Yola: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Yola play "Faraway Look", "I Don't Wanna Lie" and "It Ain't Easier"at the Tiny Desk.

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Jan. 17, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- With her bouncy Afro and a big smile, Yola's presence behind the Tiny Desk was commanding, her energy captivating and, oh, that voice! I first saw Yola, then known as Yola Carter, in 2016 in Nashville, during AmericanaFest. Her soulful sound needed little amplification and, with her classic R&B swagger, I assumed her background was as a southern gospel singer, until she spoke. Her British accent was a shocker.

But Yola's affection for American music, from Dolly Parton to Aretha Franklin, is at the center of her character and expression. It's likely one of the reasons she chose to write and record her debut album, Walk Through Fire, at Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville, and why it was such a perfect fit for her.

Now this singer from Bristol, who once sang for Massive Attack, and sampled by Iggy Azalea and The Chemical Brothers, is front-and-center and up for four Grammy awards in 2020, including Best New Artist. At this Tiny Desk Concert, you'll hear why.

SET LIST
"Faraway Look"
"I Don't Wanna Lie"
"It Ain't Easier"

MUSICIANS
Yola: vocals, guitar; Daniel Creamer: keys, vocals; Jamie Dick: guitar, vocals; Andy Stack: drums; Taylor Zachry: bass

CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Josh Rogosin; Editor: Maia Stern; Videographers: Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Jack Corbett, Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate producer: Bobby Carter; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Mhari Shaw