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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2024
- Watch J.S. Ondara play "Lebanon", "Days Of Insanity" and "Saying Goodbye" at the Tiny Desk.
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Jan. 24, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- J.S. Ondara's journey to the Tiny Desk is a fascinating one. From his home in Nairobi, he listened on his sister's radio to American artists, including Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Death Cab For Cutie and, most importantly, Bob Dylan. He wanted to be a folk singer, so he moved to Minnesota, Dylan's home state.
At the Tiny Desk, after playing his song "Lebanon," from his debut album Tales of America, J.S. Ondara told us his story. "I remember, at one point, someone told me about this contest that you guys do called 'the Tiny Desk Contest.' And I was, at the time, desperately trying to be a folk singer. And I'm not quite. I'm not a big fan of contests, but I like NPR. So I figured I'd give it a shot. And I'd just written that song, 'Lebanon.' So I made a video of me playing that song, and I submitted it. And I suppose that things didn't go quite in my favor. So I figured I'd find a bit of a roundabout way to get here, which involved making a record and touring it relentlessly and stalking Bob [Boilen] all around South by Southwest. (I actually didn't do that part.) I was thinking about it. And now I'm here. The journey would have been a lot shorter had I just won the bloody contest. But in the very wise words of Miley Cyrus, 'it's not about how fast you get there, it's about the climb.'"
J.S. Ondara's music is sincere, with observations about America that are fresh and poetic. Here's how he compares the politics of our time, in his song, "Days of Insanity:"
"There is a bear at the airport, waiting on a plane
There is a cow at the funeral, bidding farewell
There is a goat at the terminal, boarding the C-train
There is a horse at the hospital, dancing with the hare
"Somebody call the doctor, from the university
Somebody call upon the witch and the wizardry
Somebody call the rabbi, the pastor and the sheikh
Coz we are coming on the days of insanity
The days of insanity."
And, now this Kenya-born singer is up for a Grammy award for Best Americana Album. Unbelievable, remarkable and well deserved.
SET LIST
"Lebanon"
"Days Of Insanity"
"Saying Goodbye"
MUSICIANS
J.S. Ondara: vocals, guitar
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Josh Rogosin; Editor: Jack Corbett; Videographers: Maia Stern, Jack Corbett; Associate producer: Bobby Carter; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Catie Dull - เพลง
All these people asking for all these massive names to be featured, this is my favourite channel to come to, to find new music. Keep bringing on the smaller acts NPR. You’re smashing it out of the park!
@Ben Same!
Why can't we have both?
Agreed!
+
Yes! It’s like Pandora used to be before it was invaded by mainstream artists. I love that Tiny Desk introduces us to different types of music all around the world (even in parts of America). The large artists are cool, but I always look forward to new people, too.
Lesson: show up. No matter the outcome, keep showing up. One day they will notice.
So, so true
Mark my words - This guy will end up being an Icon of this generation. He already is in my eyes. What a talent !
Saw him in October 2019 at a small venue in Montreal. He captivated everyone, we didn’t dare make a sound. Just him and his guitar - oh, and a great suit, of course. He is only starting to get the recognition he deserves.
Same experience in SF. I have him on video and in between lines you hear a person clearly on the other side of the venue say "wow". He had total control over the room.
Saw him in SF as well. I can’t remember any other live show where the audience was so quiet. It was magical!
I’m living for that feeling - hope I get to see him one play one day. In awe and admiration. Australian.
just one human with their guitar, can't get more intimate than that...no place to hide, I always admire souls like this. Thank you J.S.
well said
As a Kenyan and a tiny desk lover, I'm proud to see this here!
Okay but what about the music?
i'm a the only one who "tracy chapman" comes to his mind while listening?
Awesome talent
Got that instant vibe! Sooo good 👌
@KAT Haha, Tracy is a unique Legend!!
Not just me then
That was my first thought when I started watching this.
Haythem Sahlia first thing that came 2 my mind too...💯
A Nairobian on NPR!!!Finally♥️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Me, I love Nairobi! Napanda Ondera vilevile!
God, Tiny Desk, I am trying to work here and y'all got me having a spiritual experience.
What a great tenor singer! It’s so refreshing to hear more musicians from Africa.
His voice is so hypnotic and warming.
Good heavens. What a talent. Jaw-dropping.
Where have I freaking been?
What a talent. "Saying Goodbye" is so beautiful.
I heard the song Lebanon, was hooked in 10 seconds.
I saw him open for The Lumineers in February after never hearing of him before and the pure emotion in his voice made me tear up. I'm so glad I was introduced to his music.
What a beautiful young man. I love that he’s a folk singer. That’s how great storytelling works. He’s letting his light shine, spreading peace and love. ❤️
Woah! His patience with his phrasing is masterful. Every line builds tension and releases it just as effortlessly. My first time hearing you and I’m a fan!!! Nice!!!
Dope mic too.
This dude opened for The Lumineers in Cleveland this year, blew my mind.
He is amazing. I can't get enough of his music.
I love when Tiny Desk has people from the Country-Americana-Folk side of the musical spectrum. Big stars or up-and-coming acts alike, the spin and style of a Tiny Desk concert are just awesome.
Ondara came up in a Spotify “relax” playlist, and I was compelled to listen to everything this man recorded. What an amazing songwriter and performing. It’s been a while since we’ve had such an inspiring, otherworldly artist emerge.
kenyans are really killin outchea no jokes!!!
NPR production value is excellent . The sound of the guitar and vocals is crisp and clean. Nice Job.
I discovered his music today in an Uber. So good. His vocals are haunting and his lyricism is absolutely breathtaking.
I wish I could give this more than one like. His voice is so amazing.
Great set, and I love that Mulaney's fantastic "horse in a hospital" bit inspired my favorite song
It's such a joy to my heart and soul,to hear such beautiful music these days being sung and played by a youngin!
I love Ondara. So pure and beautiful. Every song carries so much meaning, it's captivating.
He has style, sings very original.......... cool suits/Hat
Kenya to the world!
Saw him the past two nights opening for The Lumineers, staring up from front row centre and crying at his beautiful performance of this and Days of Insanity. Pure, pure talent.
Stunningly beautiful... a musical soul right there...you cant teach that
Outstanding. This is my go to channel. I find the best artists on this channel. Ondara is playing my kind of music. I will be following this young man. Thanks for the concert.
Representing Kenya. So happy to see this :)
This sounds & feels like home.
So true.
Saw him at Bonnaroo two years ago, and I was amazed by his talent. He was a last minute add on to the line-up -- so glad to see him here now!!
THAT must have been a great event! Jealous 😉
IM SO PROUD OF MY MANS- been listening him for a bit now and he’s on NPR and I’m all for it
Been watching this on repeat - just a humble and ridiculously talented artist
Refreshing and absolutely wonderful unique new voice, Reminds me of Tracy Chapman - a duet with her would be Unforgettable...... absolutely love his life story and conviction.... from info I goodled. very inspiring. Love him.... A breath of fresh air. tranquil. this is definitely what the world needs - some breathing space...some air to think and contemplate...
I just love Ondara. He has a unique sound and a wonderful gift. God Bless Him.
SO SO great! Thanks NPR Tiny Desk. WE ARE SO LUCKY!
Been in love with his voice since the Mahogany Session of American Dream 👌🏾🖤✨
the only times I arrive early is when NPR posts. In love with this and all other artists
The American dream right here and why immigration is so beautiful.
“Emigration is so beautiful”? Really? Can you hear the crying?
One of my favorite, if not my favorite, albums of 2019. Just a beautifully raw voice and guitar that captures the sense of people. I love it, and love seeing this intimate live concert.
From Kenya with Love.Keep it up Ondara.
Saying Goodbye is every sad movie ending distilled into a single song
Tiny Desk is my hiding place where reaggeton doesn´t reach me. Greetings from Venezuela!
ja ja pues no Gasolina pa' ti!
Greetings from Brooklyn! I visited your beautiful country in 2005. Hope you're well!
@@publicemail6518 Thanks for talking nicely about my country. Once, as a young boy I had the chance to visit New York and Brooklyn is a place with a special resonance in my memories
Wow! That’s not what I expected, but man am I pleasantly surprised!
It's channels like this, that bring out the absolute, best hidden talent that is so far beyond deserving. Just for singing from the ❤️ That's sweet! And the "rawness", it only adds to the beauty and authenticity ❣️Sing on.....🙏☯️
Lebanon is an incredible use of that root chord. So melodic and powerful.
I saw him here in Chicago last year and he was brilliant. And yes, Tracy Chapman does come to mind. Similar styles, but he's a talent in his own right. Tales of America is excellent and he was hands down, the best new artist of last year, bar none. Be sure to check out Tales of America Second Coming and Rock "n Roll Vol. 1 Tales of Isolation, where he addresses the whole Covid issue. Absolutely wonderful.
He brings me such joy. Live was amazing.
Well deserved GRAMMY nomination...great debut album.
Ondara was touring when Covid stopped EVERYTHING. I'm sure that hurt him.
I hope he tries again. He is very talented.
This was a wonderful choice. Looking forward to listening to more of Ondara in the future. For the next concert, Kingfish Ingram please!! Extra points if Buddy Guy is able to join.
Definitely wish all the best for this young man. Bright future and great talent. He's opening for the Lumineers in DC and Charlottesville, to name a few, and I will definitely be going to both
this is so beautiful, what a great voice
Shinig a light on these days of insanity
Amen.
Wow! I hear Tracy Chapman immediately.
This music places you back into childhood running, playing and much laughter. Then it shifts you through time as you began to grow older together learning the ways of life and social changes. That last song was heart piercing. 😭😭 Folk singing is always thought provoking. I love this singer. The lyrics makes you take a step back to appreciate your blessings.
Pure beauty. Glad you finally made it to the tiny desk
even when he speaks he's mezmerizing; can't wait for all three of his lps to arrive!!! I pray that Verve takes good care of him. He's precious.
It’s a joy to say hello to this wonderful new talent!👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶
Bring him back. 👏.
This is why I love tiny desk wonderful , talented people what a great show 👍👏👏👏👏👏
Extremely Original!!! Wonderful Melody!!!!
Good artist, great talent! Sing and play with your heart, congratulations 👏👏👏 reminds me of Tracy Chapman's style. 👍😉🇮🇹
He's an awesome folk singer. I love his music and message. Thank you.
absolutely beautiful
What an eloquent soul. So happy to have stumbled upon you Ondara
Wow. This really moved us! Thanks for delivering true passion with your music.
This voice🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Love his speech & glad he made it! ♥️
From gnr to this is a musical epsisode for the ages. good music comes in all forms. beautiful.
Amazing, love J.S. Ondara.
What a great talent. I am so enjoying his music and his second album too, Tales of Isolation. Sincere young man. Privilege to be introduced to him
We are all so beautiful...no matter what. That is what he sings out.
Loving this. Excellent little concert.
Big fan. He’s so incredibly talented.
Beautiful singing! I will follow your music journey
Brilliant brilliant brilliant
Refreshing Talent✨💜✨
Talk negative! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ "Amazing!!!!!!!"THE ROOSTER COMING HOME TO REST!
Wowee! This was special. Hail up Kenya massive!
Takes me way back in a very good way.
Just awesome!
understanding and hope
Love this guy
What a charismatic guy, this was great and loved the story behind him.
i use npr to find new musicy people. pretty much my no.1 go to
Absolutely amazing talent, so beautiful!
Wow what an emotional release lol
Pure light!
i love this
Fantastic!
Beautiful💓
Im sold!
This guy is unbelievably good. I'm really sad it took me so long to find him.
Looking forward to seeing this guy play tonight, opening for the Lumineers
Deep…..this is music. Thank you.
Lovely 💯