Brushy One String: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

February 27, 2016 by BOB BOILEN

Artists shine given restrictions and limitations. Subtlety and nuance are more easily found in minimalism than excess. That's the beauty of Brushy One String, whose sound is make by one big fat E-string and a voice so rich and full, all it wants is a bit of rhythmic and melodic underpinning.

Brushy One String is from Jamaica, and his "Chicken In The Corn" video has been viewed nearly nine million times. I first came upon his music at globalFEST 2014. He even broke his one string that night, but he smiled and warmed our hearts. He's a deeply spiritual man who tells stories of his musical father and describes how proud his mom and dad would be of his fame if they were around. (He was orphaned at a young age.) He's part Delta Blues with a bit of old-school soul, and he beats a pulse and rhythm on the guitar body that's infectious and simple. That's the beauty of Brushy One String: It's all essence, and everything's essential.

No Man Stop Me is available now:

Set List:
"Destiny"
"Chicken In The Corn"
"No Man Stop Me"

Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Jackson Sinnenberg; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.

[paradise_]

Lyrics: 10/10
Voice: 10/10
Skill: 10/10
String: 1/6

[adamtoth]

We can't let Bushy collect all 6 of the infinity strings

[djhero]

You’ve got gospel, spoken word, soul, and blues all in one. With only one string. That’s talent and true soul.

[malinche]

Skill : 100
Voice : 100
Entertain : 100
String : 1

[mattb]

"Limitation breeds creativity"

[sauroros]

I love how he has a tuner clipped to the guitar just for one string.
The man doesn't take any chances with his art.

[dromedda]

Brushy's like that friend that u can't really understand but u always end up having a great time when hanging out with.

[adrians.basave]

Don't let this guy know about basses, he'd be too powerful.

[nightowlnativeflute]

When music is in your heart and soul all ya need is 1 string

[wycliffehill]

I had no idea Brushy One String made to NPR Music. I guess you guys really do your research. He’s very famous in Jamaica when he entered a talent contest. Children love him and so do adults. He’s a very likable artist, fun personality and I’m for him

[marcofornasier]

"You can play a shoestring if you are sincere" - John Coltrane

[thomasthrasher]

This dude played an impromptu show for four of my friends and I while we were in Jamaica drinking red stripes at a tiny little shop. 1 up for man Blessed!

[JLG]

he has so much soul in his voice and the bass line is perfect

[pookievanderbilt]

You’ve inspired me to stop feeling like I don’t have enough or the right thing to create with. Thank you for your passion

[gabrewilliams]

I remember crying when they voted him off rising star, I was 8. I’m so happy how far he’s come in these 13 years.

[mattg]

This man literary found his guitar in the dump. And put a string and used it to make music and a living for himself and family. Great job keep it up.

[sashasoule]

" It's my youtube hit song, that made the world know me." That made my heart light up.

[Orthodoxzee]

No man could ever stop me from praising my God. Amen. I felt that. Amen

[selectoralibaba]

This is Legendary Jamaican artist, Freddie McKay's son. Paved his own unique path. RESPECT!! Brushy YUH TOO BAD!!

[dxyzstudios]

someone give this man a bass guitar. He'll have some sick basslines