great sound.

[@Lousicle]

Incredible. He’s my favorite new discovery for sure

[@daniellesmagic]

I'm only 2 and a half minutes in and feel I should watch more before I decide butAAAAhooooggaaaa! *cartoon eyes pop out of head, jaw drops to floor, tongue rolls out like carpet.*

[@daniellesmagic]

alright, alright, alright - watched the whole thing and am MOVED. The talent and ability of all musicians, especially Scott, is obviously off the charts, but the relatability in the message of the music and those melodies make this a solid musical experience. Thank you for making music so I could hear it with all my senses.

[@snowstrobe]

What an amazing way to use the double bass...

[@Jonathan-sz8wj]

I had a feeling I recognized Scott, so I did some digging. Turns out he's the amazing bassist who played with Andrew Peterson at the Behold the Lamb concert. So happy to see him on Tiny Desk!

[@jacob_mcm]

That's how I first discovered him!

[@mccloysong]

When a song kills with just bass and a vocal.

[@JayArghh]

Great music. Much love all the way from Mozambique

[@dca9143]

Congrats Scott, on finally getting an appearance on TD. That last solo song Himalayas is incredible.

[@BNLNRD]

Holy Cow. This is SO cool! Got stank face during the first song, goosebumps during the last one.

[@diegonochebuena2416]

This guy is amazing damn

[@Caturday42]

So glad I came across this. ❤️❤️❤️ I’ve definitely listened to it more than a few times.

[@tucker2251]

This version of Begin Againers sounds better than the version on the album

[@bknggg]

That bass !!

[@funkyjazzer7411]

This is outlandishly awesome.. timing is impeccable, harmonies are smooth, and I choke up when I try to talk about those bass grooves. THANK YOU SCOTT MULVAHILL.

[@Ceeby]

Oh my goodness!! How absolutely so perfect! Love the 3rd song with just Him on his own. 🎶💕

[@bandminha]

Wow..singing with just one bass. Amazing..

[@AZIZ18691]

Slap that bass! He is good. Love the vocals. Really soothing and chill.Someone new I’m going to add to my collection of music.👏🏽👏🏽

[@possumsnest]

What extraordinary talent. Spread the word.

[@buswindshield]

This first song is breathtaking.

[@gabesmith9171]

Saw this guy at the Behold the Lamb of God tour. He’s awesome just hung out afterwards talking with people. You should buy Himilayas album👍

[@dezdezasseis]

But the harmonies are so well synced and it tune !!! So perfect ! DAYUM

[@tommyjuergens4589]

Oh what a great Bass and harmonies

[@mahendarsparrow]

pure eargasm

[@amandafeliciano542]

That second song KICKS....whole performance top notch as always with npr, thanks for the new tunes, love the talent on display here! This kid has something special, confident boy, can't wait to see where he goes. :)

[@thecuttlekid2758]

a collab with this guy and esperanza spalding would be killer

[@GeauxWyatt]

Never seen someone work an upright bass like THAT. AND HE SANG?!?! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheMusicWiz]

The unity of man, voice and instrument is next level here...!

[@Berbs73]

I can tell they love and respect what music does for the world. Hats off to them. I love what they do.

[@sebastiankolbl9024]

thanks for all

[@mspussygalore]

*I love good harmony* ♥♥♥♥♥

[@evanpitchers584]

Scott killin’ it as always. One of the few “truths” in Nashville right now! This has to be at least in the Top 5 performances.

[@georgegilmer799]

This is a song I have to learn. I play bass and sing so this would be really fun to play. Also it's hard, which makes it fun!

[@informedlady]

I can't wait to see him at The Ryman next month. He's truly superb!

[@ranemoraissouza]

Awesome! New artist to admire and root for. Keep up the great work, Scott!

[@ADS24643]

Begin Againers is by far one of my favorite songs... So simple yet beautiful

[@lilianelelisoliveira2273]

Beautiful and super duper cool! Thank you so much for the music! Made me feel great! 🤗

[@dezdezasseis]

how can just one instrument give us this full feeling .. the voice harmonys help too !

[@bibianapetry8768]

I studing and listening this beautiful show .. Brazil say thank you!

[@agungm1855]

Holy shit, I'm blown away. This guy is amazing, and the band is also very awesome.

[@ao-muz1k]

The drummer seems so happy to be there

[@bingobaddies]

Scott is amazing and full of talent. About time NPR got this young man behind that desk.

[@Mohsenyazdani]

He is good, realllly gooooood.

[@ItsMrMcFly]

Not my typical taste in music but who can dislike this?! Seriously next level musicians here. I had the pleasure of seeing him live this year opening for Cory Wong and he absolutely killed it. I spoke with him briefly after the show and he was the nicest dude! Great to see him on Tiny Desk.

[@dylanalexander5163]

multi dimensional-original-inspiring. what a great job. a true artist

[@choonzordgoh4329]

WHAT IS THIS SOUND. HOW GOOD IS THIS.

[@ValuelessPond22]

So many sweet licks to transcribe oh boy

[@jboix1]

What a well rounded musician!!! His musicality is awesome. Simply brilliant!

[@maureenlancaster4165]

Simply....Wonderful

[@J_theponderer]

Dude! I freakin love the tiny desk. This was so great.

[@maurywood492]

Stunning musicality

[@glaucocataldo3183]

CHOPS!!! and loads of musicality!

[@rhiriley]

I’m only halfway through and I am already in love. I dig the sound of these guys and bass is always so interesting as the main or only accompaniment in a piece. Thanks Tiny Desk you’ve done it again.

[@rfm231]

Sweet Jesus, this is fierce, gave me goosebumps.

[@martingeorgiev6309]

This is incredible.

[@bmcfarland96]

This is the best sounding tiny desk I’ve ever heard

[@danielperkins4610]

Scott, what a great talent! Be Blessed!

[@eddyweber3264]

Wow! top 10 of Tiny Desk for me. Beautiful show!

[@Gassyyetclassy]

Although, I don't need much reminding...this performance is a reminder of how much I love music. Music is amazing. I appreciate those who create and share their music with the world. You're greatly appreciated.

[@Mairshappiness]

I so enjoy this channel! Thank you NPR for the Tiny Desk Concerts!!

[@MeMe4882]

Brought tears to my eyes because the music is just gorgeous!

[@lauralynn4504]

SO thrilled to see him and Gabe Scott here! Thanks Andrew Peterson, for the introduction last Dec.

[@treweek11]

This is a master at work…

[@vuyelwankoi]

WOW! I really enjoyed your concert. Not the kind of music I usually listen to, but one can recognize when something is good.