Sting: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

Abby O’Neill | March 22, 2021
Music icon Sting returns to Tiny Desk with a new collaborator in tow, and the story is heartwarming. During the pandemic, Beninese pop star Shirazee adapted his own rendition of Sting's classic "Englishman in New York" into "African in New York." His version made its way to Sting, who loved it so much that he asked Shirazee to lend his voice to his Tiny Desk (home) concert and record for his new Duets album.

Their chemistry feels natural and just as comforting as this long overdue sunshine after a grueling winter. Shot in a lounge in NYC where Sting's presently recording another album, these two gentlemen share a touching moment between songs, expressing their mutual admiration and discussing the sheer joy about a simple concept – performing in a room together after 12 long months of isolation and virtual collaborations.

As a follow up, Sting jumps into a stunning acoustic performance of "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You," another one of his many classics. The timbre of his voice conjures a sense of carefree familiarity, reminiscent of times with more levity and peace. His finale, "Sister Moon," is a gem from his 1987 solo album, Nothing Like the Sun, that rarely gets performed live.

SET LIST
• "Englishman/African in New York"
• "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You"
• "Sister Moon"

MUSICIANS
• Sting: vocals, guitar
• Shirazee: vocals

CREDITS
• Video: Modern Day Auteur, Franz Brun, Martin Kierszenbaum
• Audio: Tony Lake

TINY DESK TEAM
• Producer: Abby O'Neill
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
• Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame
• Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#sting #tinydesk #nprmusic

[coolieo]

I hope sting just repeatedly comes on tiny desk for years with different people to sing Englishman in New York.

[otegadamagic]

Almost 70 and voice still sounds Golden. Legend

[kadarnur]

Sting + Afrobeats = The combo I never knew I needed in my life

[ocantor_bc]

Can we appreciate how professionally legendary Sting is? The guy has performed the same songs 3 zillion times and still manages to deliver intensely and make them sound original every time. Simply amazing!

Furthermore, he knows his voice isn't in the best shape in this occasion so he controls very carefully how he uses it so that he can reach certain tones in the right moment. That's also very masterful.

[juroen]

When the world is on fire, sting calms the soul.

[youngmoneymahini]

Also please invite Sade for a Tiny Desk concert

[Rubylove]

Something I love more than anything about sting (and there’s a lot to love) is his generosity with his collaborations.

[lawrencefinch-hatton]

Sting is the most determined man in music. His work ethic is second to none. Just look at his musical, "The Last Ship, " he didn't roll over, he kept plugging away, until it was a success. He's done that with everything he's tried his hand at.

"IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN. Don't give up too easily; persistence pays off in the end."

Thanks for the music, Sting. You're a legend.

[JustK]

Sting’s of the best musical brains out there..he’s been a serious influence on my bass playing since I started..Note choice, arrangement & overall feel Sting’s a Champ!

[YashKMusic]

One of the greatest singer-songwriters of our times - the dude is almost 70 and still hitting those high notes🙏

[lucgrillet]

sting is so incredible live... im so ready.

[TC-xegx]

Sting is timeless. Making that complex cord progression look like a cakewalk, holding time like a metronome. Amazing.

[angrysokka]

This was very refreshing. Stings music is like light at the end of the tunnel.

[rockalterme]

I love Sting, definitely as a showman is pure simplicity and creates confidence wherever he sings, success through years is the result of patience, talent, luckiness and the perseverance… what a crooner is Sting!

[Robsonmioto]

SET LIST
• "Englishman/African in New York": 0:01
• "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You": 4:55
• "Sister Moon": 9:17

[davis]

I still remember the day I feel in love with this mans music. I was 13 on a field trip to the Long Beach aquarium of the pacific and they were playing fields of gold .

[noa.angell]

Everything Sting touches turns to gold💫

[roysidharta]

that unique voice. let's just enjoy while he's still around

[MartinClimbs]

Dude is splendid 69 years ripe. Sting is a legal alien.

[creid]

To me, there is something so spectacular to hear songs that I have loved for years; in a more intimate, toned down version. Incredible performance Sting!