Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile And Stuart Duncan: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@dancemusicforoldpeople]

Watching this ten years later in 2021, it's still one of the coolest session on NPR. Unreal.

[@dancemusicforoldpeople]

Attaboy is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard (since loveless)

[@TaniaC0009]

I would say it's the coolest overall, but there's no denying that NPR has multiple pieces of art. All these videos should be in a museum

[@katerinakanellopoulou263]

indeed

[@novelidea5912]

still one of the coolest 2022

[@stephanieann9770]

Same, except now it's 2023 🎉

[@shaxnerd418]

This ensemble is absolutely wild. Stuart Duncan doesn’t read music, so he learns these crazy arrangements by ear. Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile write and arrange the music. And then Yo Yo Ma is newish to bluegrass and just kills it. This is musicianship and collaboration at the highest level.

[@kirstythomson7539]

Sure is!

[@cornsyruptrucker]

Which one is Stuart?

[@shaxnerd418]

@@cornsyruptrucker He’s the fiddler

[@seansean1728]

Duncan also has these crazy fiddles. That sound is stunning and he utilizes it perfectly

[@fletchergull4825]

Wait really? Why did I think Stuart wrote attaboy?

[@philsbigboxofwhatever]

Lords of the Strings.

[@trevhoffmann]

lord of the G string

[@buddybellwether2188]

It's hard enough to wrap your head around all that talent, but then think about how much talent and how little ego is around that tiny desk is amazing. Not just great musicians, but great men who truly love and care about music more than their own ego. Absolutely rare talent here and I hope a copy of The Goat Rodeo Sessions is already in the Library of Congress as a national treasure!

[@ACooper194]

Fuck that I'm waiting for the YoYo Ma disstrack

[@kmcg6444]

And a woman.

[@diUmbria71]

Goat Rodeo my favorite!!!!

[@ZiPolishHammer]

When every member of a "band" has transcended to the unconscious knowing state of musicianship it's always gonna be good.

[@beautifulharnster79]

Love this comment, reminds me of when I was lucky enough to see the Dubliners and especially Barney McKenna on his banjo, and despite his failing memory you just knew he was at one with his instrument and could do anything with it - sublime. These guys are obviously there too!!!

[@taylersmith4660]

it's more like a supergroup than a band. like crosby, stills and nash

[@jaydattchampavat6387]

Can we take some time to appreciate how smooth that violin is.

[@StringForJoy]

Edgar Meyer is basically the coolest man alive.

[@jonmelissamcclain5009]

So true...

[@jonocom777]

Word!

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

If you're still listening to this you are not alone and I love you! It's absolutely beautiful. Thank you everyone ....from Fort Worth, Texas

[@dan42guy]

I'm listening to this in Fort Worth too! Wild

[@jharmon8729]

Each individual is one of the best at their craft. Incredible grouping

[@FuscoIndustries]

JJJ HHH seriously! This one was REALLY good.

[@05maccaj]

+JJJ HHH They make it look so easy!

[@drlightbearer1977]

They are all great but Yo Yo Ma is a Jedi Master and Chris Thile blows my mind on that mandolin.

drlightbearer1977 Stuart Duncan tho

[@RikardPeterson]

And Edgar doesn't blow your mind on the bass?

[@zebra3stripes]

You should hear Master Yo Yo-Da play. Impressed you would be. His bow glows green.

[@ireneruthfox]

Edgar is from another world.

[@masonpoirier]

Do you know who edgar meyer is

[@mrmooseluke]

That was adorable when Yo-Yo Ma kept waving at Edgar when he was playing open strings oml

[@dunjalavrova]

❤❤❤ (Why do we all do it when we hit open strings in gigs with mates…??? 😂😂😂😂)

[@leo9747]

This is, continues to be, and always was my favorite Tiny Desk concert

[@warrenabrams8331]

No one compares!

[@icerag]

This and the muppets

[@matthewmartin9120]

SAME👊🏻

[@SarahLantz]

I have had the priviledge of meeting with Yo-Yo Ma twice in my time. He really is that charming, genuine and full of life. Both times I met him, he was nothing but encouraging. The classical/folk/cultural music scene needs more people like him!

[@fmar105]

String instruments are so absolutely beautiful and resonant.

[@415s30]

I wish I could go back in time and tell my mom I want to play the Cello. I might not have been Yo Yo Ma but at least I could play something.

[@Wiley_Coyote]

This, even by itself, justified the existence of Tiny Desk, and possibly NPR.

[@centerice]

Took me increasing the video resolution and until about 9:10, to realize that Yo Yo was matching every single friggin note of fiddle player on an instrument that requires about Six times as much "reach" and has about TEN times as much string tension! Good Lord.

[@RichardPhillips27]

I believe he is still an octave down, still super impressive though

[@thenewunderdog7123]

Isn't it harder one octave down?

[@michaelkclark6981]

centerice wow

[@mattboyles16]

Much harder on octave down

[@Crandelo95]

@@thenewunderdog7123 The octave doesn't matter, they're both a huge pain; a cello doesn't have a high E string. To hit that high G you need to shift up from first to fourth position then right back down. If it was in the higher octave, he'd have to stay in thumb position and probably cut his thumb in the process. (Probably not, that thing is most likely insanely calloused as it is, but you get my point)

[@blueeyedmel1]

I can't figure out why the people watching aren't drooling all over the floor. These guys are just. unreal. So good.

[@mayaelenas]

00:18 Quarter Chicken Dark 05:25 Attaboy 11:44 Here and Heaven

[@acawley98]

Look at Yo-yo ma and edger Meyer being total showoffs and waving at each other :) this is amazing.

[@snazzback]

Didn't clock until today the last one at 10:39 where edgar is playing open string again and yo-yo gets in a cheeky last mega quick wave half way through a line hahah

[@NoName-zn1sb]

... emphasizing their playing open strings

[@keysyun1430]

Just nerding out, not cocky b/s

[@JacobHeadMusic]

No Name strange thing is - the bass top string should be a G, yet Meyer has it tuned to an A. I can’t even wrap my head around how that would be easy to switch up my mind like that.

[@one-six952]

Look Ma, no hands!

[@yarrrthekraken]

Chris Thile's passion for all things music is downright infectious

[@mattgable1335]

This may be the best video of all time

[@joshcollins3804]

Matt Gable at least the audio

[@CerebralVapor]

omfg Yo yo ma was so beautiful in the second song its too much

[@saifmanman]

+Zong Zhang right???

[@MichaelIZKOOL]

The second song makes me so happy

[@ncorva]

Simply WOW! That was amazing. Meyer was KILLING IT on bass. The intonation was just spot on. And those runs after 7:24...Sweet lord of Double Bass have mercy....

[@rufusstanier8893]

yeah that bit actually ended my mortal life

[@shaxnerd418]

I cannot get over the way he switches from bow to fingers. It’s completely seamless.

[@asanjurm]

as a Violin player im amazed the clarity over articulation of Mr. Mayer... such a badass

[@ChrisStoneGetStony]

Still blows my mind that even one person could downvote this. There is literally nothing you can say about their playing and composition that is poor quality, offensive, inaccessible or gratuitous. They are all masters of their craft. Edgar Meyer is arguably the best bassist on the planet equally talented to YoYo Ma-you just don't know Edgar well enough. The dude is a monster musician Stuart Duncan can play ANYTHING with anyone after listening to it once. He is a genius. I play mandolin and Thile is a hero. He's earned every ounce of his recognition. You are watching the power of four equal parts firing on all cylinders.

[@goodwintrent2989]

Well said, Chris!

[@heidiwiedemann]

I don’t get it either.. same for yoyo Ma’s NPR by himself... hundreds downvoted... makes no sense at all.

[@resmarted]

.01% of the viewers downvoted it. Do you really need complete conformity to your tastes? Some people, very few people, don't like this for whatever reason. Could be a lot of reasons, and you not being to comprehend them doesn't make them illegitimate.

[@jovankahammond9746]

1275638a yes I agree. Musicianship aside...and they are great my musicians.... I find the composition to be unfocused. Now don’t start beating up on me. Just an opinion

[@Rilberich]

People downvote when the style and/or any minor detail doesn't appeal to them. You shouldn't give it to much importance, honestly. x)

[@mf5202]

Just a bunch of musical geniuses getting together...There is so much complexity in there, and they don't miss a note. Mindblowing.

[@Mizar88]

they look like the instrument they are playing

[@Mizar88]

i'm stoned

[@johnxue4468]

I could tell

[@khetnhio]

dude they totally do!!! I'm not at all stoned

[@captaindavecaptain]

I gave this a thumbs down because you aren't stoned. Lolz. ;)

[@molarafashola5052]

+Johnny and the other dude need to stop talking you have a pine cone head looking *ss out of here

[@AaronMetzger1]

I've seen a lot of KZbin videos in my life, but this is the best of the lot.

[@mybandisawesome]

best bass player i've ever seen hahah.. his bass sounds amazing.. and yo-yo ma is just unbelievable.. everyone is sick!!!

[@danielagudelobarrenehce]

First times are the best times. Just can't be happier than this moment.

[@PedroAraujo-qm1vd]

It's incredible how it seems to exist some kind of chaos in the way they play that makes their songs so unique.

[@adamross2256]

Shout-out to the equipment and the audio engineer, making them in this office environment sound just like the versions they played in the studio. Awesome.

[@dgdanielgoldman]

Attaboy has yet to cease making me crack a smile. Just such a warm song. Can't wait for them to put out another album... please?

[@adamsimpson5761]

Right? I always have images of the fall (which contradicts) but I'm always bundled up by a fire in my imaginings!

[@ezekielcarsella]

Well they did another goat rodeo sessions I hope you liked it!

[@shaxnerd418]

It’s a perfect piece of music and I never get tired of hearing it

[@adkgirlsince01]

They made another goat rodeo session ❤❤❤

[@highphlyer]

After only a few seconds, the cares of the day fade away, replaced by a broad grin...and tears of joy.

[@johnmichaelsellers3742]

I watched this tiny desk eight years ago, and it’s the episode I keep coming back to. Folk jazz, man.

[@misterjoelcameron]

I love the exchange between Mayer and Ma at 8:40 when they're both playing open strings.

[@someoneelse1534]

✋ 😀👋

[@techinfohelp]

I'm into rap and hiphop but this..... this shit is straight fire, I love it

[@alexderoche1861]

I wish more people were like that. I love rap as well as metal and anything else. If it's good, it's good.

[@dakotapatterson4306]

Yo bro, idk if you've ever heard of the rado show "The prairie home companion" But Chris Thile(The mandolin player) recently took over as host of the show and I swear every week he touches on hip hop in one way or another, last week he did a shout out to phife and performed a Tribe song, today I just heard him cover Kendrick Lamar Alright. All on the mandolin, word for word. Bruh its like a Sunday family radio show, Chris Thile is a real one.

[@jonathanjernigan3865]

techinfohelp i

[@chrisoverman6933]

YES!! My god please let there be more people like this on Earth.

[@fartknocker8363]

Welcome to old school......really old school.

[@jonathanwinskie9788]

Chris Thile is my favorite musician. An absolute master at the mandolin, a wonderful songwriter, but beyond that I think he's one of the biggest advocates for good music and musicianship - regardless of genre - alive today. All respect to greats like Sam Bush and David Grisman, but I think by the time his career is over Chris will have a much more far-reaching impact on American music as a whole. Collaborations like this and the work he did with jazz pianist Brad Mehldau are so important, and to boot he remains incredibly active in the bluegrass and folk communities. Keep it up, sir 👏👏👏

[@whatdothlife4660]

7:37 the bassist keeps plucking with his fretting hand while he gently sets down his bow what a show off :P Magnificent work from all of them.

[@Jkassai]

this transports me to a simple and joyful past

[@TheAndrewsAve]

As an upright bass player, I have no earthly idea how you could have this good of intonation.

[@princessmadison588]

They are having so much fun, I love it!

[@emerson685]

I know everyone in this band are amazing artist, but Yo-Yo Ma is just spectacular! You can just see in the way he plays that he lives and breaths in his music. He just makes me appreciate the human's incredible nature.

[@CheeseLord]

this is too much fun, literally can't stop smiling.

[@CheeseLord]

hitting those fucking chords. can hear the overtones.

[@RoxanKing]

I just caught this Tiny Desk Concert on my stream in 12.2020. I clicked as I'd never seen Yo-Yo Ma, could never afford those concerts. He's is a force of nature,with such lightness in his heart when he plays. So much talent in this group. "Quarter Chicken Dark," is a gorgeous, fun melody ( if that's the correct term). It went straight to my heart & lit up my tiny space by the sea. I found myself dancing around clapping with my sick pittie. I'm going out into the cold night air with the joy of music in my heart. I thank you all for that. I hope everyone is safe & well & thriving 9 years later during these challenging times.

[@sprucifers]

this is truly one of the best videos I've ever watched. It's ridiculous. These world class, top of their instruments coming together and doing this at Tiny Desk. It's nothing short of amazing.

[@Chrisnuzzo76]

Such high quality recording. Wow that makes such a difference in the palatability of the music.

[@38zambrano]

amen

[@Vanadain]

It sounds far better then their studio CD!

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

Is the CD famously bad with regards to recording quality?

[@AttitudeCastle]

@@greatmomentsofopera7170 I am not sure why people would say or think that, the Goat Rodeo sessions album is well known as one of the best and finest recordings of it's type. It was engineered by Richard King who is a straight legend in the recording world. It is of extremely high quality and sound. The NPR recording is a bit "brighter" and more light, slightly more "casual" in both recording sound and the performance if that makes sense

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

AttitudeCastle thanks for this! I never noticed it being bad, though hadn’t listened properly for a few years.

[@nataliemadison-rascoe278]

The transitions alone are a master class within itself. 👏🏽

[@techanddancer]

Imagine working at npr music.....

[@sarahpeterson9749]

Aviva Braun-Belsky copulate

[@marshhen]

And standing there noisily chomping on gum with your mouth open just behind the musicians. aargh.

[@nopenope7700]

Holy fuck...

[@Wingmanbill8007F]

I wouldn't get any work done!

[@argonsilvereye]

Hi hon, how was work? Oh ya know, Yo Yo Ma popped by for lunch so...

[@gaillewis5472]

Yo-Yo Ma is so deliciously versatile. I love him in every genre I've heard.

[@clemsplace]

There is not a musician here who is not a master. Staggering, accessible too. Extraordinary playing here. Collaboration elevates all.

[@thomasinlockwood_]

I first heard of Yo-Yo Ma as a kid watching the kids cartoon Arthur LOL.

[@Mastererik11]

Yo, high five, I remember that episode too!!! #childhoodmemories

[@thomasinlockwood_]

+Erik Fishcake Haha YES!

[@tonypepperoni612]

me too! he was a rabbit.

[@buibuiopolismayor7329]

Omg Yes! I loved Arthur ~~

[@crescentfreshbret]

For me, it was Sesame Street. Just him sitting alone out in that courtyard between the apartment building and Hooper's Store at "nighttime" playing some beautifully haunting piece. I was just mesmerized.

[@lukas4112]

I play the cello, classically, and I’ve never heard the cello played like this. Yo Yo Ma plays in this style so well I’m honestly so inspired rn to try playing that way

[@nealprentice7874]

Love how yo yo ma has given himself permission to play whatever he feels like playing with whoever he wants to play with.

[@IAMMASED]

Sooo good... I've been playing for 30+ years and love music almost as much as i love water... But watching beauty like this, and the souls that create it, play it, makes me wonder how we could ever have war... I know the answers.... Most... Greed, Pride, jealously... All the ramblings of the human psyche... please LOVE... NOW IS TIME ALWAYS...

[@chiou0416]

Yo-yo Ma is so cute.

[@nickty4]

As a married man. I agree haha

[@C2G2]

Agreed 💯percent 😊😆😁

[@lisardoug]

The amount of talent in that tiny room is awe inspiring!

[@pageturner242]

I love how yo yo ma and edgar meyer were laughing together during attaboy

[@pkbeast7963]

its like the most amazing soundtrack ever written for an animated sequence. Just let your mind run inside with your eyes shut, themusic will take you on a journey.

[@takitanaka]

blown away, 12 years later.

[@aprilrose-acoustic4433]

Quarter Chicken Dark is actually my favorite song on this album, it's awesome to see a live performance of this song. 151 Dislikes?! how could anyone dislike this brilliance?!

[@Ronald60202]

It must be above their heads. This is among the highest quality music one can hear,.

[@NardoParra]

Very properly recorded as well! I loved listening to this, respect to the guy who set up the microphone(s) I'm happy! :D

[@flemingbock]

Truly outstanding musicianship! Very inspiring.

[@lesliercota2896]

Yo-Yo Ma and all of you! SooooSweeeet

[@msteaguer1908]

Excellent lilts to make my body respond.

[@MayorRitzia]

I found myself involuntarily smiling throughout this entire performance. Amazing!

[@tford1215]

After almost 8 years this is still my favorite tiny desk concert

[@musicmaster555]

I love seeing a group of the most talented people out there come together to make beautiful music! It fills my heart with joy to know that music can truly be taken to new heights if we take the time to hone our craft!

[@lisacipriani6105]

It may be complex that's why he is brilliant...this gift is due to Hard work...

[@wowflower]

i'll never forget the first time i heard attaboy in the fall 10 years ago. it's never lost it's potency

[@ingridgrieg]

Ahh, I can't believe this has been so long ago. Still coming back to this in 2020... :) Thanks, NPR!

[@robertkiehn7459]

I'm in actual awe of how gleeful they all look when they hit that vibe. Just so happy to hit something so perfect together.

[@mencheeliang3922]

i was gonna listen to this as background music when i was writing a paper, but this was so amazing that i had to stop and only watch them play

[@amberye6695]

me

[@annemayseyfried8907]

Incredible!!!..PLZ have HOME FREE (World's 1st All Vocal Country Band/Sing Off 4 Winners) on, with Chris Thile! Their crazy harmonies & Chris' insane talent could be EPIC!..They're already bucking the 'traditional' country sound by using their voices as instruments, yet are prevailing: 110+Mill.KZbin VW's, 2 Standing ovations@OPRY return 4/11, 4 Billboard Country Albums:#2,#4,#8,12 & country radio still have 'a cappella stigma'.This vid shows how ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!! :)

[@jimbo2602]

So much talent in one room it’s not even funny.

[@mattschmid1850]

Yo Yo Ma is killing me with his cello skills! damn it I wish I had learned that instrument when I was a kid.

[@LightTouchWoodstock]

Hi Matt, It's never too late, I'm almost sixty. Two years ago, I started playing a guitar. It's fairly easy now. Three days ago, I bought a mandolin. I went on KZbin and learned a song within minutes. Start playing and ask for guidance and _He_'ll give it to you. Peace, Brother.

[@mattschmid1850]

Thanks! Light Touch I've been playing guitar and keyboard for some years. I agree your never to old to learn an instrument, or something new in that regard. Thanks for the encouragement sir/(ma'am?)

[@philipmcc5265]

Hey Matt, I'm in my early forties. Walking home from breakfast the other day, I passed our little local music center-a place that provides musical training for (mostly) kids in the area. Well, I called them up the next day and one week later, this past Sunday, I sat down for my first cello lesson. It was an extraordinary experience. I'm now the proud renter of a cello with lessons scheduled every Sunday for the foreseeable future. Go for it! :-)

[@LightTouchWoodstock]

Hi matt schmid, It's really cool that you play both a guitar and a keyboard. My wife put little stickers on the keys of her keyboard to identify them. So I've just been practicing C to C with both hands. That's all I know so far.' _P.S._ Have you ever checked guitarjamzdotcom? I started out with smoke on the water, one finger riff. Two years later I know all my major and minor pentatonic/scales, falsettos, and arpeggios. I love it, I'm able to practice ten to twenty hours a week. Lots of spare time, lol. Peace and rock on!

[@LightTouchWoodstock]

Hey P Mac, That's really cool that you walked into a music center and wanted to learn how to play the cello. I saw Yo-Yo Ma the first time, watching Mr. Rodgers with my son a _long_ time ago. Very talented man, seen quite a bit of him since. Peace

[@tabrasa3306]

8:35: "Look, Ma! No hands!"

[@thathockeyguythere3315]

Can we please get Yo-Yo Ma to lead the production of the next Zelda soundtrack? absolute genius

[@thewhuthut]

You're Brilliant!

[@matiaspena6710]

listen to where’s my bow its by these guys and sounds like it belongs in a zelda game

[@AngryCapivara]

Let's start a petition, this has to happen

[@patriciaclark199]

One of the all time best I've seen here.

[@surrepeight]

Saw Chris Thile live at the Massry Center for the Arts in Albany, NY a few years back with my sweetheart. What an evening! The guy's superb. The applause was so loud after his first number, he was momentarily startled.

[@gracedillingham8130]

This and three hour aquarium loops are the only things that bring me peace

[@Shelsight]

And the 3 hour loop of an open hearth fire... :)

[@BrianRobertsfan]

This is definitely one of the most amazing grouping of musicians today. All four of these people are commonly recognized as the pinnacle of their instrument.

[@enzerabowenzu5340]

Yo yo ma when he plays open string.... that's why I love him so much. He has always been such a fun guy! Great, phenomenal! I LOVE THIS!

[@konstantintomov5904]

There are 400 people who needs to be corrected. Guys there's no double like button, it really sounds close to dislike so i understand your confusion. This guys makes worthy inventing this button tho! I just can't close my mouth from amazement... Marvelous!

[@Fionnabhair33]

Some unadulterated sunlight during these potentially existential times. This is such a unique lineup of maestros, each masters of their craft, the utter joy they shared in playing these three songs together is utterly beautiful, and luckily, catching 💚💙💜🖖💜💙💚

[@robertnoble6956]

Edgar Meyer is my spirit animal.

[@jackaboyx3]

Or is it the other way around? 0.o

[@aniyyadent2949]

Cello/Bass Goals.............Why do I love Vibrato So much?????????????

[@BardofCornwall]

Love it. Love the album, too.

[@acwrobel1]

This is such a phenomenal album. I highly recommend it, whether you like bluegrass, rock, or hip-hop. Gives me chills. "The Goat Rodeo Sessions" in case y'all missed it.

[@deanwolfechannel]

Extra ordinary collection of musicians.

[@stevecrawford333]

This is the the best of the best at each of their instruments. The Greatest of all time sessions.

[@warlordyo7085]

yoyo ma is siiiick. i remember my mom showing me him back when i was young. still love his music :)

[@Bradleyey]

Whoever disliked this is confused on what exactly is good in life.

[@jackaboyx3]

Or theyre blind and couldn't tell which one was the like button

[@ItzTheFury]

Or missklicked :D

[@nunyabidnis3815]

Users who dislike a video sometimes just do that to refine their algorithms. If I was setting up a playlist for a specific mood or even a channel/subject, I may want to be reliably engulfed with a specific genre of suggestions exclusively. There are some vibes that this could clash with; a sleep playlist, make-up tutorials, etc. wouldn't be the best time for this to interject itself. Good news: The more genuine negative conditions found, it will be contrasted with the very strong enjoyment by others, ultimately tumbling videos like this up to the right people at the right time for it. Likewise, me engaging with the comment section and liking comments, tells the algorithm that this video is still relevant, and engaging. =)

[@thefatalcarrot8457]

One of the greatest performances I've ever seen. One of the great performances of the world, one of those things that points out what this life is. Watched/ listened to it a couple dozen times now, and I fully intend to do so again.

[@Sweeneytv]

how is it possible to fit this much talent in that small of a space?

[@laurenmusso4719]

Who cares if it raining for 40 days and nights- I’m listening the the best ever Tiny Desk concert❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NASTEfilms]

goat rodeo sessions is the finest musical colab ive ever seen

[@dklustick]

Alright, I concede. Chris Thile is an amazing and talnted mandolin player, probably the best I've ever seen. Those solos... goddamn.

[@984francis]

Err, I don't think you meant "tainted"?

[@jankujan7482]

Sam Bush :)

[@PearsAreOkay]

It's 4 strings cmon man

[@grg981998]

Chris thile won the genius grant a couple years back. Just amazing

[@videoket]

I could listen to "Quarter Chicken, Dark" for the rest of my life.

[@ickiwas]

This is still just so great!

[@woodiana6624]

Attaboy is what sunrises sound like. Pure light. Thank you goat riders to bring your lights that bring smile and joy to ys