Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

Abby O'Neill | July 13, 2020
Producer/guitarist Tom Misch and drummer Yussef Dayes released a surprising and stunning collaborative album earlier this year called What Kinda Music, which I've listened to countless times these past couple months. This Tiny Desk (home) concert — recorded across six different musicians' homes — features two songs from that album, "Nightrider" and "Tidal Wave." On the former, special guest John Mayer provides a closing solo, just as he did at last year's Crossroads Guitar Festival. Also accompanying is longtime Misch collaborator Jordan Rakei and Tom Driessler on bass. "Tidal Wave," featuring Rocco Palladino on bass and Joel Culpepper on backing vocals, is equally hypnotic. Like the album, this short set evokes a dreamy utopia, blending live electronica, psychedelia and avant-garde jazz. The poignant hook of "Tidal Wave" — "Chaos / Throwing midnight like a tidal wave / Raindrops / Filling up your eyes as the water takes the stage" — feels symbolic and resonant with the current state of the world.

SET LIST
"Nightrider"
"Tidal Wave"

MUSICIANS
Tom Misch: vocals, guitar; Yussef Dayes: drums; Tom Driessler: bass; Rocco Palladino: bass; Joel Culpepper: vocals; Jordan Rakei: vocals; John Mayer: guitar

CREDITS
Video By: Joseph Dunn; Audio By: Tom Misch; Producer: Abby O'Neill; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[pcb]

Yussef is so musical with his drums, he could tour solo

[marinamartin]

John Mayer.. Tom Misch... stop. My heart

[kofiperry]

For anyone who doesn't know, Rocco Palladino is Pino Palladino's son: the legendary bassist who worked on TONS of stuff, including D'angelo's Voodoo

[marcosclaus]

I need a John Mayer Tiny Desk CONCERT. He is with the best musicians too

[bayareaknight]

The drummer's skills are insane...how could I have not known about this dude.

[viniciusgusmao]

John Mayer, Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei were already my favorite artists before that. And Yussef is currently my favorite drummer. Is awesome see all they together.

[giftkgadima]

Hiding behind the thumbnail is Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes, Tom Driessler, Rocco Palladino, Joel Culpepper, Jordan Rakei, John Mayer.
What a lovely surprise!

[joyandrea]

this concert should be longer than 8:36 seconds

[Jeremiah.craigg]

John Mayer's tone is otherworldly

[_bermuda]

This drummer.... man. Quite possibly one of the more unique styles I’ve ever heard. So creative, yet so tight.

[mawandekolele]

This is everything I imagined intergalactic space travel to feel like...

[Generaldogsbodyesquire]

the thought of john mayer sat at home listening to nightrider is so mad

[sandrosantos]

John showing that "silence" is music too.

[swijap]

yeah sorry we couldn't get freddie gibbs do his part so instead we put a sick solo of john mayer in it... yep, works for me

[bradenwang]

Alright we need a john mayer tiny desk now

[arthuraraujo]

Rocco: so there's this John guy that plays with dad, and he sort of wants to collab...
Tom: errr sure, let's give him a solo at the end

[seabass]

Tom is like the son of Sade and Thom Yorke. And it feels good!

[theloniouscoltrane]

As long as John Mayer, Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes, and Rocco Palladino continue sharing their talents, MUSIC is alive and well.

[FunkedUpKids]

The bassist is absolutely killing it on the first track. Tasteful voicings 🌊🌊

[night]

Yussef's groove and control is simply incredible