Laraaji: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
  • May 2, 2019 | Bob Boilen -- Prepare to be calmed.
    It begins with a small bell, a set of tiny wind chimes and a plucked, angelic zither sounding much like a harp. Laraaji and his musical partner Arji "OceAnanda" Cakouros came to NPR draped in loose-fitted, saffron-tinted clothes, with a table draped in a similar orange fabric - almost the tones of a setting sun with all the beauty that implies. As I watched, I could feel my breath letting go; my muscles were less tense. Then Laraaji began to laugh. I smiled. (His laugh is infectious). Then more of us in the office smiled as he brushed rhythms on his zither and processed the sounds to add delay and intensify the hypnotic pulse.
    I first discovered the music of Laraaji almost 40 years ago when Brian Eno produced an ambient album of his music called Ambient 3: Day of Radiance as part of a series of ambient records from Eno that began with 1978's Ambient 1: Music for Airports. Edward Larry Gordon, now known as Laraaji, was a comedian as well as a musician. I suppose that explains the laughter as part of his meditative and therapeutic music. Laraaji is now in his mid-70s, has released over 50 recordings as well as an abundance of sound-healing sessions. His concert in the NPR offices was proof of the atmospheric, altering power of the music he makes along with Arji. Maybe you'll find yourself enjoying a musical sunset plopped down right in the middle of your day.
    SET LIST
    "12345678..."
    MUSICIANS
    Laraaji: electric autoharp/zither, vocals; Arji "OceAnanda" Cakouros: mbira, iPad synth, shakers, chimes
    CREDITS
    Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Beck Harlan; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR
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ความคิดเห็น • 268

  • @christopherpolanco8255
    @christopherpolanco8255 5 ปีที่แล้ว +190

    All of a sudden it’s a different time, it’s a different place, it’s a different state of mind!

    • @Fintan33
      @Fintan33 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      absolutely, a gem like lucidity at that

    • @tyden13
      @tyden13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Cosmic Joe

  • @llllemomn
    @llllemomn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +178

    i’m so glad you guys had laraaji on here. he needs all the recognition he can get. he’s a true pioneer of ambient music!

  • @newyorkfilharmonik110
    @newyorkfilharmonik110 2 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    My cousin! He was with Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. He told me way back in the 70's he was bored with the western scale and started to play the autoharp. He gave me a cassette "Day of Radiance" that still kicks! Brian Eno produced him for a while.

    • @torreydunn7034
      @torreydunn7034 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Listening to day of radiance right now. I remember his name from the old NPR show echoes from the 90s. How I discovered eno etc. amazing music!

  • @yetino
    @yetino 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I have discovered Laraaji through ambient series of Brian Eno. I am since his great admirer. I love his music and an idea to "plug" zither as Andreas Vollenweider did the same with harp resulting in almost ethereal beautiful sounds and melodies that soothe my mind.

  • @rahkriga
    @rahkriga 5 ปีที่แล้ว +146

    I did NOT expect that trip....THANK YOU!!!!

  • @ewilliams9981
    @ewilliams9981 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Ahhhmazing music! Not to mention, this is what 76 years young looks like! We should all be so fortunate!

  • @Kaleubs
    @Kaleubs 5 ปีที่แล้ว +124

    Decided to listen to this at work, my chair started to float.
    NPR have some powerfull mics. Good job Laraaji!

  • @hamiltonpainter
    @hamiltonpainter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    If the soul could speak this is how it would sound.. this music helped me heal my cancer. Blessings Laaaji

  • @Jetta32696
    @Jetta32696 5 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Okay, not what I was expecting at all. For the first 1:30 or so, I felt like Arji was trying to hypnotize me with the chimes. From that point on, I felt like I should be somewhere naked on a catamaran having my chakras aligned by the ghosts of my ancestors. Laraaji's laugh is infectious! I'm so relaxed now and I can't explain it. Thank you for sharing.

  • @MoPoppins
    @MoPoppins 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    That man has the most beautiful hands. Very elegant and graceful.

  • @hyma18
    @hyma18 5 ปีที่แล้ว +181

    as soon as the lady with the wind chimes got her own camera shot, i knew immediately that these cats probably did some major acid back in the day LOL

    • @djwillyhomes
      @djwillyhomes 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      and probably still doing...

    • @Raven-ug8uw
      @Raven-ug8uw 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@djwillyhomes stop. Lol.

    • @ThirdDimensionalBeing
      @ThirdDimensionalBeing 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I'm a little late but, he actually played with a group called Dallas acid.

    • @kai19821
      @kai19821 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      :D

  • @sidis7807
    @sidis7807 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I felt really angry and frustrated with myself whilst tripping, then I put this on and it infuriated me until it didn't. Thank you for helping me let go of my anger

    • @lezam1000
      @lezam1000 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Are you still free from it? 🙂

  • @ascetic3312
    @ascetic3312 5 ปีที่แล้ว +169

    Damned hippies. I love them.

  • @abaneyone
    @abaneyone 5 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    Tiny Desk is never short on variety! This is on another level musically, such wild yet simple sounds!

  • @theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543
    @theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I woke up in a terrible mode. I watched this and now I am in a great mood. :)

  • @JarawaRadio
    @JarawaRadio 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    I want to be like them when I'll be old

  • @SheyAnnaMarie
    @SheyAnnaMarie 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    This is the type of music I never knew I needed. I feel so oddly relaxed...in a good way.

  • @totalt6600
    @totalt6600 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    15 mins of eternity. TY

  • @mschambon
    @mschambon 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I first heard of him back in the early 2000 on an odd dub album...I am thrilled he’s still out here and starting to get some recognition. A healer, a guide, a magnificent sound! Bless you Laraaji!

    • @joncovell139
      @joncovell139 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He really is a healer and a guide to the Holy spirit, divine, etc. whatever you believe!

  • @8wanda123
    @8wanda123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    love laraaji, finding his music recently was the best thing

  • @WayneUpchurch
    @WayneUpchurch 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This was Hugely refreshing, a tad nostalgic, and a welcome chance to See you, Larry! I will always remember our interview, back in the 90's, for the public radio station I worked with. You are my "go to" recommendation to people when the subject of laughter meditation comes up. Play On!

  • @mistery-ed7900
    @mistery-ed7900 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Many years ago I picked up a record by Edward Larry Gordon and was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. Then Eno presented him as Laraaji I bought that not even realizing it was the same person. Finding this on my phone this morning is yet another pleasant surprise.

  • @silverladderAZ
    @silverladderAZ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I first discovered Laraaji on a Virgin Records ambient compilation in the mid-90's. Those compilations also introduced me to a number of other unique and amazing artists that I continue to listen to today and have continued to seek out.

    • @siscassie1
      @siscassie1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Like who?

    • @silverladderAZ
      @silverladderAZ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@siscassie1 David Sylvian, Holger Czukay, Amorphous Androgynous, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, Rain Tree Crow, Jansen/Barbieri, Jah Wobble, Phil Manzanera, Prince Far I, Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, Laraaji, Irmin Schmidt, William Orbit, Trisan, Bill Laswell, Seigen Ono, Michael Brook, Harold Budd, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Future Sound of London, etc.

    • @AndrewArrieta1
      @AndrewArrieta1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@silverladderAZ Amazing, thanks for following through with a reply!

    • @silverladderAZ
      @silverladderAZ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AndrewArrieta1 You're very welcome! Enjoy.

  • @eljpeace
    @eljpeace 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Arte mezclado con las partículas del universo. 🙏🏽 Thanks from Cuba

  • @lupitamihita1261
    @lupitamihita1261 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Not expecting this but I soon got into the groove. It was just what I needed. I love these two people and their expressiveness

  • @HankleburyTV
    @HankleburyTV 5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    The "Day of Radiance" album calmed my frayed nerves on many an occasion.

    • @NOWtheband
      @NOWtheband 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Jolly good.

  • @CooltitudeMusic
    @CooltitudeMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice to see you play ! my master ! remember you meeting and master class in Paris kisses from Richard Maubert

  • @makeastatement1
    @makeastatement1 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Immediately fell in love with! My first listen; thank you for this upload!

  • @ERRORFACE1
    @ERRORFACE1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    sound quality is just awesome kudos to the engineers . pls do a behind the scenes
    band is pure dmt love it :)

  • @SoaringSpear
    @SoaringSpear 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    this is how his skin is so perfect

  • @OneBeatOneLove
    @OneBeatOneLove 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Nice atmosphere! Pure chill out! Peace and love!

  • @PepeHerreraH
    @PepeHerreraH 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    WOAAHH!!! What a fantastic journey they took me into.

  • @ipsilonia
    @ipsilonia 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    this, forever.

  • @ianroberts3948
    @ianroberts3948 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Live music is reality for me cos it's true musicianship. I think they nailed it

  • @Funrecord
    @Funrecord 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    thank you npr, for having laraaji

  • @jonathonquinn4500
    @jonathonquinn4500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I can't stop smiling when I listen to this

  • @graceaez
    @graceaez 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    NPR Music you are the bessst!!
    I've attended their session n met them in person, four years ago. Extraordinaryy!!

  • @Pobotrol
    @Pobotrol 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved Laraaji forever, the music and the laughter!

  • @kushville1
    @kushville1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    This is SO calming. And unexpectedly musical! Thank you! ❤️

  • @mchelo1979
    @mchelo1979 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Laraaji is one of my musical heroes

  • @HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA
    @HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a great performance! Laraaji is such an exceptional musician.

  • @lindaberg1695
    @lindaberg1695 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow, I feel like I should be smoking something lol. This is just beautiful and so calming....I love it a lot! ♥

  • @latiamcdaniels5808
    @latiamcdaniels5808 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Dope way to start my morning!!!!!

  • @haydoatdawn7418
    @haydoatdawn7418 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I fell asleep approximately 65 times in a good way.
    Their music is so relaxing 😌

  • @solpee
    @solpee 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Que lindo ver algo tan diferente! Y que transmita tanta paz. Los amé 💕💕

    • @pacoxu175
      @pacoxu175 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sol Pereyra ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️

  • @alexvasquez537
    @alexvasquez537 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This music transports me... to the Portland Saturday Market. Love em.

  • @metalfoxhound
    @metalfoxhound 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    This re-balanced my chakras

  • @serrapark2745
    @serrapark2745 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    beautiful.

  • @michigancryprozoologysocie3155
    @michigancryprozoologysocie3155 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Beautifully Soothing

  • @jmarvosa6x3
    @jmarvosa6x3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Splendid!!!!

  • @ralphb.2527
    @ralphb.2527 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The purity of music exemplified.

  • @Bestbeachesincalifornia
    @Bestbeachesincalifornia 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I transcended!!!! Thank you I love you 😘🤟

  • @TheDungeonDive
    @TheDungeonDive 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    YES! This is so good.

  • @MedSou
    @MedSou 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    *Totally love this* 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @jamierobinson4825
    @jamierobinson4825 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely magnificent!

  • @letslaughtoday
    @letslaughtoday ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your music!

  • @greatmindsthinkalike1378
    @greatmindsthinkalike1378 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh my, this is so soothing!😍👍

  • @deelot1
    @deelot1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I can’t believe he’s 75!

    • @KPcpt
      @KPcpt 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      deelot1 holy sheeeeee

    • @namcat53
      @namcat53 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wait until you are much older, if you make it, then you will see it's very believable.

  • @Unhinged_speaker
    @Unhinged_speaker 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a awesome,great,terrific experience this is.

  • @brotherbrian5625
    @brotherbrian5625 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is beautiful! I'm sure these two can play anything that they wish.

  • @Boulderair
    @Boulderair 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Anotha gem from NPR

  • @TheCamper77
    @TheCamper77 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My dog just fell asleep :) Great little concert!

  • @EricB256
    @EricB256 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Now this really makes me wonder how great this kind of music would sound like if he got together with Ry Cooder playing the floor slide for that low end. There's a very real possibility for rock music to expand in this idea. I guess it would be pretty amazing.

  • @lanuca_fria
    @lanuca_fria 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    thank you Laraaji

  • @ArtBusker
    @ArtBusker 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Maravilloso !!! Gracias por esto !!!

  • @nosivadbor
    @nosivadbor ปีที่แล้ว

    Incredible.

  • @denisefriday7318
    @denisefriday7318 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yum yum🧡 from Tasmania Australia

  • @alltimehiphop5318
    @alltimehiphop5318 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Astonishing performance, mad underrated✌️

    • @namcat53
      @namcat53 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Who exactly "underrated" it and why were they "mad"? Explain clearly.

  • @dichts
    @dichts 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I want to stay here forever

  • @aeropilot4419
    @aeropilot4419 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    radiance ✨😉

  • @triggawoods6888
    @triggawoods6888 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    What in the Solfeggio frequencies is goin on here? I like it. I like it a lot.

  • @ElDuke717
    @ElDuke717 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love this guy's music - I discovered it randomly on Spotify by looking for ambient music.

    • @aeropilot4419
      @aeropilot4419 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Brian Eno’s Ambient #3 Day of Radiance👍🏼✨

  • @JamesSmith-vk2ky
    @JamesSmith-vk2ky 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So kind!!

  • @SkyScannerBtown
    @SkyScannerBtown 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    a gem like lucidity

  • @christophernettles2468
    @christophernettles2468 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What Laraaji has done for the black/African American Psyche is celestial ✨🫶🏾

  • @leo.israel
    @leo.israel 5 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    Morgan Freeman being god. On acid.

  • @imDezrt
    @imDezrt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The flanging....holy fuuuuuuuuck what a dream

  • @eileenponce4899
    @eileenponce4899 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you 🦋
    Auuummmmmm 🕉️💋

  • @siscassie1
    @siscassie1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow. That was an experience

  • @bellaoliveiravale
    @bellaoliveiravale 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    música intuitiva e curativa ☆

  • @valeriabolivar1407
    @valeriabolivar1407 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow i feel so 🌾🍃🌿

  • @ccxii212
    @ccxii212 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh very well done education illumination shine

  • @Fuzzworth2000
    @Fuzzworth2000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    If LSD was a 15 min set... I ain't even mad at it

  • @TimothySweeney
    @TimothySweeney 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    the sound of light

  • @Heilyb05
    @Heilyb05 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Chills. . All over.

  • @storgs
    @storgs 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Laraaji, you shine!

  • @h.l.westlake6083
    @h.l.westlake6083 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great and needed ...also awesome interview yesterday on WMPG radio. I would be delighted to have you over to my studio when you visit Maine as time permits however, let's make time.
    Cheers,
    Holly Westlake
    H.L. Westlake on Facebook

  • @joncovell139
    @joncovell139 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I feel myself transcending to the eternal oneness with the divine!

  • @innerspacesurfer
    @innerspacesurfer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I'm on acid and this is awesome.

    • @songsalon7868
      @songsalon7868 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I wanna be on Acid with this.
      POW

    • @JamesSmith-vk2ky
      @JamesSmith-vk2ky 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      👍👏👏👏👏😎

    • @neilcheeseburger
      @neilcheeseburger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Now try to see him live on acid. I did and it was amazing!!

    • @innerspacesurfer
      @innerspacesurfer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@neilcheeseburger i immediately checked his schedule and listened to him all morning. Unfortunately no shows in Portland.

    • @UllllOllllU
      @UllllOllllU 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      neilcheeseburger saw him live on mushrooms and it was Incredible!

  • @clear_gray_sky539
    @clear_gray_sky539 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My root chakra is tingling

  • @Koettnylle
    @Koettnylle 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    His rhythm section is tight

  • @arthurkrems
    @arthurkrems 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    THIS IS SO HUGE. I have been a huge fan since Celestial Vibration (through). I hear the phaser, but how is my good friend Larry amplifying the zither????

  • @understandingnothing2445
    @understandingnothing2445 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow.

  • @yamolatix
    @yamolatix 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hermoso.

  • @stephenkamienski4051
    @stephenkamienski4051 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    this man is a genius

  • @leviticus8362
    @leviticus8362 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    luved the yums 8:35

  • @deborahcarreiro-zj5tf
    @deborahcarreiro-zj5tf ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice!!!

  • @zzzwy777
    @zzzwy777 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    this music heals

  • @evedotcom
    @evedotcom 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "SET LIST
    12345678..." ahahaha wonderful

  • @hausofvishy8695
    @hausofvishy8695 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Shiny🌻