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Jeff Tweedy, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2014

by Stephen Thompson

July 31, 2014

Jeff Tweedy
Jeff Tweedy performs at the 2014 Newport Folk Festival.
Adam Kissick for NPR
Jeff Tweedy performs at the 2014 Newport Folk Festival.
Jeff Tweedy performs at the 2014 Newport Folk Festival.
Adam Kissick for NPR

There aren't a whole lot of failures on the resume of Jeff Tweedy, who co-piloted the groundbreaking alt-country band Uncle Tupelo in the '80s and early '90s, then multiplied its popularity as the leader of Wilco. In that band, Tweedy's refusal to compromise his vision led to his greatest commercial success, vaulting idiosyncratic records like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born into the canon.

In recent years, Tweedy has extended his reach behind the scenes, producing albums by the likes of Low and Newport headliner Mavis Staples (who made a guest appearance on stage just before her own set). But after dabbling in side projects like Golden Smog, he's also begun to work as a true solo artist, though his forthcoming album was assembled in collaboration with his teenage son Spencer.

Backed by his touring band and vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig — the co-leads of the band Lucius — Jeff Tweedy surveyed his career onstage as part of the 2014 Newport Folk Festival, recorded live on Sunday, July 27 in Newport, R.I.

Set List

  • "Diamond Light Pt. 1"

  • "Flowering"

  • "Summer Noon"

  • "Honey Combed" (Feat. Lucius)

  • "Hazel"

  • "World Away"

  • "New Moon" (Feat. Lucius)

  • "High As Hello" (Feat. Lucius)

  • "Low Key" (Feat. Lucius)

  • "Fake Fur Coat"

  • "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart"

  • "New Madrid"

  • "Please Tell My Brother"

  • "Jesus, Etc." (Feat. Lucius)

  • "Wrote A Song For Everyone" (Feat. Mavis Staples and Lucius)

  • "Only The Lord Knows" (Feat. Mavis Staples and Lucius)

  • "California Stars"

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