Season 4

2011 · 83 episodes

Episodes

1Abigail WashburnWatch the singer-songwriter mix American bluegrass and Chinese folk from the NPR Music offices.
2GyptianThe reggae star performs his hit "Hold You" and more from the NPR Music offices in Washington, D.C.
3David Wax MuseumThe band brings a frenetic, infectious blend of American and Mexican folk to the NPR Music offices.
4Ballake Sissoko And Vincent SegalThe masterful kora-and-cello duo performs a transfixing set combining African and European strings.
5Iron And WineSam Beam gives a fresh side of his new songs at NPR, and tops it off with a devastating 2004 gem.
6Basia BulatThe Canadian singer-songwriter sings highlights from her two albums, plus a surprise from Poland.
7Richard ThompsonWatch the folk-rock legend perform songs from his 20th solo album, Dream Attic, at NPR Music.
8StarsWatch Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell transform three of Stars' songs into spare, pretty folk music.
9Ivan And AlyoshaThe band showcases its Beatles-esque pop harmonies and sweet melodies from the NPR Music offices.
10Esperanza SpaldingThe jazz bassist, singer and Best New Artist Grammy winner performs in the NPR Music offices.
11Turtle Island QuartetWith an eclectic palette of sounds and styles, the Turtle Island Quartet swings at NPR Music.
12AdeleIn a three-song set at the NPR Music offices, the U.K. pop star showcases her brilliant voice.
13Local NativesThe L.A. band brings its euphoric choruses and clattering Afrobeat rhythms to the NPR Music offices.
14Damien JuradoHear Jurado's raw, time-worn, authentically graceful music, performed in the NPR Music office.
15Steve Riley And The Mamou PlayboysWatch the Grammy-nominated Cajun band play an upbeat yet bittersweet set from the NPR Music offices.
16Lizz WrightIn this two-song set at the NPR Music offices, Wright channels the gospel and soul of her past.
17Nellie McKayMcKay's bold, audacious personality shines in this set recorded at the NPR Music offices.
18Sierra Leone's Refugee All StarsHear the Refugee All Stars' upbeat reggae grooves, performed live at the NPR Music offices.
19Josh RitterRitter can't hide his enjoyment of a performance, even when his songs convey obsession or disaster.
20Otis TaylorWatch the banjo player perform his trademark trance-inducing blues at the NPR Music offices.
21Mount KimbieWatch the dubstep duo perform our first-ever electronic Tiny Desk Concert at the NPR offices.
22Pokey LaFargeWatch LaFarge play '20s- and '30s-inspired music with the help of his band, The South City Three.
23Steve EarleA singer, author, actor and activist, Earle showcases many of his talents at the NPR Music offices.
24Wu ManWatch the world's reigning pipa virtuoso play ancient music from her Chinese homeland.
25Booker T. JonesJones' name is synonymous with the Hammond B3 organ. Watch him play one in the NPR Music offices.
26Julieta VenegasAfter six albums, including last year's Otra Cosa, Venegas is still defying expectations.
27Neil InnesWatch the Rutles alumnus play three of his classic satirical songs in the NPR Music offices.
28Future IslandsWatch the band's short but intense and cathartic set, performed live in the NPR Music offices.
29LowSingers Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker perform three songs from their gorgeous new album, C'mon.
30Jackie EvanchoWatch the 11-year-old perform Handel's "Ombra mai fu" at the NPR Music offices.
31The Kopecky Family BandThe Tennessee band's sweet, swollen folk-rock songs keep blooming into something irresistible.
32The Black AngelsHear a bold and surprising mix of sensibilities — at once icy and rustic, cavernous and confined.
33Chris Thile And Michael DavesWatch Thile and Daves play traditional bluegrass with New York intensity at the NPR Music offices.
34Charlie SiemWatch the stylish young violinist pull out a bag of tricks in music by Paganini.
35The DecemberistsWith Chris Funk and Sara Watkins, Colin Meloy plays three sparkling songs from The King Is Dead.
36YACHTWatch the electro-pop band's striking and infectious performance at the NPR Music offices.
37The Civil WarsWatch Joy Williams and John Paul White's swooning chemistry and stirring harmonies at NPR Music.
38MilosWatch the newcomer from Montenegro play Spanish standards and a passionate ode to his homeland.
39The Blind Boys Of AlabamaHear the gospel greats' mix of polished blues, swinging soul and from-the-gut expressions of faith.
40Julian Lage TrioThe guitarist, 23, was once called a prodigy. But he's maturing into a distinctive bandleader, too.
41Ben SolleeThe genre-bending cellist and songwriter has created a unique take on folk music.
42Joe Boyd And Robyn HitchcockBoyd reads from White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s, while Hitchcock plays songs from the era.
43Y La BambaWatch Luzelena Mendoza and Y La Bamba craft joyfully rich vocal harmonies in the NPR Music offices.
44GiversAt the NPR offices, the band plays a sunny, exuberant set, suitable for dancing and bobbing along.
45They Might Be GiantsWatch the band perform two of its brand-new songs, as well as "Fingertips," a classic 1992 chestnut.
46Amanda ShiresThe singer plays a charming set featuring songs from Carrying Lightning at the Tiny Desk.
47Noah And The WhaleThe London band plugs in its drum machine, but sweet simplicity still reigns in the NPR offices.
48Paul JacobsWatch the miraculous hands (and feet) of the Grammy-winning organist in an all-Bach performance.
49Gaby MorenoWatch the Guatemalan singer's breathtaking and passionate set at the NPR Music offices.
50Other LivesThe Oklahoma band brings its spacious minor-key hymns to the NPR Music offices.
51James Vincent McMorrowThe Irishman has one of the most arresting voices of any young singer you're likely to hear.
52CALLmeKATWatch the synth-pop musician perform a hauntingly beautiful set at the NPR Music offices.
53PhosphorescentWatch Matthew Houck play a stirring, road-ragged solo Tiny Desk Concert at the NPR Music offices.
54King Creosote And Jon HopkinsDiamond Mine's unassuming creators lose little of their charm and mystique in the NPR Music office.
55Foster The PeopleArmed with the summer song of 2011, the band brings "Pumped Up Kicks" and more to NPR Music.
56Diego GarciaWatch the former Elefant frontman perform songs from his album Laura at the NPR Music offices.
57Sean RoweRowe brings his booming voice and ever-louder acoustic-guitar set-ups to the NPR Music offices.
58Jeremy MessersmithThe Twin Cities singer is a pop genius, with creative ambition to match his considerable charm.
59BeirutBeirut performs worldly, inspired songs from its new album The Rip Tide at the NPR Music offices.
60Jenny LinThe pianist usually plays eight-foot Steinways. See what she does on an electronic keyboard.
61The KlezmaticsRing in Rosh Hashanah with three globe-trotting tunes from one of the world's greatest Jewish bands.
62Trombone ShortyThe New Orleans native achieved stardom with his voice and his horn. But he just wants you to dance.
63Mates Of StateThe band's performance in the NPR Music offices creates a vibe of ragged, awkward intimacy.
64Fountains Of WayneThese songs showcase a band with tremendous narrative gifts and a flair for subtle beauty.
65JEFF The BrotherhoodOf course, the power-punk duo took off their shirts at the NPR Music offices, because why not?
66GrouploveThe upstart band brings youthful, infectious energy to the NPR Music offices.
67Chris BathgateThe Michigan native's deliberately paced music is too rustic and pretty to be a true downer.
68WilcoArmed with tiny amps and a ton of grace, Wilco plays new songs and an old favorite at the Tiny Desk.
69Hilary HahnThe classical violinist blends Bach and Charles Ives with flair, then tops it off with a fedora.
70Ben Williams And Sound EffectThe jazz star and his band perform two songs from their album State of Art at the NPR Music offices.
71Lisa HanniganExuding both musical and personal warmth, the Irish singer mesmerized at the NPR Music offices.
72JuanesWatch the charismatic Colombian superstar give an intimate performance at the NPR Music offices.
73Jens LekmanThe Swedish singer shows off his humor and charm in this intimate set at the NPR Music offices.
74Marketa IrglovaAt the NPR Music offices, Irglova mixes the exotic and the familiar; sweetness and longing.
75Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile And Stuart DuncanThe genre-bending cellist heads a dream team of string players who borrow from bluegrass.
76Joe HenryAsking the fearless, easygoing singer to perform in a crowded office never felt like an imposition.
77Hospital ShipsHospital Ships' beautiful, crushing songs pack an emotional punch in this performance at NPR Music.
78Gabriel KahaneHear the agile musician's rigorously crafted songs, which fall somewhere between classical and pop.
79tUnE-yArDstUnE-yArDs sings of rage and inequality, but also celebrates the joy of letting out a wild sound.
80I WayneAs the cameras rolled, the reggae star came to life, showcasing his smooth voice and vibrant energy.
81Gem ClubMaybe you couldn't hear a pin drop when Gem Club played, but you could hear the click of a keyboard.
82The Music TapesThe Elephant 6 alum plays a holiday set compete with bowed banjos, singing saws and tape machines.
83Maria VolonteThe Argentine singer blends tango, Latin blues and the traditional music of Brazil and Peru.