Natalie Merchant: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- January 12, 2016 by BOB BOILEN
In the summer of 2014, Natalie Merchant came to Washington, D.C., to perform her first album of all-new material in 13 years. She was supposed to play here at my desk the day after that evening's performance. Instead, she fell ill, wound up in a D.C. hospital, and canceled her upcoming dates.
Now, Merchant has rerecorded her first solo album Tigerlily, complete with strings and different instrumentation. That album is called Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings, and she recently came back to town to make a documentary film about that record. And so it was with abundant joy that Natalie Merchant finally made it to the NPR Music offices. This was truly one of the most warmhearted Tiny Desk performances I've ever seen. She sang two songs from that self-titled 2014 release and something from Tigerlily, and then Merchant had the NPR audience join her for a beautiful hymn - so have a tissue handy.
Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings is available now.
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/par...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Paradise-There-...
Set List:
"Motherland"
"Texas"
"Cowboy Romance"
"Weeping Pilgrim"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Julia Reihs, Nick Michael; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; photo by Jun Tsuboike/NPR
For more Tiny Desk Concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti... - Hudba
I went to a 10,000 maniacs show in san Diego in 1989 with my then estranged wife to try and make up. She didn't show. I sat in the front row with a bouquet of Roses and and empty seat for the first half of the show. Natalie stopped and asked who the roses were for and I told her they were for her. She invited me to sit on the stage ,took the flowers and sang the next 2 songs to ME. I have been completely smitten since. 30+ years..
What a Woman. What a talent.
Roses and tix to Natalie Merchant makes you the man of my dreams.
Found she existed yesterday, we almost the same age, how does that happen? I'm in love.
Lucky guy. What a great experience. A great story.
What a wonderful experience.
Amazing!
I had a really bad breakup with my first husband back in 1997, when I had to leave this abusive relationship and I was too afraid to take anything I basically just had to get out with my life I remember my mother yelling at me as I ran back into the house and she said, “what are you doing going back in let’s go!” “I said I’m going to get my Natalie Merchant CD” haha, no clothes or personal items just my CD! I’m so glad I did. It helped me get through a lot of bad times back then. Her voice can heal your soul, ahhhhh! ❤️🙌🏻❤️
I am not physically abused...
But, I wish I had the courage in '97.
I'm trying to let go of him now.
Thanks for your comment, honesty and a beacon of hope ♥️🌈🦋
I am glad you knew what was an essential item for your future survival!
Hope things are much better now x
I heard you abused him?
Thank you for sharing your story! Natalie has met at poignant times in my life, and I have loved her for years. Her song wonder is like a blessing for all humanity.
Shame on Me for forgetting how beautifully haunting Natalie Merchant's voice is! She is One of a kind!
With ya.....
Has anyone so important for so long ever been more quickly forgotten?
Is she the composer of Motherland?
😵same...
I concur,
I think Natalie has aged BEAUTIFULLY 💞💞💞💞
So natural, so effortless, so beautiful...it's captivating.
@@Nofarewell One of the Most BEAUTIFUL SOULS 💞
100% beautiful then and now
Agree! Natalie and Tori Amos were the soundtrack to my adolescence and twenties. Still obsessed with both ladies, but prefer Natalie's natural look to Tori's face lift, nose job, and botox🙀
She's beautiful
I believe Natalie Merchant is one of the most underrated voices in the world.
A professional singer should sing even just facing have one audience. We all come here to listen to Natalie Merchant, to appreciate and enjoy her music.
To be greatly inspired by her talents and words.
I guess that's pretty enough not to win a worldwide recognition or any so called awards, she is so influential still in our minds and hearts. Correct me if I am wrong.
I always thought of her as the epitome of feminine vocals were jewel sometimes sounds like a young girl.
Yea, i agree!
@@Artfuldame Where's your proof?
I’ll bet she was a fan of Melanie Safka! Similar type of voice / feeling
When people talk about how tone can be more important than range.... Natalie Merchant is pretty much the pure representation of that. She sings in her own pocket, which isn't filled with glory notes or extreme range, but which features this beautiful tone nobody else can do.
It suits the Tiny Desk format very well
yeah - that's how I've been wanting to describe singing voices - I didn't know people talked about tone being more important than range. But this is why I don't like Mariah Carry - her tone does nothing for me and show off squeaky high notes - doesn't sound good to me.
@@SandraLovesRoses Yes I agree. I call her "Mariah Canary". And let us not forget "Silly Dione" of Titanic fame!
spot on
Word up man....... word up!
One of the most unique voices. The second she opens her mouth you know it's her. I don't even know the first song but it went through me like so much of her music. What a talent.
One day, I will have a ranch in front of a mountain, I will wake up in the morning, make a coffee seat outside and play her songs while enjoying life.
while on a glorious two grams of psilocybin...
That day is today, dont wait. ❤
Natalie could sing the phone book and I’d buy a ticket to listen.
Wow perfectly fit...thank you...
very inviting aura
Anch'io, from Italy
I’ve often said the same thing.
Best comment yet
Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are:
Natalie Merchant - Vocals
Logan Coale - Bass
Erik Della Penna - Guitar
Uri Sharlin - Accordion
Thanks for that information. I never know the names of the musicians who provide such a perfect background for the vocals.
Eric looks like John Oats. ?
They are fantastic!! So beautiful!!Thanks for sharing this. I will look them up.
It's a shame NPR didn't provide the name of band members. Thank you
Thanks for that information. I am a bit annoyed that this is not mentioned somewhere in the video description and think it is only fair to give these extraordinary players names. So I am glad to find it here.
Her voice has NOT CHANGED!! Amazing and Gorgeous!
natalie merchant’s tiger lily was playing in the room when i was born. her voice is so special to me. definitely underrated.
Beautiful comment ♡
Yup! I had a similar experience to you- grew up with her and I’m going 4 decades strong with her Angel voice
I'm probably not the first to say this, but there really needs to be a "Love" button to click. And you should be able to click it over and over and over. Thank you soooo much.
pmgarrett13 😍💘❤💜💙💚💗💖💕💛💚💙💛
Linda Clark - lol, this is the button to press!
Natalie is the voice of love and frustration for a generation of wayward sons and daughters. So nice to hear her softly remind us of who we used to be, and the hopes and dreams, we let slip by. Much love and gratitude Natalie!
Natalie sings songs that feeds and heals the soul .
No filter from her. Voice. Truth. Real. Her voice could lead me to places I was not prepared for.
I've watched this about 300 times. I love how she's really looking into the crowd and connecting with everyone. She has such a pure and gentle soul...and such honesty to her music. Amazing!
I grew up with Natalie in my life everyday. my mother loves her and I quickly caught on. now being 28 i have my 3 year old singing her tigerlily album ... bring tears to my eyes .... she will never know how much she has given to me and I hope will give to my son. and he will carry her in his growing days. she is stunning... her voice has only gotten better with age. I can't believe how much I am literally in love with her. in love.
Do you listen to "Our Time in Eden"? I find that the best of her albums.
sarah jahoda Tiger Lily is the BEST!
Nice to read your story about this wonderful singer and what she means for you. By accident i listened to her on CZcams, today. And it was such a wonderful surprise. Somebody of whom i never heard was singing so heavenly !!! And such warm, real and honest appearance! I understand that you are thankfull, growing up with her music!
I play Natalie for my kids everyday, and agree with Mia F...Our Time in Eden is a masterpiece in a class all its own
'Our Time in Eden' and 'Ophelia' are probably my two favourite albums of hers, but she has never released a weak one.
Couldn't agree more. A woman without a mask, so refreshing.
No pun intended
I heard Natalie for the first time today and her voice has done something to my soul
Still one of the most effortless powerful voices in music.
Not just a beautiful voice, a poet, and a human you just feel is the type you want to sit with and have a cup of tea and chat. Have loved her since I heard her age 10 in 1990 and shes been a part of my life since and an influence who got me through so many hard and happy times x Cant wait to see her on tour this year here in the UK
I keep coming back to his video. They seem to read each other's minds. This is the best live version of a beautiful song , no pauses or mixes. They read each other so well and Natalie is their queen. No retakes . Just perfect in one take . That's music and her INCREDIBLE voice. And the other musicians are flawless. Kudos Natalie and all of the band!
Don‘t want to ruin your excitement but Natalie - like every great musician does - has her band in her hand. No mindreading involved or needed...
She’s my absolute favorite female vocalist for the last 25 years. Angelic voice and songwriter.
It's a three-way tie between Natalie, Roberta Flack and Alison Krauss for me.
@@xquisite7791 No Joni?
@@turbodood79 Joni's voice is a little shrill for me. Alison's voice is high pitched too, but has a sweet, country twang that mellows it.
Russel Brand once called Amy Winehouse "genius" and then defined it as being "something where you don't know where it comes from". I feel like Merchant has that quality. When she starts to sing, it doesn't even sound like it's coming out of her body. It's like it's coming from some other holy place.
Natalie Merchant has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.She is a modern day chanteuse.
I hear that voice and the years melt away...high notes in the margins...all along the way...still on the road. Vibrating a different frequency. Endlessly rolling. Allen baby, we are rolling.
I don't honestly know how many NPR TDC's I've watched.. but this is in the top 5 at least. Natalie, Natalie, Natalie... 👏...
A treasure as always 💚
Natalie always leaves me with an inner peace...shes good for the soul .
...and for the heart too.
I think the spirit gets better with... now for a soul, I dont really know.. cant say. I think there isnt any... just a religious Bs...
Wright! Very Good for The Soul🙏
Yes good for the soul
I love how Natalie unabashedly got older and still sings like a seraphim
And she and her voice are both utterly beautiful.
@@MsShellectable Well ... the voice still is. : /
@@SelectCircle Boooooooo! That’s a beautiful lady, right there.
@@SelectCircle ooh yikes... that was rude
@@pumpkinsmiles When isn't the truth?
Less electronics, smaller set up, yet she sounds better and better.. Very soothing, calming voice...
Natalie never intended to be a musician. It was all an accident. What a great unintended career.
Her voice takes me back to a time when I was really happy 💔
So I’m a Scotsman who loves Christy Moore ( Irish folk singer for those who don’t know him) he covers motherland by Natalie…….as a result here I am just new to this wonderful lady. Yes I’m late to the party but man I’m glad I found her. Wow. Such soul and authenticity. I’m really blown away by her. Man. She’s a real treasure. Blessings from Scotland 🏴
I’m hearing echoes of Karine Polwart in her voice..
Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega, Sarah McLaughlin bring these ladies back!!!!!
As a fellow 1967, I AGREE
Tracy Chapman!
Suzanne Vega has her own Tiny desk (thank god) :)
Rosemary Standley, Rhiannon Giddens,
Imany
They never went away. At least not in my house.
A very special woman with a blessed gift... it is simply humanity at its best.
Fascinating....
Sorry I'm late to the party......... YEP!
She’s got the loveliest and kindest energy ✨ I wanna replicate these vibes and just flood the world with it 💖
I don't mind admitting I've got tears in my eyes watching this after the last song with the crowd participation. Truly this set is a gift today.
Look at how here band breathes and interacts with her. That's how you know she knows how to lead a band of talented musicians.
+Godfrey Francesco They're terrified of her blowing a gasket and chewing them out. Seriously.
+Peter Turman yeah guitarist seated next to her looks like he has something else on his mind.
Mark Minard No. Some people have their own ideas of what a woman in leadership role should be.
She's inclusive - we are here in this together.
I love how the band responds to her as well. All very talented.
I never hear about this singer, because i'm not from USA or Europe.
But i found her today after read the article.
Her music is wonderful, her voice is perfect! I enjoy her music.
She is a very beatiful and talented woman!
Awesome!❤️
I'm happy because i found this song 😍
You wouldn't hear about her if u were U.S. either
@@GodmadeConscious Why? She’s from USA
@@marmars7777 because she not mainstream. Only people who dig hear her
Motherland and The House Carpenter's Daughter are deeply underrated albums that deserve revisiting greatly in these times...
I bought the Motherland album. She was very young then. Now she has many grey hairs and I understand her songs more. She is still as beautiful as the younger version.
The band is fantastic too.
I just "discovered" Natalie Merchant tonight . I'm an old guy , and I'm amazed that it took me so long to find her . She is an amazing singer/musician and person . This was a beautiful , intimate and touching concert . It touched my heart . I will now follow her and her wonderful group
forever . They are special . George Lewis, SR
Ligia Lewis Are you familiar with 10,000 Maniacs?
Better late than ever!
I discovered her songs on Spotify today and been playing them. Love her voice.
She's no longer with 10,000 Maniacs which was a great group..
You can't be too old if you didn't know her.
Never gets old...love her when I was in my 20s and now im closing in on 50s and still amazed!
You and me both brother.
Haven't listened to Merchant for nearly a decade. Played Ophelia album on repeat a few times over the last couple days and it brings me to tears. Truly on par with the sign of the times, Natalie Merchant is a poet, song writer, voice of a people, timeless and resonates so deeply with everything we are dealing with collectively in regards to the trauma we are suffering as a planet amongst the parasitic dictators and autocrats, greedy billionaire opportunistic exploiters of people, animals and the planet. Her words and voice brings me to tears.
So, so true💜
Anti-fascists work for fascists. The left is a Un a live cult.
The W has gone into a death roll it will not pull out of.
Listening this again, 3 years later. Sounds even better, if possible!! The best Tiny Concert of all Times ❤
Natalie sings her songs as if shes lived everyone of them. A special voice from a very special person.
that's so true captain....you follow her and relate....she is captivating
This is true even though I don't understand the lyrics very well(I'm not an english speaker)
Feels every word and delivers it with passion. Only great artists, do that !
She has lived them. She tells you in live performances the backgrounds of songs.
I couldn't sleep last night no matter what I tried. Then l realized that I needed some uplifting, positive music from someone who feels like an old friend. Natalie Merchant has helped me get through my life's low points. I started watching her videos & suddenly smiles replaced the tears that had been running down my face. That's the magic that this beautiful, caring woman possesses. She is my Guardian Angel.
She definitely fits that description for me also...Her voice and words soothe.❤
she has the clearest , most touching voice ever
I loved her music when she was with 10,000 Maniacs. 20+ years have gone by so fast....
Queen Natalie still has no grammy! Nobody is as good as Natalie, shes simply the best of her generation. Like an alternative rock version of paul simon, joan baez, Leonard Cohen or Buffy sainte-marie all rolled into one Little Italian cannoli.
I like that analogy!
MrDLOC11 are you serious?! No Grammy? Nothing from Tigerlilly? Or Maniacs? They should be shot if true!
Some people just make music for the glory of making music. They make music to tell a story and to share their art. Many artists (art-it’s) never get a Grammy and I’m actually ok with that... hope they are.
Something tells me she could care less about “industry” accolades.
Jewel is equally special.
I grew up in the same city as Natalie, Jamestown. Natalie was one year younger. What an amazing women, her music is still one of my favorites. Thank you Natalie.
This guitar player is so appropriate, subdued, and there is not a single wasted note. Amazing.
her voice just will always make me simultaneously pay attention...and melt into listening into a place i can feel at home. she's the best.
Absolutely my favorite Tiny Desk performance! Flawless. I've always loved Natalie's music but hearing it performed here in this intimate setting is the peak!
Loving this in lockdown in Michigan. Surviving Covid-19 with Natalie Merchant!
What can I say that has not already been said, Thank you Natalie Merchant. The purest of pure talent, No Frills,
Just pure talent. Enchanting performance. Barry M Nova Scotia, Canada
She is the best. Her voice is still 100% on point after all of these years.
She can hit those really subtle notes like no other.
Wow, this is so good. Her voice has aged like a fine wine.
She's a national treasure!
This is one of the perfect NPR presentations, if not the most perfect; a most admired singer, a great ensemble of musicians and beautiful songs, and of course the crowd involvement
A truly gifted artist ... her songs are not for listening to ... they are for living through.
I really want to see Natalie duet with Alison Krauss. They both sing like angels and I think the harmonies between them would be pure magic ❤️
My two favorite female artists!
Wow, I never thought about this before but I agree completely, can't believe this hasn't already happened!!
I can't go back on a time machine but CZcams is the next best thing~~
Natalie Merchant is a national treasure. True to herself. Authentic. I have the deepest admiration and affection for her as a person and as musician. As long as she keeps playing I'll keep listening.
theglitteringmetropolis Same.
Loved and blessings from Malawi, Africa. Been a fan since the 10 000 Maniacs days. Such a blessing.
Agreed!
Hello muti
Muti Michael Phoya Ahh, 10,000 Maniacs! Love it, you’re a true fan. Her voice is angelic and subtly powerful.
so ashamed to admit i love her voice but only know her radio hits. Jeezus ive been missing out on EVERYTHING. Amazing lyrics. 😍 and such soul in every word and note. guess im a newly baptized fan at 37 years old. 💗
10,000 Maniacs is my all time favorite group, if I was forced to pick. And Natalie's voice is so stirring and jarring and soothing and graceful and warm...so many things. And her songs teach all of us how to deepen our empathy. So special.
I lost track of Natalie for a bit, but here I return to find that she is better than ever. I hope she stays around for many years to come. She is one singer at the top of my all time list.
The last song makes you smile. It was special to hear the whole audience singing along. Her voice sounds as good as it did on The Wishing Chair. Talented band.
I was hardhearted/cold and skeptical...and then the CHOIR sang...I wept...and am CHANGED..!!! THANKS natalie..love you ...youre so beautiful. thanks band...thanks npr....god bless. kisses.
A voice like none other. I've loved Natalie since 1987. Incredible.
Wow... Her voice triggers so many memories and feelings. She is stunning. That voice.
She has an effortless voice. Some singers with big voices often have really exaggerated facial tics when performing, but with Natalie, she just opens her mouth and all this power comes out.
Her voice touches me like very few do, or ever have.
+Mark Jones Same with me-there are certain voices (and for me it's Natalie Merchant, Sandy Denny, Rhiannon Giddens, Paul Rodgers) where it doesn't matter what they sing, the voice alone moves you every time-and when they are a great songwriter as well, it really doesn't get much better than that.
She's so amazing. Been a fan since I saw the Peace Train video on MTV in '87. Can't wait for her new album in April '24. ❤️
I can’t wait either!
Natalie is a true earth mother. Love her and her music.
30 years and I still love this lady.......
Natalie Merchant videos are about the only ones that have no negative comments or it sure appears that way and rightly so.
good observation tod//////spot on
there was one, but even this one was merely making a negative comment about the acordeon, nit her =o)
Has this big burly man crumbling to motherland everytime. Such a songbird.
Found this by accident when searching for more John Prine (RIP John). I nearly passed it up but since I had never heard of Natalie I said to myself...what the heck. Part way through her first song I was hooked. What a voice and a personality to go along with It and I am now a fan! Love the Weeping Pilgrim and can't get it out of my head.
One of a kind, in a life. Cherish her, listen to all of her music when you can. One of the great things of CZcams is finding these voices that will never get old. She is most definitely one of them. Such a purity and simple, elegant sound, always on pitch, and her phrasing and blend of melody and the words are blessed, so easy on the ears. But as the best comment said, she is true to herself and not trying to impress anyone, just sharing. I'd suggest you CZcams "Misguided Angel Natalie Merchant" - you'll love it.
You have tapped into one of the great treasures of modern music. Many gems await you from your new discovery ....👍👍👍👍
King of May...
Natalie is such a beautiful soul. Her voice is so soothing. So natural.
I love the way she sang that controversial song "Pee Stain". Why can't the woman pronounce her R's?
@@TheKitchenerLeslie Doesn't really matter, does it?
@@mahayanamom Define the word "matter" and I'll take you seriously.
@@TheKitchenerLeslie she literally has a speech impediment. just like biden has a stammer. you cruel trumpenstein tool.
How can anyone, not on meds or possessed by Satan himself, give this a thumbs down? This is as perfect as it gets!
Hey what’s wrong with satan? I love him an her!
Oh, that's easy, they listen to electronic sounds! They have no clue what actual music sounds like!
If you hate this you're on the wrong meds.
There are trolls wherever you go. I’m confident they didn’t bother to listen to one note. They derived a momentary rush with their electronic vote. Pay them no mind.
...a warm breeze on a crisp fall day...my love to those who bring such things...wrapped in woolens and friends laughter near by...Natalie you are one of life's pleasures...thank you...
this woman's voice and music have been pullin all my strings for 25 years ...many thanks
You know something is good when it changes how you feel. This is gold.
Oh what a voice, she still got that memorable voice......
Natalie Merchant is fabulous, she lets it out with such ease and grace!
This one video shows the amazing pure talent of Natalie Merchant. What a voice, full of emotion, full of ease. She is my Sicilian cousin (we are all cousins). A unique voice for the ages.
Natalie is the best female voice of al times. unique, power, organic, folk, romantic. all in one amazing
And Sandy Denny :)
This was one of the most beautifully therapeutic NPR tiny desks I've EVER had the delight to watch. The energy is overflowing in that room and the hymn sung all together brought tears to my eyes. Real talent!
This sound echoes in my soul. Celtic depths alive and well.
And the bass fiddle reminds me of the first time I hitched distance. Louisville to NY (Pelham). Around Cleveland got a ride from an Hasidic young man in a big white Pontiac. It was late and cold (even though late March it was spitting sleet in Cleveland when the trucker dropped us off at a cloverleaf). And he had a bass fiddle across the back and front seats. My buddy got in back and fell asleep and the fellow asked me to drive. So off we went towards Youngstown with the neck between us. He gave me half of his egg salad sandwich and it was a nice leg on a fortuitous journey that Easter.
A classic song, but this session demonstrates the power of Natalie's voice from the very start. Effortless. A gift.
Thanks to whoever made this happen.
Two notes and your mesmerized. I have so much missed this lovely voice, today's music misses it clearity and soulfulness. "10,000" Maniacs is about a billion people short. I'll never forget that soul stirring wildly spinning dancer and soul touching singer of the not so long ago. What a beautiful calm natured songstress she has become. Age is a beautiful thing in the truly spiritually based soul.
The melancholic beauty of her voice makes every moment I hear her a reminder of how beauty happens to be interspersed within our lives. If we hear beyond the noise, there she is.
Her album Tigerlily, along with Alanis Morissette's first album, were the first two albums I ever purchased.
I was 10.
Needless to say, I have impeccable taste 😄😎. It's a real treat to listen to her music in my 30s and love her sound just as much.
Cheers, everyone. Hope you're all well :)
Braylon18
Holly molly! When I was 10 I had no idea music existed!
@@daniluchison 😄
I
2 of the best alums of the 90s
Great comment thanks for sharing
Two great albums right there.
I cannot help but keep coming back to this. It stands as my all-time favorite NPR Tiny Desk Concert.
I've watched it over a hundred times I think.
Motherland is the best
My favorite is Delores ORiordan
Late to the party, but enthusiastic member of this club. ❤️
Gary Clark Jr. my favorite
She just keeps getting better and better. She seems to caress you with her vocal, which is very special.
DannoCrutch:SHE &NORAH JONES NEED A DUET TOGETHER,WITH THEIR SIMILAR SOFT VELVET VOICES TOGETHER,PURE HEAVEN SCENT,WITH SARAH MCGLAUGHLAN BESIDE'EM!!WE NEED ANOTHER LILITH FAIRE!!