Rhiannon Giddens: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
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Published 2020-05-28
May 28, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- "We're not doing my original songs," Rhiannon Giddens says, before she and her partner, Francesco Turrisi, launch into an old spiritual, "'cause with these kinds of emotions, the old songs say it best."
Though acknowledging their good fortune — a place to live, a bit of savings, their children being safe — Rhiannon Giddens also pauses to tell us how the pandemic has altered their entire way of life. They canceled their tour of Japan and returned home to Ireland; Rhiannon lives in Limerick while Francesco lives a few hours away in Dublin where they recorded this Tiny Desk (home) concert. They're finding comfort in being together, making music together, thinking of their families in both Italy and the United States, and hoping to comfort us all with some down-home tunes. And with banjos, fiddles, a bodhrán, and that stunning voice, it sure worked for me!
SET LIST
"Black As Crow"
"Spiritual"
"Carolina Gals"
"Last Chance"
All Comments (21)
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I'm a simple man. I see Rhiannon Giddens and I hit the like button. Then I listen and am never disappointed or chagrined.
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When a man as talented as Francesco Turrisi just plays back-up most of the time, you know you are watching a truly special show. Wow!
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"I'm not gonna use my original songs, because with these kinds of emotions, the old songs say it best." That humility from a person with so much skill!
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i just found this and am commenting before listening to whole thing. She is a treasure in music and on this earth. God we need that now.
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One of my favorite artists. Especially when she sings with her sister.
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Rhiannon Giddens is a musical goddess. And I'm lovin' the frame drum.
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Wow, from an Irish women, Ireland is very lucky to have you sharing your music in our beautiful country 💞
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What a gift Rhiannon and Turrisi continue to give us. WOW!!!
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Rhiannon and Francesco. We love you in Ireland. Thank you.
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I'm from the Carolinas but I currently live overseas thanks to this extremely disruptive pandemic. I couldn't initially return home and it has taken quite a toll on me. I'm finding a lot of peace listening these tunes. Thanks for posting and creating an avenue for me to reflect on my blessings and culture especially since being so far away from it. There's no place home.
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I can't figure out the perfect word for how she consistently kills it every time she performs -- no matter where or what. Thank you Tiny Desk for reaching out to Ms. Giddens about doing a performance from "home."
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One of the most impressive artists alive today!
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When you're moved to tears within the first 30 seconds of the first song, you know it's gonna be a good'un! Much love to Ms. Giddens and thanks to NPR!
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@NPR Music, Thank you for this small, thoroughly brilliant concert! Rhiannon, you and Francesco may not have been able to hear anyone clapping as you finished singing each tune, the way you would playing for a live audience, but my heart is clapping loudly with deep appreciation out here in the listening world, and I have a feeling there is a resounding response of clapping from many many listeners for your exquisite and poignant NPR Tiny Desk home concert. Music IS, without a doubt, medicine. Thank you both so much for soothing the aches of this soul.
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NPR is todays Alan Lomax. Thank you.
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Hello from Co Louth! Delighted to hear you guys made Ireland your home! We really do value musicians! What a wonderful Tiny Desk gig!!
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Small recommendation for the producers of the show. At the end a video recommendation popped up and covered up the both the artists as they finished up their last song and obscured their faces. A short buffer of 5 secs or so after they are done would prevent those pop up recommendations from obscuring the end of the show. Love what you guys do and thank you for spreading so much beauty and joy into the world! Definitely adding Rhiannon Giddens to my music library.
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The old songs do say it best. Take care everyone, this time will eventually pass. Another wonderful (home) Tiny Desk, just great to see and hear Rhiannon!
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I love how the hand drum sounds like a tabla. That last song was so full of joy
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Joy is where you find it. Glad I came across this today.
