By Martine Ehrenclou
I tripped over an episode of Live From Daryl’s House on YouTube a while back. The first of many episodes I watched, kicked off with Daryl Hall speaking to the camera on the front porch of his house in Millerton, NY. The countryside is a beautiful backdrop as Hall reminisces about how he and Joe Walsh met years ago. The show shifts to Walsh riding in the back seat of a van on his way to Hall’s house in the bucolic countryside. Walsh talks about Hall’s music, adding his version of how the two met.
The episode begins with a story of the two musicians. It then takes us to Hall’s barn-like rehearsal studio at his house with wood siding on the walls, guitars in stands, drums and a variety of instruments set up to be played. It’s casual, it’s warm and it’s intimate. It’s as if you are there, part of the band or at least on a couch behind the cameras, taking it all in.
Joe Walsh, Daryl Hall and the band of fine musicians, break into Walsh’s hit, “Rocky Mountain Way.”
In case you aren’t familiar with Live From Daryl’s House, produced by Daryl Hall, the concept is about the artists he invites over to his house to jam with. They perform each other’s songs and improvise, offering versions that you haven’t heard before. Guests range from rock and blues artists such as Billy Gibbons, Aaron Neville, Darius Rucker, Sammy Hagar, Booker T. Jones, Cheap Trick, Keb’ Mo’ and Train, to relative new comers.
The shows, which you can find on LiveFromDarylsHouse.com and on YouTube, are intimate, spontaneous and sometimes funny. The great thing about the show is that many of the artists, including Hall himself, tell stories, share bits and pieces of their shared musical histories. The focus is, of course, on a window into musical jams with top-notch musicians, and on seeing musicians up close and personal.
The tunes that are played on the show are presented as if improvised on the spot, and maybe some are to some extent. Regardless, the musicianship in the episodes is downright excellent.
And let’s not forget Daryl Hall. You might just remember him from Daryl Hall and John Oates, but he’s come a long way since then. What talent. Sure, he’s a white guy who sings blue-eyed soul, but man, he sure brings it. In case you thought he might have lost his chops, just watch some of the videos. He has not in the least. Hall sings with such feeling and his voice is as good as ever.
In a spontaneous and possibly unrehearsed interview in Live From Daryl’s House, Joe Walsh sums it up pretty well. “Music today is not about the magic of the human performance, which is never perfect.”
Part of the magic of Live From Daryl’s House is the imperfection, the spontaneity of the musicians, the side talk, the featured performers and Daryl Hall.
The later episodes were filmed at Daryl Hall’s music club and include cooking and dinner segments. Those portions of the show are fun too as you watch these great musicians sitting around a casual dinner table yacking it up as they have an informal meal.
And perhaps informal is part of the appeal of Live From Daryl’s House. Plus the fun they’re having playing music and hanging out. These are not well-rehearsed concerts with all the lights, bells and whistles. They are not reality shows that are akin to junking out on homemade chocolate cake. They are about real people who happen to be amazingly talented who play music and have a good time. The feeling is playful, light and upbeat.
As recently as June 2016, Live From Daryl’s House was shown on MTV Live. But try and find episodes on that website. I couldn’t. My research on the show didn’t turn up much consistent information about the future of the show. I hope there is one.
I did find a Thanksgiving marathon of the show. How fun is that? It occurred to me that if we have Thanksgiving at our place next time and I know there isn’t enough wine in the world to loosen up a couple of the guests, that I’d turn on Live From Daryl’s House to get things going. Music is such a great social lubricant.
I just thought that in case some of you weren’t aware of the show or had forgotten about it, that I‘d write a little something about it. Because its fun, it’s interesting, and you can’t deny the kind of quality musicianship that shows up.
Live From Daryl’s House website http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/welcome.html
YouTube:
Featuring Gavin DeGraw https://youtu.be/GGyE0Ar90_s?list=PLTY5RmgUpXt6FoND2a_W8SUgjD5OGEep5
Featuring Diane Birch, Daryl Hall https://youtu.be/WkC4tYCNG4s?list=PLPOME9uZhXzFyfROfCiHtv4FeVYqD_fze
Featuring the O’Jays https://youtu.be/BzWRT-PAGQk
I welcome your comments. If you’ve seen the show, please comment below this post. Or if you checked it out because of this post, please share your thoughts. Thanks.
Great review Martine, I’ve enjoyed watching this show, whats it been, four years? I’m not a foody kind of person, but I enjoy the music and camaraderie of the musicians. I wonder about the process, each artist choosing songs, then how long to practice? The songs are always tight and professionally done. Very good camera work too during the song, many cameras and GoPro shots too. Good production work to make this happen. I love the two different environments they’ve played in too. What a cool setup! Wouldn’t that be great to have such warm and inviting place to get together in? Daryl is a very talented dude.
Hi Jeff,
Many thanks.
I’m not a foodie person either. I like the rest of the show.
I’ve wondered about rehearsal for songs too. Can’t be spontaneous, not really. But maybe some practice and they wing it at the time of filming.
Yes, I so agree with you about the warm, inviting place to play in.
Oh, yes. Daryl Hall is Uber-talented.
Thanks for the comment.
Love LFDH. Have not missed an episode. There used to be a new episode on line the 15th of every month. Not as often lately, but always a must see. I’ve discovered a lot of artists by watching LFDH (including Fitz & the Tantrums, Eric Hutchinson, Johnnyswim, etc,) It was a bucket list item when I went to see a show at Daryl’s House Club (where LFDH is now recorded). The quality of LFDH is always very good and the best part is that it’s free. Daryl’s House Club also airs live video of shows on Facebook (and archives them)
Barb,
I love it too. I’ll have to look for those artists. I don’t know them. Thanks.
Good to know about the LFDH page on Facebook. Thanks.
The first I saw was with Jason Mraz, and I got hooked because I dream of playing in that kind of setting–feels casual but the music is top notch. I enjoyed reading your review on it.
Roman,
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Maybe that’s part of the appeal for many of us– dreaming of playing in that kind of setting.it is for me.
Daryl should invite Marc Broussard, Billy Price from PA, Joan Osbourne, Mick Huxnall from Simply Red.
I discovered this show and am absolutely hooked as well.
I never usually liked live performances as opposed to the songs I had come to love that were polished studio productions, but LFDH has completely changed my perspective. There is nothing better than watching Daryl smile ( not Sara!) when he is particularly delighted or pleased with a performance! To see this amazing artist enjoy his craft in the moment enriches and enhances my appreciation of his extraordinary talent. Mesmerizing! Love Rumer, Diane Birch, Todd R etc. nothing better! Daryl, thank you for sharing your joy with us!
Laura
Thanks for your great comment. I completely agree. It’s wonderful watching Hall light up with certain great performances. He’s such a talented guy.
Absolutely love LFDH .Daryl Hall is a great singer and comes across as a really nice guy. I love the old hits and some of the new artists . A great show I think Daryl can sing anything . I wish John Oates was on the show more . Love his solo voice too . Keep the shows coming just show ages doesn’t matter when you have it . Thanks Daryl for all the outstanding music and dynamic band . Thanks to all the artist that perform . Love it ❤️
Suzzie, Thank you for your comment. Daryl Hall is everything you said. You said it–age doesn’t matter when you have it.
NETFLIX???? Pick this up!!!!!
I used to watch “Live from Daryl’s House” on one of my local (Boston area) PBS stations, but was sad to see that they’re not showing it anymore. The episode with Mayer Hawthorne was one of my favorites, but in my book, nothing will ever top the episodes when Todd Rundgren was the featured guest (though I believe the Hawaii episode was actually shot at Todd’s house). Daryl and Todd trade off singing verses of “I Saw the Light.” Guess I’d better head on over to YouTube to watch it now. Would love to see Netflix pick up this series!
Ellen,
Thanks for your comment. I was sad to see it go too. YouTube should have the episodes. Yes to your Netflix idea!
I loved LADH, and sad now I cannot see the new shows in UK. I watch on YouTube and love all of the episodes. I went to the 02 in London in October 17 and the lads made my Dreams come true.
Love all of their albums and especially Daryl’s Soul alone album, which is beautiful, as well as Laughin Down Cryin cannot get enough.
The film of the Liberty Concert on YouTube is great and brings back so many memories of my youth
I’ve watched every LFDH episode, again and again. Daryl’s band is amazing. The songs they play with the guest artist are better than the studio originals in my opinion. If there was a best of CD, it would be a top seller worldwide. The smiles of the artist while playing, and after the song is over, they are so pleased with how great it came out.. When asked who is my favorite performer? Daryl Hall is my answer. Thanks Daryl. The best thing on the internet.
Stephen
LFDH starts up again soon! We’ll all be happy with new episodes. Thanks for your comment.
I happened upon LFDH watching YouTube videos of another artist. I had not seen Daryl Hall in years, and watched the video of he and guest Rumer singing Sara Smile. I was hooked, began re-educating myself about all things Daryl and John, and watched every episode I could find. The last season on MTV was the best, catching glimpses of Sara on the sidelines, and that million dollar smile of Daryl’s when everything falls into place. Looking forward to new episodes soon!
Greetings Mr. Hall!
I may be asking way to much, but I thought I would ask anyway.
I am known as the “ Singing Security Guard up here in Vancouver Wa.
I bring delight to the students when they are totally stressed out, with not to much food to eat.
I wanted ask a big time favor of you.
I am giving a Music Concert in March 15th 2019.
It is a free concert, to bring awareness to our students who do not have food to eat. So basically it is a benefit concert with people bringing food donations.
I am dreaming now, but what would be the chances if You could make it up here to perform with us, if you are not already performing?
I would be asking you to perform with us free of charge. Which may not be possible.
Thank you Mr.Hall for taking the time to read!
Merry Christmas
I stumbled across LFDH a couple of years ago on YouTube Red and have been hooked since.
They are absolutely my first choice playlist and come up every time first thing when I log in.
I think my faves are with Celo Green, Joe Walsh and Sammy Hagar.
Can’t wait to find more.
We took a spontaneous ride out to enjoy a couple hours at Live From Daryl’s House in Pawling NY and it was wonderful. Only thing lacking was Daryl Hall to be a part of the music environment that day. The food and ambiance with comfortable at-home surroundings made us want to return often. Please find a way to bring Daryl in to join us for future visits if possible. We came from central Mass that day and it was a beautiful drive into that area of NY. So happy to learn about this place, but had to settle for the statue out front of a wooden carving depicting Daryl instead of the real deal. Hope to see his presence there soon.
The episode with the O’Jays is a must see. I cannot get enough of that episode. Stumbled upon this about 10 years ago (?) with an episode with Eli Paperboy Reed. It was great seeing someone I had never heard of before. Anderson East was also a good one. Great show, hope it continues.
Thanks for this article. I have often wondered about how many hours of rehearsal it takes to produce each tune on the show. And then all the hours of editing and sound mixing etc.
A fantastic music show from very talented people. I am glad to hear there will be new shows in 2024.