Natalia Lafourcade: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Natalia Lafourcade play at the Tiny Desk.

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Oct. 27, 2017 | Felix Contreras -- Natalia Lafourcade is a successful singer-songwriter whose voice and music live on the edge of pop, but maintain a distinct independence.

A few years ago, while Lafourcade was traveling Brazil, she felt a great nostalgia for her native Mexico and its folk music. When she finally returned home, she immediately called some friends for the kind of party that is ubiquitous in Latin America: lots of social drinking, lots of food and lots of guitars and singing. Classic folk songs were on the playlist and a good time was had by all.

Someone recorded the informal jam session and Lafourcade's management team heard the tapes. "This is your next record!" they told her.

That record, Musas: Un Homenaje al Folclore Latinoamericano en Manos de los Macorinos, Vol. 1, was a commercial and critical hit, and received a Latin Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. It only made sense for Lafourcade to bring her Musas tour to the Tiny Desk. The performances are an ode to a magical time in Mexican popular music, one that is revived with every note this singer and her band perform.

One important historical note: The two older gentlemen on the video are Juan Carlos Allende and Miguel Peña, two revered musicians who played with the iconic ranchera singer Chavela Vargas.

Set List

"Soledad y el Mar"
"Mi Tierra Veracruzana"
"Tú Sí Sabes Quererme"

MUSICIANS

Natalia Lafourcade (vocals), Ernesto Anaya (traditional Mexican guitar), Uriel Herrera (drums), Jorge Molina (double bass), Juan Carlos Allende [Los Macorinos] (acoustic guitar), Bernardo Ruiz (electric guitar)

CREDITS

Producers:Felix Contreras, Bronson Arcuri; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Morgan Noelle Smith, Tsering Bista, Maia Stern; Production Assistant: Jenna Li; Photo: Liam James Doyle/NPR

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[nprmusic]

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[carlosperezaraujo]

I'm unemployed at the moment (COVID) . Every time I have a scheduled interview, 10 minutes before I listen to this, and feel CALM AND READY. i love you Natalia. [EDIT: I GOT THE JOB!!!]


Update Jan 2024:

For those wondering how is life going on for me lately ... It's been quite a journey! I moved to Seattle and I love it here. I'm thankful for my job. Sending blessings to those seeking employment, so that you can fulfill your everyday's needs. believe in yourself and stay faithful.
I continue to be in awe by Natalia's music, I got to see her live last month, beautiful experience, I was blown away, I can't even express how calm and happy I felt listening to every song from her album 'De todas Las flores'

[KevOnStage]

This is why I love tiny desk. I had never heard of Natalia. Now I'll never forget her.

[nefijacoblopezbarreiro]

Voy a dejar un comentario para que cada que alguien le de like, me recuerde que debo volver a escuchar esta joya. Natalia enciende mi corazón con su música y su carisma, que bonito y que bonita

[bluetrane]

@2:20 is the exact moment I fell in love

[lincolnhobartmiller]

I am a combat veteran and suffer from PTSD and have not been happy for a long time, l never smile. I have only discovered this by chance and for the first time in a long time l feel at peace, lost in this extraordinary music and the musicians playing it. This is absolutely wonderful, thank you

Edit: Thanks for the love guys

[hudson]

Why am I crying? I don't even understand a word she is singing? Like something beautiful you heard in another life.

[brandonomarlopez]

I’m from Mexico and now living in the US. I shared this video to my dad a few years ago and he told me “Son I’ve never heard Natalia before, she’s awesome, she feels like rising our Mexican songs again as a few decades ago”. My dad passed away last January and next week I’ll be traveling to Mexico to put his cremation in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico (Ensenada, Mexico was his hometown). I’m planning to play “Soledad y el Mar” to say last good bye to my dad. I miss you every day. I love you.

[Ninatoro]

Me tomó 3 años volver a escuchar esta presentación. Fue de mi madre y mía mientras platicábamos en la cocina sonaba de fondo, ella bebía vino de frutas mientras yo cerveza. Es la favorita de mis memorias.Ella era Coatepecana entonces pues bueno ya se imaginarán. La extraño tanto…

[zackknight]

I've decided this is the best Tiny Desk Concert

[linzyj]

I'm a korean so i don't know what she says, but i do know her voice is perfect, , , it's like sound of sunshine.

[EC_-hi]

This Tiny Desk performance was the perfect example of music being universal - I don't really know Spanish, every few words maybe, but I didn't need to. So much emotion and vibrancy and joy! Truly a pleasure!

[berenicegarcia]

Díganme que no soy la única que me conmuevo hasta las lagrimas de escuchar esta maravillosa voz. Natalia Lafourcade es de lo mejor nos pudo haber pasado a mi México lindo y querido.

[Relatosdelanoche]

Nunca me voy a cansar de volver a este video y escuchar la voz de Natalia. Qué joya este concierto.

[Deelanh]

Damn I miss Veracruz, and I aint never been there

[myBquest]

Check Natalia's history, you won't be dissapointed. She has been a warrior from a very early age, and she has studied music non-stop. She's our tiny giant jewel. Mexico is so proud of her.

[breakerjr]

First song sounds like its out of an old movie and Coming out of a radio, so beautiful

[SpelllMe]

Never heard of Natalia Lafourcade before today. I clicked on this randomly, and discovered a great treasure.

[giovannaelia]

Yo soy italiana y amo a Natalia! En Italia no es muy conocida pero yo soy profesora de castellano y a mis alumnos siempre les hago aprender canciones de Natalia!!! Y a ellos les encantan!

[kaysolomons]

Im South African and i watch this tiny desk atleast 2 times a month😍😍😭. The first song is my favourite💗