Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

Bob Boilen | December 13, 2021
What a remarkable sight to see the reunion of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss gathered around a couple of microphones in Nashville. It's been 14 years since their surprising and remarkable album Raising Sand and now they're back at Sound Emporium, the studio where they recorded some of that first record and the entirety of their new album Raise The Roof.

Huddled in the control room are an all-star cast of musicians, with Jay Bellerose on drums, JD McPherson on guitar, Dennis Crouch on upright bass, Stuart Duncan on guitars and ukulele, and Viktor Krauss on electric bass and guitar. All of these folks minus JD McPherson played on the original recordings of the songs you'll hear in this Tiny Desk (home) concert.

They kick it off with the rockabilly sounds of "Can't Let Go," a song originally recorded by Lucinda Williams and written by Randy Weeks. For their second number, Robert Plant recalls a song he first heard as a 15-year-old listening to some great R&B by Bobby Moore & the Rhythm Aces. He and Alison Krauss put their hearts and harmonies into a cover of that song, "Searching For My Love." Alison takes the lead on the final tune "Trouble With My Lover," written by Allen Toussaint and recorded in the '60s by the "Lost Queen of New Orleans Soul," Betty Harris. These interpretations are delicate, gripping and so damn special.

SET LIST
"Can't Let Go"
"Searching For My Love"
"Trouble With My Lover"

MUSICIANS
Robert Plant: vocals
Alison Krauss: vocals
Jay Bellerose: percussion
JD McPherson: guitar, backing vocals
Dennis Crouch: upright bass
Stuart Duncan: acoustic guitar, electric 12-string guitar, ukulele, backing vocals
Viktor Krauss: electric bass, electric guitar

CREDITS
Video Director/Editor: Vern Moen
Audio Engineer: Rachael Moore
Executive Producer: Dilly Gent
Producer: Josiah Bultema
Color: Graham Lovelis
P.M. (LA): Ian Menzies
P.M. (Nashville): Matthew Pessoni
Director of Photography: Trevor Wineman
Camera Operator: Scott Pessoni, Matthew Pessoni
1st Assistant Camera: Dylan Mire, David Piersaul
Gaffer: Shelby Wertsbaugh
Key Grip: BJ Hyman
Assistant Engineer: Louis Remenapp
2nd Engineer: Joe Trentacosti
Mixed by: Michael Piersante
Additional Engineering: Neal Cappellino

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #robertplant #alisonkrauss

[bretharvell]

This has got to be the most legendary 2am post of all time.

[ChrisBrokamp]

To see Robert Plant at 73, still with his signature vocal tone intact and making relevant music is amazing. Unbelievable

[rula]

Thats how a singer can age gracefully with dignity...choosing the right songs, still curious, vivid and loving what you do.

[bobbylarge]

how is she literally so insanely perfectly spot on??? she's absolutely incredible. perfect tone, pitch, everything. unreal.

[sallyk]

I've never heard 2 voices mesh together as well as those two; just absolutely adore

[guitarman]

Man, Robert and Allison's voices go together like bread and butter. And the band is so tight, you could hold a credit card between those licks. I could listen to these guys all day.

[mattpoe]

I have to say Alison Krauss is completely adorable and that voice...wow!

[Nigelrudyardmusic]

Real music, by real musicians. Like a breath of fresh air.

[urago]

That boys and girls is what you call execution. Great music no matter what genre you happen to favor.

[michaeldonovan]

Alison Krauss is such a wonder. Kudos to Plant, mega rock star, to collaborate with the likes of Alison.

[thelisteningroom]

Absolutely incredible.
Plant ages like a fine wine and Allison is just perfection.

[dingdong]

I honestly think these two together is one of the greatest collaborations ever.

[shammerHammer]

I'm always happy when we give more mature artists a platform and chance to have a break through. This Robert guy will probably make a name for himself.

[karynbryant]

Trouble with my lover is incredible .... Alison's voice is stunning

[jimmeltonbradley]

Just wonderful. Robert Plant is definitely a great singer but it's Alison Kraus's voice that sends the shivers up my spine.

[AndyCutright]

Krauss's restraint is what makes her so great. She's pulled Plant back, and in so doing given him more power. Just amazing.

[alsoncole]

I can’t believe music this good is even legal. They are both otherworldly, and that band is killer!

[scotty]

Just in case Robert Plant wasn't enough of a legend he continues to put out quality music at 73. What an amazing duo him and Krauss are.

[EverydayLayman]

Robert's genius is amazing. Alison's vocals are beyond brilliant. Coupled with a tight band, this is next-tier music.

[jeffpeterson]

Just found this video. Jeezus that is some of the best music I have ever heard! Robert still sounding solid. Alison still the best ever ! and the Rhythm Aces backing it all up like the true professional that they are ! Superb! Gonna listen again.. WOW!