- Music
- 16 Feb 24
The California-raised, Ireland-based singer-songwriter's performance is available to watch now
Following the release of her latest album, Cadence, in April 2023, Cinder Well stars in the latest edition of NPR's hugely popular Tiny Desk Concert series.
The singer-songwriter, who was raised in California, but has embraced Co. Clare as her adopted home, had previously shared behind-the-scenes shots of her performance, recorded live at NPR Music's headquarters in Washington, D.C., back in January. Cinder Well, also known as Amelia Baker, is joined for her set by Marit Schmidt (vocals, viola) and Phillip Rogers (vocals, drums).
Her performance included tracks from Cadence and 2020's No Summer, both released via independent label Free Dirt Records. Cadence – which was listed among Hot Press's Folk Albums of the Year – also featured contributions from Cormac MacDiarmada of Lankum.
"On overcast days, there's nothing like a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket and some mystic music," the description of her performance on NPR's website reads. "While taping Cinder Well's Tiny Desk, gray clouds hung over NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., urging the same kind of introspection — sympathetic scenery for a set of folk songs that wind around the passage of time.
"Cinder Well's Amelia Baker grew up in California, but has spent much of her time on the Western cliffs of Ireland, soaking in the sea air of both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Her songs, too, reflect the Laurel Canyon's wandering spirit and the droning qualities of Irish folk music. Yet there's space between that Baker occupies, illustrated by this performance: A crimson glow surrounds the dark undercurrent of Cinder Well that only grows brighter as the music goes deeper into the unknown."
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Her performance is available to watch here on NPR's website – and should be added to their YouTube channel shortly.
Cinder Well's upcoming tour dates include gigs at the Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal (March 21); The Duncairn in Belfast (22); Dublin Unitarian Church (23); the Róisín Dubh in Galway (24); and Coughlan's in Cork (29).