Anais Mitchell: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Her voice is soft and sweet, her guitar work deft and evocative, but Anaïs Mitchell is a songwriting storyteller first and foremost. Robbed of a gift for melody and poetry, Mitchell would probably (and may yet) write some tremendous novels. Her ambitious recent discography bears out that notion: The 2010 album version of her starpacked folk opera Hadestown recasts Greek legend in America, while this year s Young Man in America turns her thoughts to the pitfalls of modern life, inspired in part by the works of Mitchell s writer father. Thankfully, as this Tiny Desk Concert in the NPR Music offices demonstrates, Mitchell possesses a warm and ingratiating style to go with her evocative, impeccably crafted lyrics. Singing and playing alongside guitarist and longtime collaborator Michael Chorney, she performs three of Young Man in America s most bracingly beautiful songs with cleareyed directness that requires no adornment. STEPHEN THOMPSON Set List Shepherd Young Man In America Tailor Credits Produce