BADBADNOTGOOD: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | January 23, 2017 — BADBADNOTGOOD made a name for itself by reworking songs from the likes of Nas and Ol' Dirty Bastard, eventually catching the attention of Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator. The masses took notice in 2015 when the group produced an entire LP for Ghostface Killah, Sour Soul. BADBADNOTGOOD has been called a hip-hop ensemble, but its foundation is clearly jazz, which provides a gateway to countless genres. On IV, the group allows that gateway to widen, adding soul and funk to the repertoire.

Still only in their 20s, the band's members never seemed intimidated by the intimate nature of the Tiny Desk; if anything, it accentuated their enthusiasm. This was their zone. They played three selections from IV — including "Cashmere," which only slightly veered from the studio version, and "In Your Eyes," which features Charlotte Day Wilson's vocals. The tight arrangement allowed Wilson to hover gently above the instrumentation, showing off the band's most promising work to date. It was a pleasure to have BADBADNOTGOOD at the desk for IV — and exciting to imagine what's in store for V, VI and beyond.

IV is available now:

SET LIST
"And That, Too."
"In Your Eyes" (Feat. Charlotte Day Wilson)
"Cashmere"

MUSICIANS
Alexander Sowinski (drums); Chester Hansen (bass); Leland Whitty (sax, flute, guitar); James Hill (piano); Charlotte Day Wilson (vocals).

CREDITS
Producers: Bobby Carter, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Colin Marshall, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Jenny Gathright; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[daniell]

Fun fact: these guys arranged "Get You" by Daniel Caesar. Bassline, drums, and all. They're on the recording.

[m.johnson]

My daughter was playing a song upstairs and me being a bassist really liked the bassline. The song was Time Moves Slow. I decided to dig a little deeper into this band and this was not what I was expecting. Go hed youngsta's. You guys (and Lady) make beautiful music. Your bassist is outstanding! Glad my daughter put me up on ya'll. I hear LA by SiR in this too btw.

[mchawkjunior]

Charlotte Day Wilsons voice is so beautiful.

[ryarbrough]

Who else was blown away the first time hearing this singer?

[cesarvivas]

they have such a good bassist. i wish they would raise his sound a small amount.

[whatdothlife]

This drummer is so freakin' delicate and precise I love it. The whole band is serving the song.

[MrDJEscrow]

This is Incredible. BADBADNOTGOOD has never made a bad song. I would Absolutely love to see Hiatus Kaiyote, Little Dragon & Kamasi Washington.

[inachevement]

0:01 _And That, Too._

7:04 _In Your Eyes (Feat. Charlotte Day Wilson)_

11:23 _Cashmere_

[ben]

props to the audio engineers... super crisp

[LH-cjll]

Glad to see this oncoming generation, jazz needs this!

[brrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiian]

i would say this was good good not bad

[RodrigoOliveira-bzzd]

I will never forget seeing these guys live playing with Arthur Verocai here in Brazil. It was mind blowing.

[elipardue]

CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON!! what. a. voice.

[alexgreen]

Returning here again and again. How can a group so young have such a mature, rich sound ?

[Kevin-rqjy]

There's no stronger drug than MUSIC.

[YitroBenAvraham]

Man, this live performance of "In Your Eyes" is even better than the studio version!

[sdotbell]

They have a chemistry and cohesiveness that is palpable.. and it’s what makes an amazing group/band.. they are in sync with each other

[TheRalouch]

good to know the boys from Malcolm in the middle are doing alright

[DTschoppy]

Honestly some parts reminded me a ton of Coltrane, love it

[MvsG]

All these years, I've always imagined Charlotte Day Wilson being a black woman, such a powerful yet deep voice I never thought I'd hear from a white woman. So talented, touching and effortless for such an amazing chant. Amazing.