Allen Stone: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

This performance was recorded on February 26, 2020. We will continue releasing Tiny Desk videos of shows that had already been taped. In light of current events, NPR is postponing new live tapings of Tiny Desk Concerts. In the meantime, check out Tiny Desk (home) concerts! They’re recorded by the artists in their home. It’s the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

Watch Allen Stone play "American Privilege", "Give You Blue", "Brown Eyed Lover" and "Consider Me" at the Tiny Desk.

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March 30, 2020 | Bobby Carter -- I can't recall an artist so committed to making their Tiny Desk concert memorable. I'd met with Allen Stone weeks prior to go over priorities, expectations and the usual formalities, but this was different. His questions about how to prepare for the Tiny Desk signaled to me that he held this platform in the highest regard and that this wasn't just any appearance.

The Washington state native has a voice that we simply don't come across often. The old saying goes, "He could sing the phone book and make it sound good." His three graceful background singers and piano player provided the perfect compliment, but this set proved undoubtedly that his voice belongs right up front. He's been releasing music for more than a decade and touring the world, but last year's Building Balance is his best yet and he graced the desk with some of my favorites from the LP.

Before he rolled into a trilogy of Building Balance songs dedicated to his wife (who he said he's "face first in love" with), the set opened with the jarring "American Privilege," which addresses his internal guilt about everything from materialism to being born white. Between songs, he couldn't contain his affinity for the Tiny Desk and his appreciation for the moment. "It's a breath of fresh air for me that this is the way people want to hear music."

SET LIST
"American Privilege"
"Give You Blue"
"Brown Eyed Lover"
"Consider Me"

MUSICIANS
Allen Stone: vocals, guitar; Michael Elson: piano; Jessica Childress: vocals; Moorea Masa: vocals; Raquel Rodriguez: vocals

CREDITS
Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineers: Josh Rogosin, James Willetts; Videographers: Maia Stern, CJ Riculan, Bronson Arcuri; Production Assistant: Shanti Hands; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Max Posner/NPR

[sallysson]

Tiny Desk is never pregnant but it always delivers.

[AllenStoneMusic]

Thanks for having me - it was a blast!!

[nessatenny]

Lowkey raging that he didn’t sing Unaware, but his love for his wife is melting my heart at the same time🥺🥺

[patriciamalloy]

I'm 67 years old. For the past 50 years Van Morrison and James Taylor have defined and sustained me.
This young man, Allen Stone, will give value and meaning to the final 20 years l have remaining.
This kid renders me speechless.

[justinlatawiec]

There's a select number of artists that sound as good live as they do on recordings. Then there's even a smaller group that sound BETTER live, and Allen Stone is one of them. Not a single incorrect note, so much raw emotion and energy, and simply pure talent. Such an incredible musician.

[WilbertGross]

One of the rare artists that his live performances sound better than his records. You can't say that with many artists.

[ryanmiller]

If you’ve followed Allen stones career. You’ll also know he’s consistently a humble guy who just loves music. Simple as that

[MsSnapcrackle]

Did us I need about 45 more minutes of this perfection.

[johnventura]

“I will give you blue” is spectacular musically and lyrically

[humanbeing]

Been listening to him for years and genuinely dont understand how he's not musician & funny dude

[hanselgunawan]

S E T L I S T :
American Privilege - 00:00
Give You Blue - 05:41
Brown Eyed Lover - 10:25
Consider Me - 16:02

[shanevan]

One of the most underrated vocalists of this century!

[elliemani]

'give you blue' is just one of those songs you listen to and instantly know you want to be played at your wedding.

[lindathomas]

This 80 year old knows raw talent when I hear and see it! Keep singing young man!

[orian]

ALLEN STONE GOT A TINY DESK!!!! In these dark quarantine times, his voice gives me joy!

[iGnominee]

Allen stone’s vibrato is unreal, such control and variation to it. One of the best in today’s music.

[Neco]

I love how he dedicates most of his set to his wife. I hope to meet someone someday that inspires me that much.

[davidmurphy]

I come and watch this tiny desk at least once a month. One of the best and most underrated tiny desk ever published. Allen Stone is a true gem.

[nindyrafitricia]

My ex introduced me to Allen. I could easily got over the ex, but Allen will stays in heart 4eva

[internetathi]

The first song drew me in. I'm sold.