The Tallest Man On Earth: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert (2019)

Watch The Tallest Man On Earth play "What I've Been Kicking Around", "I'll Be A Sky" and "The Running Styles of New York" at the Tiny Desk.
More from NPR Music:
Tiny Desk Concerts: www.npr.org/ti...
Twitter: / nprmusic
Instagram: / nprmusic
Sept. 9, 2019 | Bob Boilen -- It's 10 years almost to the day since we published The Tallest Man On Earth's Tiny Desk in 2009. What I remember most about that performance was the intensity of Kristian Matsson and how astonished our audience was to discover him. I think of it as one of our very first viral videos. Tiny Desk Concerts were in their infancy in 2009; we had recorded only about 25 by the time he visited my desk. Now, almost 850 Tiny Desk Concerts later, The Tallest Man On Earth returns with a touch of grey and a beard, but still ever so slender and intense.
The Swedish singer now splits his time between Djurås, Sweden and Brooklyn, N.Y., and has just put out his fifth studio album titled, I Love You. It's a Fever Dream. I think Kristian Matsson's words are more focused, more observational and more appreciative of life than in the past. His new song, "The Running Styles of New York," begins with, "I hear beauty in things / Like the neighbors return / To their love and pride / Their day like a wicked ride / But then to belong."
C.J. Camerieri joins him on French Horn and trumpet and those mournful sounds amplify these songs and their thoughtful intent. Hey, Kristian, want to come back in 2029?
SET LIST
"What I've Been Kicking Around"
"I'll Be A Sky"
"The Running Styles of New York"
MUSICIANS
Kristian Matsson: vocals, guitar; C.J. Camerieri: trumpet, French horn
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Jeremiah Rhodes; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Paul Georgoulis; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Shuran Huang/NPR

[@daraotl5187]

The Horn player has been possessed. He has never played the French horn until now and he cannot stop. He doesn't know what's happening and is quite surprised Editing this two years later to clarify that I LOVE TTMOE and the horn player is wicked.

[@bartologonzo]

I can't stop laughing x'D

[@jasonbrooks633]

Dara Otl I am crying laughing at this comment

[@EchoesOfLight7]

God. 13 fucking minutes laughing hahahhaha. Cheers!

[@Miki-23]

Dara Otl i cant believe how much I’m laughing rn

[@brittnance1878]

Why is this bout to be a thread..... But as quickly as the surprise came to be, the tiniest of snigglings almost became a thought but it was lost again to the surprise at hand: a cold and sobering sensation washed across his brain and a sink in his guts caught his breath: Neil was standing like a pro and fluently blowing a French Horn..... And he was able to anticipate what bars to blow next....

[@Bozymandias1]

this horn guy absolutely left his stove on at home.

[@martinparidon9056]

Okay this is the best one :D:D

[@brittanymabry6202]

LOL THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO HORN GUY

[@HMbeav8404]

oh gosh and that is now all i see

[@andginisin]

Rip horn guy who will only see comments about his eyebrows lol you have a great, warm sound

[@IDontKnowCorp]

bless

[@Triunity4]

i havent seen any comments on his eyebrows

[@giselahubeny6967]

Love the horn guy 🤗✌❤

[@ezequielporfiri8822]

exactly! nobody wonders how good he did it!

[@kenzlflakes]

I've been following this guys for a good 10 years now, and I am so happy he is still going strong. He's so talented, and should get way more recognition.

[@willibobsful]

But what might happen with more recognition? nothing good usually.He knows the score in that respect i'm sure.

[@absoledge]

I've actually been following him for a good ten and a half years so I probably am more happy that he is still going strong

[@casualuser8064]

Saw him at his first US show in Boston, it's still memorable 10 years later. He was on the verge of tears staring out over a sold out crowd.

[@deadfool33]

I taught myself how to play guitar because of this guy. Hes my favorite.

[@STaSHZILLA420]

He's an honest gem from our generation. A treasure.

[@kjelljesus3784]

The guy on the french horn looks like he constantly wonders wtf is happening

[@itsgub]

Nar. He knows more than us bro

[@DiamondsAndLace]

Kjell Jesus 😂😂😂 now that’s all I can see 🥴

[@AI3JeWelz]

Ah I love KZbin Comments

[@Sandybowls_9001]

I'm pretty sure that's just the face you have to make while playing the French horn.

[@theMusiCandMedicinE]

He's simply searching for and plucking the notes out of mid air via his eyballs.. ya know, cos his arms be busy

[@lordbuddybear]

He's such a great guitarist. And what a nice idea to be accompanied by a horn player only

[@strngwthr11]

I don't know what planet I've been living on but I've only been introduced last night via a Spotify suggested song for a playlist I was making. Listened for hours, woke up and kept going, immediately bought a ticket to a show in September and now watching his Tiny Desks. My life has changed overnight. 😭😭😭‼️

[@thorodin735]

I see y'all had a talk with your camera person. Good on ya.

[@christiandixon2086]

PMSL

[@martincampbell2208]

How does it sound like he's playing 2 guitars at once? He's Absolutely incredible!

[@rob_3417]

Have a listen to Justin Townes Earle. Very similar guitar playing

[@CarsickHitchhikers]

He is using finger picks like you would banjo. Playing Scruggs style on guitar

[@thegoose0m1]

He apparently also uses a lot of open and alternate tunings, which can make it easier to play complex right hand patterns because you don't have to worry so much about your left hand.

[@christiandixon2086]

He's playing the second one with his feet

[@shaunatherton8328]

Affects pedal

[@jeangregoire478]

Back at the Pukkelpop 2012, he had a small 1 hour set mid afternoon. The organizers must have thought that we'd be just chillin' around in front of a folk set after two days of punk rock and electronic music. They just didn't see it coming. His show was mesmerizing, full of soul and age old magic. The crowd went mental and he went out in style. That's when the 10m high tent started shaking with people pushing on the pillars with the crowd chanting "One more" insanely loud for 5 whole minutes. For a moment it seemed it would escalate and then he just popped back on stage thanking the crowd profusely and played 2 more insane tracks until the technicians cut the power. To this day I still believe I saw a man backstage in panic pushing him on set like a sacrifice to the crowd. Best. Show. Ever.

[@kroekman6]

that was one of the most memorable gigs i ever attended!

[@rpolisher]

His show was mesmerizing, full of soul and age old magic. YES!

[@Remu-]

Omg that's amazing xD

[@alicecook3859]

I AGREE it's fully of old age magic and soul warmth ❤❤❤

[@DjVerox]

Oh i was there too :)!!

[@JK-lf9yf]

I love how he's grown. He seems super light and free and enjoying himself.

[@adamobyrne2954]

He may be one of the most underrated guitarists of all time, its such difficult rhythms he just seems to make flow so comfortably.

[@vgamedude12]

His songs are some of the most fun and rewarding to play in my opinion. They are definitely difficult

[@TheVeek192]

He's not "underrated." Why do you say that? It's not the same as being unknown. He's not widely recognized. No such thing as underrated.

[@leeroden7900]

He is ridiculously good

[@lyapunovnchill3028]

@@TheVeek192 I agree with the sentiment. Everybody that knows about TTMOE reckognizes that he is one of the best musicians out there, both as a songwriter and as a guitarist, but suprisingly few people know about his music. His music is so next level it is insane. He has the songwritning skills of Dylan and the guitar skills of Chet Atkins.

[@grantdickey]

10 years now this has been my "go to" artist for a little emotional boost. Thank you so much. Kristian..... TMOE

[@itsmehjesssicaa]

I wish more people knew about him! Ugh his music has been helping my anxiety for years

[@angusmcleod9400]

Itsmehjesssicaa Morris if I could throw my man knickers at him I would!

[@lindsaywhite9437]

Easily my favorite living musician.

[@razzc7]

Saw him in early 2022 and he performed alone for over 2 hours and not one person left the hall during the performance. He’s so incredibly talented and captivating it’s insane

[@northrnaurora]

Kristian is like fine wine... I've been enjoying his music for year now & each album gets a little bit better. 😁

[@hansfritz7067]

One of those unique voices you can't help but enjoy. It pairs surprisingly well with the smooth tone of the french horn.

[@jlsvideos5990]

Horn dude looks like a confused time traveler from the 13th century

[@BEENROOT]

best comment

[@megamushroom]

@@BEENROOT yes

[@amelia_babelia]

the horn player is so good. amazing tone

[@banterwiththelads2638]

This an absolute dream, his first concert is a classic, glad to see him back again.

[@LC-le9ew]

A beautiful and unique duo. I could listen to “I’ll Be a Sky” forever and ever.

[@vertigohed]

Saw him open for Bon Iver in 2008 and my life was forever changed.

[@gerardolozano5431]

Just searched for his old performance, turned out he had a new one. OH YES

[@ChakFournier]

So glad Tiny desk is now allowing Artists to return ! Perfect to see the evolution !

[@fabi_briefs]

since my 14years i listen this man, now i have 25years. He is incridble

[@desert_holly]

I adore CJ...his eyes relay his passion & talent. 💓

[@TheMissOmni]

A fantastically whimsical performance by The Tallest Man On Earth makes you feel as if you're walking through a deep forest with hidden meadows you stumble across every so often that bring you into the sun. Thanks TTMOE & thankyou NPR

[@antonbrask4574]

Damn, you described it so perfectly.

[@albianchi]

Nicely said..poetry

[@BartimaeusOfUruk]

I think the eyebrows of the guy playing the french horn are the real MVP of the show.

[@pickledpeper]

That dude's eyebrow position is directly correlated to the pitch of the note he plays

[@alexfvcruz]

looks like me during guitar solos, my mouth closes and opens to the note pitch

[@arielaaa7107]

1:01 watching a movie with my parents and a nude scene comes on

[@DerekSmyth]

ariel aaa you too has a major share in owning the interwebby thingo today.

[@Adam-th2ws]

Loool

[@johnpepito6514]

Damn almost choked on my hot chocolate with that one

[@lagunabxo]

😂😂😂

[@guilleterra]

Oh@@DerekSmyth, stop trying to make 'interwebby thingo' happen, it's NOT going to happen!

[@gabrieljosefson7467]

Seen him live 3 times. It's always a wonderful experience.

[@MaximusFood]

He is Leo DiCaprio + Jack Nicholson

[@Will-wp2cp]

10 years almost to the day since he was last on NPR Tiny Desk. He has changed a bit, but has the same spirit. A little more confident, and you can still pick the splinters out of that guitar, Kristian! Keep up the writing. And this Martin sounds much better than the Guild from 10 years ago, good change there!

[@eminecr7]

Some kind of life in his music, hard to find elsewhere.

[@vgamedude12]

Trumpet was a great addition to Ill be a sky, really enjoyed this.

[@OurBungalow]

This notification tickled me in all the right places

[@AustenSummers]

Wut

[@RobertF-]

👁️👁️

[@hh4826]

oh..

[@akshaymasurkar1]

I've been checking my phone every 10 seconds for the snarky puppy npr notification!

[@sergiopaixao2625]

Probably you (and all of us) will need to wait for a couple of months until it comes out.

[@garrettbabcock9024]

That would be quite a squeeze for that space but yes.

[@steveparadiso6019]

My first exposure to this Kristian Matsson (yes, I live under a rock). Love this guy. Reminds me of a young Dylan.

[@ChristopherHerzan]

Wow! This guy is great

[@c.jarmstrong3111]

My guy is still fucking killing it, my favourite guitar player of all time. This man got me through highschool and early uni

[@astronaut4291]

Shallow Grave and The Wild Hunt are two albums that have accompanied on so many journeys and a few hardships too. Glad to see him back at Tiny Desk!

[@Schwiin]

8:17 = absolute perfection.

[@mackthemark9105]

He’s back!!! His first Tiny Desk was what helped get me into Tiny Desks in the first place!! 😃

[@miguelgomes8001]

00:00 What I've been kicking around 03:49 I'll Be a Sky 08:30 The Running Styles of New York

[@AI3JeWelz]

He was the first guy I saw on npr back then

[@jeffijeff]

I met him on April, the humblest, most awesome and sweetest human being you can imagine. Also, Tiny Desk introduced me to his music a long looong time ago!

[@magnuskjrbrols97]

YES HE’S BACK HERE! Saw him live in Copenhagen. Breathtaking artist!

[@vukcevu5854]

Omgg im so happy to see him here again 😍😍😍😍

[@JeremiahSpeaks]

I love how the Tallest Man on Earth plays guitar; it's as if they feed him watermelon and iced tea before the performance and he has to go to the restroom

[@womanzuzu9688]

Haha what the heck

[@ericforsyth]

And a visit to the restroom costs a silver dollar

[@hansenmatthewt]

Excuse me?

[@JeremiahSpeaks]

@@hansenmatthewt That's a joke 🤗

[@JeremiahSpeaks]

It's a joke my friend 🤗

[@allenbell1427]

Oh god I’ve loved this dudes music for so long, good to see another Tiny Desk for him

[@yoyoma8485]

I am so incredibly entertained by this.

[@bruno_dias]

The modern Bob Dylan of the past. So talented and of a great artistic sense. And live is even better!

[@Kyle-ql5eg]

You can turn the sound off and know exactly what note C.J. is playing based on the position of his eyebrows. I think it's very kind of him to make this TDC accessible to the hearing impaired. Thank you, sir.

[@JoshWeisenberger]

One of the greatest songwriters around

[@blindjohn2969]

i keep coming back here. have heard this 10x probably now. Real good one

[@samlefebre5284]

The 2009 show was definitely the best discovery I've made through Tiny Desk shows. Cool seeing him come back around.

[@Jeremy.Bearemy]

And glad that cameraman got fired

[@funclaysculptures3758]

I love TMOE. So glad they had him on this show.

[@ryandelp5048]

The joy I feel watching this 😊

[@OsmonArtist]

Brilliant as always

[@TJsCoffeeAdventures]

Saw him in Asheville, NC and he was absolutely incredible! Glad to see him back at NPR

[@SteveDave227]

Kristian's first visit to NPR was the first Tiny Desk Concert I ever watched. TEN YEARS AGO. Amazing. I've been waiting a decade to see him play again.

[@anotherman08]

You are amazing, TMOE.

[@antonbrask4574]

Chills all the way through, especially at 11:48 just insanely good. One of those moments when a song or a performance really hits you.

[@peacockt0602]

Crisp asf

[@angusmcleod9400]

this is pure joy,

[@SupernalOne]

I saw this man play in DC, he was outstanding -- two or three money notes per song, new original music, heartfelt delivery - two thumbs up for this guy

[@atalkinghead3637]

I saw him live about 8 years ago in a small cinder block garage venue in Salt Lake City, Utah. The opener was Nathaniel Rateliff (solo), before he formed Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. It was one of the most epic concerts ever.

[@colinogorman4401]

This man started my journey with TDC! I’ve found so many unbelievable musicians all due to one tall man and his sad little garden.

[@DakotaRoundtree]

I remember seeing The Tallest Man on this channel like 10 years ago. It's crazy that it's been that long. Anyway, thanks for the amazing content for so many years!

[@storiesnotstuff]

I love those french horn eyes

[@stephaniedaza8578]

I think about this man and his music often! His music inspired my youth and so happy to see him again! 🧡

[@jamiehinchliffe5091]

Your music makes me feel so happy!

[@earthmama_luma]

Loved his music for years. Been on the tallest man on earth kick lately and then this was posted. What wonderful timing. Good job npr.

[@a4senal101]

That guy is thinking: ‘I can play the French Horn?? Since f***ing when???’

[@surfvocals]

Yeah Kristian!

[@sergiogmez5756]

Impossible not to listen till the end..

[@BrklynBread]

Been rocking with this guy since my curiosity was piqued after seeing that Infiniti car commercial. A real talent and can tell he whole heatedly lives and bleeds for his craft. Would love to see him live one day

[@aa-xn6vi]

Yes to this, same!

[@cowieson]

Completely agree. I was lucky enough to see him quite a few years back: I definitely highly recommend seeing him live if you get the opportunity!

[@WhiskeySprit]

Cant understand why that MainStream Radio sh*t has million of views, while he is soo underrated . Def deserves more fame

[@miguelgomes8001]

Don't worry about that, he is recognised by the people that truly understand music .. not everyone can have good taste in everything that's why it will be special when you encounter someone with the same refined tastes as you

[@taysonjensen5322]

Youuuuuu are quite simply my favorite

[@karlajung1107]

Me: what's he on? Also me: he's on another level, dang

[@nwananka]

Lol

[@CodyAlushin]

He's on music

[@karlajung1107]

@@CodyAlushin I need to try it sometime

[@CodyAlushin]

@@karlajung1107 saw him life a few months ago and it was a truly life changing experience. TOO. GOOD.

[@karlajung1107]

@@CodyAlushin rad. 🤘🏼 glad to hear it

[@garrettbabcock9024]

What a dope telecaster. And his playing style on it really works.

[@giselahubeny6967]

Love Love Love this ✌❤🌿❤🌞

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

He’s always reminded me of Bob Dylan. Love it.

[@MdLanguage]

What a beautiful video. Can't believe I hadn't seen it before. To everyone watching this in 2021 I say: hang in there and here is a free hug for you.

[@spinningcities]

almost forgot to watch this today, thank god I remembered

[@faaizmakmun3853]

10 years ago till now still perform ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@caskul]

I needed 45 more minutes. It's just amazing to see this man playing and singing.

[@fbabo]

this is just absolutely moving, so amazing.

[@TheWhyer]

Excited to see all my favorite artists come back to do a Tiny Desk 10 years after their first

[@brucedenis71]

This is someone at the top of his craft.

[@Lozzpel]

horn guy, you are absolutely amazing s2

[@lovelife3407]

THAT was a tall session! CJ Camerieri elevated it all beautifully. Thank you ❤

[@nikolaisoerensen]

I'm trying to play some of his songs for some years now. He is a very, very creative guitarist

[@GuidoPonzini]

Tallest Man On Earth is an incredible performer, always so amazing

[@janhoogstad2188]

I think what I love most about this tiny desk is the total difference in energy between Kristian and the horn player 😂

[@BwareGamer]

Magical

[@theweirdsoul_]

This notification made my day. I've been longing for a reappearance and Bob has granted my wish

[@marcelmiagi4579]

Kristian on Tiny Desk! Best way to start my morning! Thanks NPR! ❤️

[@fblio7146]

I saw C.J. Camerieri who's playing trumpet and horn on tour with Paul Simon last year

[@TheVeek192]

Well, congratulations. You want applause or what?

[@fblio7146]

vee kay What’s your problem?!

[@angusmcleod9400]

First two are my favourites off Fever dream :) so amazing

[@YerDa67]

Brilliant! Brass player’s facial expressions are hilarious, lol.