My Top 10 NPR Tiny Desk Performances
My Top 10 NPR Tiny Desk Performances in tribute to Bob Boilen’s retirement.
By Maria Zaldivar
The NPR Tiny Desk concert series, a brainchild of the legendary Bob Boilen, has been a gateway to exquisite musical experiences.
In tribute to Bob Boilen's retirement, I embarked on a journey through the performances of diverse artists who graced the intimate setting and selected my top 10 personal favorites. Each artist brought a unique flavor to the Tiny Desk, creating an unforgettable melange of emotions and musical genres.
1st place Mon La Ferte - The Magical Realism of Heartbreak
Su música me hace sentirme viva. Siento una pasión desbordante en mi corazón al escucharla. Haber crecido con la música de leyendas como Javier Solís, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, Antonio Aguilar y José Alfredo Jiménez me llena de inmensa felicidad al ver que aún perdura la representación para este estilo musical. Las letras de las canciones de La Ferte desgarran de manera mágica. A través de su arte espectacular, contagia y transmite sus ansias de vivir. Quedo asombrada por su talento. Su voz deja huella en mi piel, haciendo que el desamor suene hermoso. Esta vestida como una novia que dejan plantada en el altar en lo que parece ser una iglesia pequeña. De principio al fin su visión artística y presencia fue fenomenal.
Her music makes me feel alive. I feel so much passion in my heart as I hear her voice. Having grown up listening to artists such as Javier Solis, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, Antonio Aguilar and Jose Alfredo Jimenez, I am overjoyed to see there is still representation in this romantic genre. She makes heartbreak sound beautiful. Through her art, she displays her infectious everlasting spirit. She is dressed like a bride left at the altar of a small and traditional Mexican church. From beginning to end, her artistic vision is phenomenal.
2nd place Tems - A Journey through Nigerian Elegance
Tems, with her distinctive voice, led us through a carefully crafted journey in an open white room. The ambiance, adorned with chandeliers and flowers, created a delicate feminine aura. Dressed in a monochromatic orange vision, Tems hypnotically drew us in, allowing us to release external worries and focus solely on her serene voice. The synergy between Tems and her band was an auditory delight.
3rd place Anderson Paak - Music Flowing in His Veins
Anderson Paak's unique ability to play the drums while singing showcased a refreshing departure from the norm in the music industry. His infectious smile transmitted nothing but good vibes, and witnessing his musical prowess was a true delight. Ending with "Suede" as per an audience member's request, Paak left an indelible mark on the Tiny Desk stage.
4th place Usher Raymond - R&B Legend in All Black
Usher Raymond, the R&B legend, delivered a stellar performance in all-black attire, setting the tone for a smooth and sultry showcase. His impact on the R&B community, particularly in the early 2000s, resonated powerfully through each note. The addition of Eric Bellinger elevated the performance, creating a nostalgic yet timeless experience.
5th place Omar Apollo - A Melancholic Treasure
Omar Apollo's rendition of "En El Olvido" accompanied by Las Mariachis Linda's was a truly special moment. His Spanish vocals added an extra layer of beauty to this melancholic performance, hitting the emotional chords with finesse. Apollo's voice, a treasure in itself, provided a poignant Latin representation in the media.
6th place Tyler, the Creator - Calm Vibes in Color
Tyler, the Creator, curated a cozy and welcoming ambiance with vibrant lighting. The melodic performance, backed by harmonizing backup singers, showcased a surprisingly peaceful side of Tyler's music. "Glitter," with its vocal harmonies and Tyler's keyboard and tambourine skills, stood out as a personal favorite, while each musician's introduction added an extra personal touch.
7th place Giveon - Vocal Mastery Unveiled
Giveon's live performance surpassed the recorded versions, highlighting his extraordinary vocal range. The emotional depth he infused into each masterpiece was nothing short of incredible, making it a personal goal to witness him live after experiencing this Tiny Desk performance.
8th place Dua Lipa - Effortless Beauty and Talent
Dua Lipa, the English and Albanian beauty, presented a raw and stripped-down version of herself, radiating confidence in true Leo fashion. The set was fun, light-hearted and girly, showcasing her voice that sounded as good if not better than in her recorded versions. Her performance effortlessly portrayed the beauty and talent that defines her.
9th place Summer Walker - Angelic Serenity
Summer Walker's heartfelt lyrics, coupled with her angelic and soothing voice, created a casually laid-back presentation. Her understated demeanor allowed her melodic abilities to speak for themselves, making her performance a soothing experience capable of singing babies to sleep.
10th place Masego - A Groovy Saxophone Journey
Masego's Tiny Desk performance began with a serenade of sweet saxophone skills on "Tadow," setting a groovy and uplifting tone. The collaboration with Dan Foster on "Queen Things'' was a saxophone masterpiece. Masego's playful sense of humor between songs added a delightful touch to this Jamaican-American artist's set, leaving me with a smile and a deep appreciation for "Black Love."
The NPR Tiny Desk performances of these ten artists, each distinct in style and genre, provided a musical odyssey filled with passion, elegance, and raw talent. Bob Boilen's legacy lives on through these intimate and captivating moments, making the Tiny Desk series a timeless treasure for music enthusiasts worldwide.