Dave Matthews: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Stephen Thompson | June 27, 2018 -- When you go to a Dave Matthews Band concert, you expect a super-sized performance, complete with expansive solos and a nice, long set list. So when Matthews shed his backing players to swing by the Tiny Desk for a solo gig, he couldn't just knock out three songs and bail. Instead, he played a set so long — so defiantly un-Tiny — that his between-song banter could have filled a Tiny Desk concert on its own.

After a bit of judicious trimming, we're still left with this warm, winning, utterly game, happily overstuffed performance, which balances songs from Dave Matthews Band's new album Come Tomorrow ("Samurai Cop," "Here on Out") with older material (1998's "Don't Drink the Water," 2012's "Mercy") and a deeper cut from his 2003 solo album ("So Damn Lucky"). And, we had to leave in some of Matthews' banter, which includes a priceless bit in which he enthusiastically illustrates some of the many differences between playing on stage with a band and sitting at an office desk with an acoustic guitar.

SET LIST
"Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)"
"Here on Out"
"Don't Drink the Water"
"Mercy"
"So Damn Lucky"

MUSICIANS
Dave Matthews (vocals, guitar)

CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Niki Walker, Khun Minn Ohn; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang; Photo: Samantha Clark/NPR.

[brendankelly]

Dave Matthews will go down in history as one of the greatest, singer, songwriter musicians EVER!!!

[kateryckman]

I’ve met Dave and his wife multiple times. They are great genuine people. He’s such a talented musician

[weseygirl]

This is what it looks like when someone is doing what they love and were born to do.

[michaelmesolellaesq]

Dave has been the soundtrack to my memories for 25 years.

This performance is on another planet.

[lukeshaw]

Dave came into my dad's clothing store years ago and bought some clothes for his concert that night. My dad is a bit out of the loop and he finally recognized Dave's name and he went in the back to look for a CD of his to put on. After my dad couldn't find it, Dave said, "That's okay I've probably heard it before" and that's when I began to love Dave Matthews.

[mrrorycalhoon]

I come back here every now and then, and get blown away every. single. time.

[Hello.Newman]

After decades of listening to various artists, I come back to Dave. His songs are original, funky and warm. They remind me of a time when life was easier. Dancing Nancy.

[amb]

Every time I watch this set I bawl my eyes out. I grew up riding around in my dad's truck, jamming out to DMB. My dad really loved Dave and the band. I think it's why he taught himself guitar. My dad and Dave would have been great friends if they ever met, I'm sure of it. My pops was a real one for sure. I miss him every day.

[likable]

Im 73 years old and so dammed lucky to come across with Dave Matthews . I'm hoping to see him perform in person before I fade away. for now I'm watching and listening to him daily. keeps me young!

[myloopooping]

I refused to listen to The Dave Matthews Band when I was a kid because it was mainstream. That was a horrible mistake. This guy is absolutely amazing

[MarcelWasserman]

I argue that Dave is one of the greatest musicians on the planet today.

[instantdismissal]

Frankly, that first song was utterly mindblowing

[segua]

NPR - thank you for the quality of sound. Those mics are incredible and all the time the engineers put into making this for us. Thank you.

[ChrisProano]

One of the best songwritrers of all time

[Anthony-dfbs]

I love that Dave Matthews is cool enough to do a tiny desk concert. Guy sells out stadiums and well, here he is.

[dopamining]

This person`s voice has been in my head for well over 20 years.

[GratefulGoddess]

Dave plays like a man possessed by emotion. Reminiscent of Joe Cocker. Gives his heart & soul...each song like a birth 💚

[mikebonnell]

That's what it sounds like when the soul is allowed to express itself.

[osubucksfan]

He's just a fucking legend. Nobody can say otherwise. Incredible musician. Even better man.

[DocDarnell]

This version of Don't Drink the Water has brought me to tears. So intense and soulful. Thank you, NPR, for sponsoring such talent from across the globe