Patrick Watson performs live in concert at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Watson put out one of this year's most magical records, Adventures in Your Own Backyard — an album of beauty and mystery and joy. On Sept. 5, the singer and pianist took his sprawling group of touring musicians to Washington, D.C., for an emotional live set at the 9:30 Club.

One of my favorite performers, Patrick Watson is dramatic but understated; deadly serious but unexpectedly candid and funny. And the music feels so warm, with melodies that haunt and enchant. The singer-pianist and his band put out a new record in 2012, Adventures in Your Own Backyard, and it's one of my favorites of the year.

In this Sept. 5 concert from the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., Patrick Watson — the name of both the bandleader and his band — came off as loose and particularly playful. Maybe it was because the tour was ending, maybe it was the choice of drink, or maybe it was a bit of both, but the group members seemed to surprise each other and push each other all night.

I love that sort of back-and-forth that happens on stage, where a phrase catches the ear of one musician and sparks a new idea in another. It's subtle but easy to see, especially in this video, where facial expressions are so evident. On this night at the 9:30 Club, I got a sense of what it might be like to hang out and listen to this great band of friends gathered around in someone's living room, playing extraordinary tunes and having a grand old time.

Set List

• "Lighthouse"
• "Blackwind"
• "Step Out For A While"
• "The Quiet Crowd"
• "Words In The Fire"
• "Into Giants"
• "Strange Crooked Road"
• "The Things You Do"
• "Luscious Life"
• "Big Bird In A Small Cage"
• "Morning Sheets"
• "Adventures In Your Own Backyard"
• "Noisy Sunday"
• "Beijing"
• "Man Under The Sea"

Credits

Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Robin Hilton, Bob Boilen; Host: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Claire O'Neill, Zac Visco; Production assistant: Christopher Parks; Special thanks to the 9:30 Club; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins

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