Tag: Michael Daves

Best of: NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts

Posted on by Editor

Back in 2008, NPR’s All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen and NPR Music producer Stephen Thompson went to see Portland-based singer/songwriter Laura Gibson at a bar in Austin, Texas. They left feeling frustrated after being unable to hear Gibson’s delicate sound over the roar of the bar-goers. But they also had a novel idea: Why not host a concert in the comfort of their own office, where the music could be center stage? So began Tiny Desk Concerts, and we at the BGS couldn’t be happier to have a multitude of noteworthy performances of all different genres at our fingertips!

After combing through the Tiny Desk archives — and getting sidetracked time and time again along the way — we’ve picked out five must-see concerts for your viewing pleasure.

Julien Baker

We can’t get enough of Memphis native Julien Baker’s raw lyricism and delicate delivery. There’s something truly magical about the way her minimalistic yet cutting electric guitar parts reverberate around a room, and that voice just gives us goosebumps.

Chris Thile and Michael Daves

Chris Thile is no stranger to Tiny Desk, and while his performances with Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers, and Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan all showcase his musical genius and energetic stage presence (we wonder if anyone has more fun performing than him), this concert with Michael Daves is our favorite by far.

Andrew Bird

If Andrew Bird’s signature whistling and violin pizzicato doesn’t pique your interest, we’re not sure what will! This set consists of three songs off of Bird’s 2016 album, Are You Serious. If anyone has any tips on how to play the violin and sing at the same time, please let us know! We are still baffled by how easy Bird makes it look.

Chris Stapleton

Between the raspy voice and rugged cowboy looks, Chris Stapleton epitomizes the country rocker. Joined by wife and fellow singer/songwriter Morgane, Stapleton’s calm, cool, collected manner and remarkable songwriting abilities are unmistakably awe-inspiring in the intimate setting of Tiny Desk. It’s no wonder so many country artists have been clamoring to sing his songs all these years.

Gaelynn Lea

It’s not hard to figure out why violinist, folk singer, and disability rights advocate Gaelynn Lea was chosen as the winner of the Tiny Desk Contest from an entrant pool of over 6,000 unsigned artists back in 2016. The combination of her classical and Celtic-folk roots — along with her use of a loop pedal and unique voice — makes her an obvious stand out. Even better, the Tiny Desk format allowed Lea’s endearing personality and humor to shine through.

FILM PREMIERE: Michael Daves, ‘The Making of Orchids and Violence’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Michael Daves
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Project: The Making of Orchids and Violence
Release Date: December 27, 2016

In Their Words: "Nobody can dispute that Michael Daves is one of the most influential bluegrass guitar players around today. So when we heard that he was recording a double album in December of 2014, we asked if we could make a documentary about it.

The next two years took us on a journey from the bluegrass album that was recorded at the Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to the electric album that was recorded in Michael's home studio, to the three release shows at Rockwood Music Hall, Knitting Factory, and the Bell House. Making this documentary was a true labor of love. It was such a privilege getting to work with the incredible musicians involved with this project. And, with Michael at the helm, there was no doubt that the final product would be anything but mesmerizing. Orchids and Violence is an absolute masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind album that features two very distinct sides of a musician at the top of his game." — Jason Zucker

The Making of 'Orchids and Violence' from Paper Swan on Vimeo.

Photo credit: Jason Zucker

3×3: Michael Daves on Gandalf, Rogen, and Chris Thile’s Food Obsessions

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Michael Daves
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY (but from the ATL)
Latest Album: Orchids and Violence
Personal Nicknames: None self-applied, but I've gotten Doc, Bluegrass Gandalf, the bother father. And it's not a nickname, but enough people call me Dave by accident that I usually respond to it.

 

Storming Shelter Island with Bryan Sutton

A photo posted by Michael Daves (@michael.daves) on

Which decade do you think of as the "golden age" of music?
2020-29.

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?
Teleportation

If you were in a high school marching band, which instrument would you want to play?
The tuba. Mostly because of that scene in Freaks and Geeks where Seth Rogen's character likens playing one to blowing into a toilet.

 

It's an orange Christmas. #hisandhers #rawk @trcrandall Watch out, 2016

A photo posted by Michael Daves (@michael.daves) on

What's your go-to road food?
Usually, something I can't get at home in New York City. When out West, In-N-Out Burger; In the Southeast, Waffle House. But, when I'm traveling with Chris Thile, it's whatever the most esoteric, ridiculous, and mind-blowing foodie establishment in a town may be. Or several towns over. We've been known to drive an hour out of our way for better coffee. Yeah, we're that guy.

Who was the best teacher you ever had — and why?
Yusef Lateef. He was very concerned with his students learning to sound like themselves, play from their own experiences and emotions, and find new sounds. Plus, he was so warm and sincere toward everybody that he's the only person I can imagine ever having gotten away with referring to my wife as "Mrs. Brother Daves" without getting punched.

What's your favorite fruit?
Currently, shishito peppers.

Boots or sneakers?
Have you ever seen me? Sneakers, always.

Noodles or rice?
Rice noodles!

Pacific or Atlantic?
East coast, through and through

Photo credit: Jacob Blickenstaff

MIXTAPE: Michael Daves

Posted on by Editor

Photo by Linus Gelber

If you’ve been to Manhattan’s Rockwood Music Hall in the past few years, you’ve probably seen the name MICHAEL DAVES.  The guitar maven has held a weekly residency at the venue and is central figure in the New York bluegrass scene.  With his distinct vintage glasses and fast-picking fingers, Daves belts both classic and original tunes with a voice that rings from another era.  While winning the adulation of many of the genre’s foremost musicians, Daves’ presence remained regional until the release of 2011’s collaboration with Chris Thile, Sleep With One Eye Open.  The record garnered lots of deserving attention, with the New York Times heralding their Lincoln Center performance as ‘a plunge into classic bluegrass songs’ with ‘a modern sense of sonic detail.’  As Thile/Daves books more live national appearances this year, Michael sent us his five tunes…

Track:  With Body and Soul
Artist:  Bill Monroe

‘Total committment.  This is why Bill Monroe is both the father of bluegrass music and the grandfather of rock ‘n’ roll.  And isn’t that a young Del McCoury lurking under the big hat?’


Tracks:  Horses & Hey Joe
Artist:  Patti Smith

‘Ditto re: total committment.  This is why Patti Smith is the mother of punk.  Unfortunately she’s the grandmother of bad spoken word, but I forgive her.  If more performers gave themselves over to a song half as much as Patti does, the world would be a better place.’

Track:  Trouble In Mind
Artist:  Yusef Lateef (with Cannonball Adderly)

‘Yusef was my teacher in college, and a constant inspiration.  His music is so incredibly soulful I sometimes cry when I hear it.  Also he’s as warm and compassionate a human as can be, and he had good advice for aspiring ‘jazz’ musicians that should apply to bluegrassers as well: ‘The only tradition in music is sound like yourself”


Track:  Shade and the Black Hat
Artist:  Jeremy Enigk

‘I spent the late nineties immersed in jazz and had no clue what incredible things were going on in the rock world, for instance Neutral Milk Hotel, which I later came to love so much.  This guy Jeremy Enigk is another example from my personal ‘lost era’.  He never got to be very well known but his album Return of the Frog Queen slays me.’


Track:  Hoping That You’re Hoping
Artist:  The Louvin Brothers

‘There’s not much to say about this – the Louvins are just incredible on every level.  Don’t look into Ira’s crazy eyes too soon before bedtime though.’