Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Oct. 5, 2018 | Felix Contreras -- There's so much joy in the sound of the Hammond organ, especially for those of us of a certain age. Hearing it can transport you to the early '70s, when every rock band seemed to have one in its arsenal: The Allman Brothers, Santana, Deep Purple. In the hands of true masters — like the late Billy Preston and the very-much-alive Booker T. Jones — the organ can be a melodic, funky rhythm machine.

Cory Henry's name belongs in the same breath as the Hammond organ masters of the past. The instrument creates the central sound of his dynamic, neo-soul- and funk-infused musical identity, and he opens his turn behind the Tiny Desk with what feels like an encore: the full-on soul assault of "Love Will Find a Way." The song twists and turns, then winds up as a full-on celebration — and it's only the first song in his set.

Henry's keyboard skills are on full display during a synth solo in "Trade It All," which also spotlights his entire band. To my mind, they'd have sounded right at home on Stax Records in the '70s — no small accomplishment. "Send Me a Sign" then showcases some of the roots of Henry's songwriting; it's inspired by church sermons that bloom into group sing-alongs. Just another way Cory Henry digs way back to give us something new and exciting.

Set List

"Love Will Find a Way"
"Trade It All"
"Send Me Sign"

Credits
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Beck Harlan, Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame; Production Assistants: Marissa Lorusso and Fernando Gallardo; Photo: NPR

[carlob]

you mean to tell me that this guy who killed it with that goddamn solo with that Snarky Puppy live session also sings amazingly? damn damn

[purplegirl]

THE BACKGROUND SINGERS ARE KILLING IT!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[interstellish]

This fucking bassist, man. How much in-the-pocket groove does it take to outshine the world's foremost and funkiest organ player?

This much. Good god. He is *killing* it. It's obscene.

[clarencecunny]

The Bass player is a straight beast!!!!

[AtRestk]

Baddest organ player in this generation! He's a monster!!!

[azarkinsss]

Do you ever feel like everything sounds like 100% cooler during Tiny
I’m in love with this album! Go listen people!

[chefsize]

You guys should really start crediting all of the musicians (not only the featured ones) in the descriptions for these videos, not only because it's deserved but because a lot of us would like to find out more about many of them & what other projects they're involved with. You're welcome for the long run-on sentence.

[JPitty]

The whole band is killing and it goes without saying that Corey is beyond gifted....but....THAT SHARAY REED is back there

[brandonzimmer]

Cory Henry is this generations Cory Henry. I think thats what time travel feels like. 23 mins flew right by damn!!!

[cvond]

I was about to jump out of my chair and start clapping after that synth solo, and then I realized I was sitting at home in my living room. The music is really moving and Cory is amazing.

[zackiedynamo]

This man is oozing with so much talent and charisma that it's not even funny. He is a truly gifted individual.

[keithrjackson]

Denise and Tiffany are God's gift to background singing!

[Symbioticism]

The guitarist and the bassist are total badasses. Hell, they are all badasses.

[landofold]

The guitarist doesn't get enough love. Laying down the background grove like a boss

[scottlake]

Cory is a monster. One thing I'm loving is how the drummer is truly keeping a lid on it for the 'venue'.

[PowMusic]

Besides Cory Henry, Sharay Reed (bass); Nick Semrad (aux keys); TaRon Lockett (drums); Adam Agati (guitar); Tiffany Stevenson (BGV on left); Denise Renee (BGV on right)

[wyndymequine]

I feel for that drummer- killer groove coming from the bass, the Hammond commands the funk and he has to play like he'll get in trouble for waking up the real deal if you are funky AND quiet...

[bonusgonus]

The way the guitarist accompanies the band is amazing.

[francoistheron]

The band chemistry is on another level!

[Zophedus]

Josh Rogosin for President 2020.. He's the phenomenal sound engineer who IMHO makes this amazing concert series possible. Most sound engineers would have a breakdown when presented with the complexities that these types of concerts present sound-wise. You can tell he loves every minute of it when he nails it every single time. Hats off to you, Sir.