Third Coast Percussion: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

May 29, 2018 | Tom Huizenga -- Back at the beginning of time, the human voice was the very first instrument. Probably close in second place were folks banging on stuff - in other words, percussionists. The quartet of gentlemen who form the Chicago-based Third Coast Percussion takes primordial pounding into a completely distinctive new league. To be sure, in this Tiny Desk performance, they'll play their sophisticated, modern marimbas and vibraphones, but be on the lookout for the subtleties of tuned cowbells and 3/4" galvanized steel pipes, like those found at the local hardware store. Add to that a glockenspiel, a MIDI synth, a melodica, a drum kit, children's deskbells, crotales, a Thai gong and a singing bowl, and you've got significant noise-making potential behind Bob Boilen's desk.
The mesmerizing opening number, "Niagara," written by the group, is from the band's latest album, the aqua-centric Paddle to the Sea. This water is fast-moving, with pulsing, repeating patterns in the vibraphone, punctuated by drum beats and a bed of low synth. The Third Coasters follow with another from the album, their own arrangement of a slowly rippling ode to the Amazon River by Philip Glass. Beginning with droplets on the glockenspiel and evocative bowing of both vibraphone and crotales (small bronze discs), the music flows softly, taking its time to fan out in all its quiet beauty.
Torched and Wrecked is, as David Skidmore mentions, something that once happened to his band mate Sean Connors' automobile. It's also a butt-kicking ride that includes those steel conduit pipes, which the band cuts to specific lengths to get the desired pitches. Skidmore wrote the piece, but it's Connors who appears to achieve a kind of cathartic glee pounding on the metal tubes.
In these performances the musicians prove that there's far more to a top-notch percussion ensemble than pounding on stuff. The precision and the subtlety of their soft tapping, bowing and conjuring of otherworldly sounds raises this ancient art to the highest level.
SET LIST
"Niagara"
"Amazon River" (Phillip Glass)
"Torched and Wrecked"
MUSICIANS
David Skidmore, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, Sean Connors.
CREDITS
Producers: Tom Huizenga, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Nick Michael, CJ Riculan; Production Assistant: Stefanie Fernández; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[@coverkings6043]

Being a percussionist is so much more difficult than people give credit for, these guys are so talented

[@ems7623]

Every musician knows that percussion is every bit as skillful as any other instrument. It's only the general public who don't get it, until they see performances like this.

[@8342345]

I used to play in percussion ensemble in college. My wife, when we were moving in together: "Why do you own so many black hand towels?"

[@Gichanasa]

Please educate me... what were the towels for?

[@horndyret]

@@Gichanasa When you use music stands as tables to store stuff(mallets and sticks and triangles etc.) during a performance, the towel makes less noise when you retrieve stuff. They could be any color, but black looks nice and discreet.

[@Gichanasa]

ErlendOA Thank you for the kind reply - very helpful!

[@illumiNateyourwork]

I actually laughed out loud. 😂

[@michaeledgerton3508]

My freshman year in high school I was so confused to why there was a supply of black hand towels in the percussion section. I’m a percussionist but like ig I was new to that level of ensemble

[@martynthomas6924]

Its the hundreds of thousands of beats all perfectly in time and unison, that's a serious talent without even considering the musical brilliance of the compositions and you can literally see the zone these guys get into. Deeply moving and thoroughly inspirational. A true demonstration of musical genius.

[@jimlawton4184]

Groups like these fine young men are the reason I love and teach music. Thank you for making such high quality music!

[@lukerathbone6035]

SO COOL. I can't wait to form a percussion group like this one day!!

[@FossilFishy]

Holy RSI Batman! The speed, the precision, and the intensity of those folks... fantastic. I mean, they got me to enjoy Philip Glass, that’s never happened before. Great stuff.

[@wychwoodmusic]

Hahaha, the shade being thrown at Philip Glass here. They do bring an impressively musical and dynamic feel to his mathematical and kinda sterile music, don't they?

[@FossilFishy]

@@wychwoodmusic Eh, no real shade. Musical enjoyment is subjective. I could hate Glass and you could love him, for the very same features of his music even, and we'd both be right.

[@greatsewing6061]

SO GLAD KZbin recommended your music to me. And your interpretations of Philip Glass are superb. I have followed Philip Glass since 1972 and I am so pleased with the new musicians playing his music. Bravo.

[@ElGreco1541]

I love music that I can't help but imagine what sort of cinematic imagery would go perfectly with it. Motes of dust in a beam of sunlight or a lush display of ocean life. The way you could play with the rhythm of the editing. It just makes me feel alive and creative and wonderful.

[@pgennace]

I played this for my 7 week old baby. It calmed her down and I could tell that she was listening!! Thanks NPR!

[@MrDeedsly]

Music is great but their passion for It is on another level. Watching musicians love their jobs gets me in the feels.

[@vladniculae6114]

They look like four dads who had difficulties calming their babies down so they came together as a band and this is the result! Quite original and melodic, dads!

[@Hamuelin]

I got some wicked goosebumps. What an incredible performance and way to start my Tuesday. Thank you Third Coast Percussion and NPR!

[@TobiasRobertson]

They enjoy playing music so much. Awesome.

[@sabgha]

Love it! And they really seem to be enjoying themselves which is great.

[@FeeLyX]

Amazing concert, I loved seeing all the different instruments being played so masterfully. Thank you very much!

[@bearbeat99]

With respect- this is not "folks banging on stuff". This is shimmering artistry. I still find myself emotionally overcome by their music...

[@lukeallred5318]

Really cool how smoothly the vibes and bass marimba switch between the different permutations and patterns of 3 and 4 notes so smoothly maintaining the consistent 16th notes in torched and wrecked.

[@andrewdelrusso4951]

Love these guys! Thanks for gettin them on here!

[@djbeatbug2560]

This is absolutely beautiful!

[@jordonbrewer2010]

Wow. I don't even know what to say about this one. Truly amazing. Thanks NPR.

[@robertoesquivel4447]

Seriously God bless you guys, thanks for always bringing great artists!

[@heinoemf]

Thanks for this opportunity to listen these beautiful songs!

[@julos71]

Beautiful like an another band from Chicago that i love so much, Tortoise. Thanks for this !

[@eleanor444]

i absolutely love the versatility of these guys, all switching between the three four mallet grips depending on the application, truly good shit and also so great so see them enjoy music so much! also wearing earplugs is really important with high frequency percussion and if you aren’t already you should be wearing them!!!! i have real bad tinnitus because i thought playing a glock all day every day in high school without earplugs was a good idea

[@vell__]

That second song had me gripped the whole time, the atmosphere they set was absolutely breathtaking.

[@arianaPEACE]

Just saw these guys in Big Sur, CA. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Would see again!

[@locastromaia]

I was born in the middle of the Amazon, literally. My first years were by the riverside. I am overwhelmed with feelings and memories. What is more wierd is how the music also reflects a bigger picture of the forest.

[@1Cyberix]

Mmmm, this is very comforting. Thank you.

[@kirk902]

Some of the most beautiful off world music I have heard.

[@ZippyLeroux]

Third Coast Percussion and Gojira collaboration... Somebody get on that already!!!

[@kilborn666]

Oh man, I didn't even know I wanted that till you said so!

[@chimpansi2]

Ha ha absolutely..!

[@bluejeans5456]

Or Meshuggah. Would happily listen to both!

[@langadubazana]

That would be epic!

[@DoubleKillFilms]

@@bluejeans5456 David Skidmore, that main dude in Third Coast actually wrote a piece that he said is inspired by Meshuggah! it's called "Trying" you should give it a listen

[@charlesjmudd]

That was fantastic !!

[@johnchristiancaldwell4403]

Dynamics on the P. Glass piece really beautiful.

[@oceanaji9074]

So magical ! 😃

[@Marcelo-on9rc]

this is so relaxing!

[@AsherHammerman]

I'm waiting in anticipation for David Attenborough's voice to describe the spawning ritual of Costa Rican moths....

[@devikarajurkar1393]

NPR, you never disappoint! ❤️

[@karencasey9554]

Torched and wrecked is effervescent!!

[@mouseandthemule]

Seeing them in July! Super excited.

[@5PercentTint]

goosebumps. no matter how small the art or instrument they put their whole body into it. my enesemble instructor told us to do the same thing in highschool

[@shannonribbons]

Thanks NPR! Sublime

[@bornodnoc1034]

I can now finally see the joy in the faces of those who make this kind of whatever!

[@TheOhOhOhs]

This is great!Thank You!

[@jestempies]

Love it. Just love it.

[@guilhermedacruz7117]

4:20 What a composition! Simply got me emocional, with my back tingling, as it took me to other places I don't even know, but already love. Congratulations for the work and thank you.

[@marcdumont2275]

I like how their bows were a little dorky at the end, that was so cool

[@MedSou]

Relax & Very comforting ❤❤❤

[@mdmsantana]

wow que hermoso!!! sutil, excelente tony desk

[@TheOhOhOhs]

Amazing music. Thanks :)

[@jeansonne100]

damn they just came up with like 170 new ringtones

[@sabaticl]

Just Fantastic.

[@greatmindsthinkalike1378]

This can take you to higher levels👍🏾

[@sandramusic89]

wow. great performance! 👏

[@hannybassfabricacionydisen8366]

Gracias por compartir 👍 maximo respeto y mucha vibra positiva 😎

[@TarantinosCat]

I love watching human beings do something that they’re so in love with!

[@cobymela]

Love it! Reminds me a bit of Steve Reich.

[@voicedrifter]

Incredible

[@toxiq7399]

6tuplets are my favorite drumbeat

[@gbrlbqrn]

Wow I totally did not expect this at ALL. I really hope this video gets a lot of attention.

[@Nadienosleera]

Hypnotized...

[@BobCraigmile]

god bless them for playing acoustic instruments...

[@marty177]

This stuff bends my mind into a pretzel

[@omarsmemorybank]

This is badass, i miss playing the vibraphone/xylophone

[@movingforwardLDTH]

Same!

[@irjonesy]

These guys performed at my high school! Haha I remember everyone giggling at the way they look at each other

[@jimlawton4184]

Lol kids can be pretty immature, eh? :P

[@robb3652]

Mesmerizing

[@myhandlehasbeenmishandled]

Lovely, and I need those bells😂

[@Linkthebest1990]

Great!

[@mmmarx9631]

To Dan Moore, University of Iowa, a suggestion to have these folks do a concert/masterclass at Iowa.

[@brettjenkinson5888]

I saw them for 5$ at Clemson in 2018. Unreal experience

[@Gooasooh]

What a trip

[@paolovallejo8022]

Torched and Wrecked is mind-blowing

[@SPEEDBOATMANIAC410]

11:22 > so deep the music is and then here is a song about shawns car ?! ... lol GOD Bless

[@BlameItOnGreg]

11:10 Odd way of phrasing that. Was this a subtle hint for Tiny Desk to get the group Square Peg Round Hole behind the desk?

[@matlhogonolopromisemazibuk2372]

i love me some TINY DESK

[@matthewpaluch777]

No longer Chicago's best kept secret.

[@davidsoninacio4180]

Deus nos abençoe Muito lindo Excelente sofisticado Melodias lindas 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ArdalanHamann]

I counted 27 reasons justifying that they must be paid 1M $ each per each hr playing these masterpieces

[@cyberschn1tzel997]

Ardalan Amiri the first being their great commercial potential, (nah)

[@joshgrondin3675]

oh yes, yes, this is it

[@rayyansabet-parry4865]

soothing

[@raphaelhowse9712]

13:27 this is it, marimba face, this is the mark of a true musician

[@IrwinSprezzatura]

I wish I had the closer as a ringtone.

[@majlo213]

Ross Geller Band! :D But seriously, great stuff guys!

[@albertogonzalez01]

My baby fall sleep with this sound tku I can finish my home cleaning hahaha tku

[@soupmage]

Feels like a magical adventure, like in Legend of Zelda

[@lostlately.4142]

How they don´t lose the tempo playing the xylophone that fast? just wow. talented guys

[@meliiport]

❤❤❤✨

[@eduardonajarrojr]

I don't know if there's anything more NPR than this! Lol.

[@HaightTheGreat]

I LOVE xylophones 💙💚💛

[@azfortuna9398]

They're actually called Marimbas! And the Big metal one is a vibraphone. If you like stuff like this I recommend looking up Third Coast's performance of "Fractallia"

[@HaightTheGreat]

Chase Duke thanks👍

[@LeonardTavast]

I'm a sucker for reverb and mallets

[@MattMusicianX]

Wow =)

[@coltonmykael]

Could we get a list of mallets used? Need to expand my already full stick bag and add to my second stick bag lol

[@movingnaturefilms]

The only glock one should arm themselves with.

[@kinkykon98]

best NPR comment i've seen thus far.

[@idahowesty]

More of a Springfield type of gun owner?

[@danielbutcher5836]

Grammar notwithstanding, I appreciate the wit of your comment. However, a percussionist will need to play both almglocken and glockenspiel at some point.

[@danielbutcher5836]

I’m thinking maybe he prefers CZ or Sig.

[@tomrichardson5433]

No guns, they got some really big mallets with dual use self-defense capability. @@danielbutcher5836

[@yashchittal1364]

wow

[@miguelchicas5882]

Helloooo 😍😍😍

[@BYEgime]

you guys should invite agarrate catalina from uruguay!

[@mountaindewisextreme]

Fantastic! Get Deltron 3030 on here, that would be killer!

[@fuzedcorn]

Needs more cowbell.

[@tripplehelix]

How do you sync the audio with the video on projects like this where it's not easy to see where the in the song they are playing? Do you just set up multiple video tracks and cut sections out that line up for the project?

[@sanctionedtaco2109]

Tripplehelix I would love to know myself!!

[@PelleKuipers]

Well video will probably have sound. So you can just have them match each other and then mute the crappy video sound.

[@gbrlbqrn]

I've edited a tiny bit of video, if anything they layer all of the videos together then just cut what they don't want to put it. There often is a video sync procedure such as a clap or the little snap thing you see on the beginning of outtakes. The percussive nature of the hit should mean that when something hits, there should be a sound. Sync that up to the already mixed audio and you're good to go

[@henners151]

Either match up sound with cam sound, or more likely SMPT timcode sync

[@owendoyle8815]

A visual audio queue! A singular sharp noise created by something visual. An example would be the sound card thing they click before yelling "action!" before recording a movie

[@masterblaster6401]

ding ding ding

[@wilhelm4089]

Public Candles ping pong pow

[@tom-ski]

Tuk tup tik

[@finnpittarmstrong7023]

Thanks for saving me 16 minutes of my life man!

[@jwvandegronden]

LOL!! Thanks mate

[@nguyetvi84]

Lol you all are so fun

[@mrificationful]

Get SO percussion!!

[@randallgibson4598]

don't marimba if I do

[@michaeledgerton3508]

Nice 👍🏾

[@deepseadiver8364]

thats the outro of the last airbender ...8:00