Ben Folds gave a discombobulated, yet endearing performance for his NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Watch above, on YouTube.
Playing songs off his 2015 collaborative album, So There, recorded with classical chamber ensemble yMusic, along with a couple old favorites, Folds took this session on a ride complementary to his musical philosophy. He played solo and seemed to be winging it the whole way, but was fueled by a whimsy that made the performance wonderfully memorable.
When speaking of the album on his website, Folds has said "Every so often it occurs to me how much freedom I have." This Tiny Desk Concert was proof of that sentiment. There was a playful energy in both his lyrics and performance that he demonstrated with pounding piano and apologies for knocking it out of tune in effect. He laughed through a few mistakes in a song off the new album, "Phone In A Pool," and allowed the audience to request old favorites like, "Emaline." Folds even spoke mid-session about learning to use his own vernacular in his lyrics to help his music make more sense and become more honest.
It was easy to sense that honesty and freedom throughout the performance. Folds is working towards innovation in pop music by defying expectation and ignoring the mold to get there. He is embracing the wonder and absurdity of music and fame by using it as a reflection of himself and not taking it all too seriously. If banging on a piano or re-taking a song from the top every once in a while is what happens along the way, he'll use it as an opportunity for humor.
So There is available on Amazon. You can also stream the album on Spotify and check out our review right here on Zumic.
For more Ben Folds music, news, and tour dates, check out his Zumic Artist Page.
Source: NPR Music YouTube
