Maverick City Music: Tiny Desk Concert

This year, NPR Music is celebrating Black Music Month with an array of brand new Tiny Desk concerts — both from home and from behind our beloved Desk. Together, these artists represent the past, present and future of Black music. This month of carefully curated shows is a celebration of Black artists expressing themselves in ways we've never seen before, and of the Tiny Desk's unique way of showcasing that talent.

Suraya Mohamed | June 23, 2022
Almost 30 musicians, choir members and staff of the contemporary worship music collective Maverick City Music entered the NPR lobby and crowded the security desk to undergo COVID protocols. Even through the dull process of checking vaccination cards and test results, there was a real feeling of excitement for what was about to happen.

Some of the choir members were eager not only for the upcoming Tiny Desk concert but for later that evening, when they were scheduled to perform at a sold-out 20,000-seat arena nearby. A few of them had only previously performed with Maverick City Music in small venues and couldn't wait to move from the Tiny Desk to a big stage. Once upstairs, the group's enthusiasm grew during the set up and sound check. Even the NPR production staff was buzzing because we had not recorded such a large ensemble in our office in more than two years.

Once the performance started, Maverick City Music did what it always does. The members of the group became one voice, sharing beautiful music and spreading the good word with messages of hope, change and love. The group describes itself as a megaphone for a community of creatives that has been pushed to the margins of the industry of church music. Even for those who aren't fans of gospel music or for those who don't believe, it is possible to still find appreciation in this music's comforting and uplifting sound.

Most of the songs performed here are from the collective's new album, Kingdom Book One, which was produced in collaboration with gospel legend Kirk Franklin. It was a blessing to watch him perform here alongside talented vocalists Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore on the last song, "Kingdom."

SET LIST
"Man of Your Word"
"Million Little Miracles"
"Jireh"
"Kingdom" (feat. Kirk Franklin)

MUSICIANS
Chandler Moore: vocals
Brandon Lake: vocals
Naomi Raine: vocals
Kirk Franklin: vocals, keys
Harold Brown: MD/drums
Sam Simon: keys
Matt Ramsey: bass
Elijah Kaiween: guitar
Jason McGee: vocals/choir director
Ashley Perry: vocals
Audrey Oquaye: vocals
Antonio Drakes: vocals
Cameron Williams: vocals
Jelani Caldwell: vocals
Maraya Stewart: vocals
Pierina Santa Maria: vocals
Tabitha Harris: vocals
Victoria Fitzgerald: vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Recording & Mix Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Director: Kara Frame
Editor: Josh Bryant
Series Creator: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Kara Frame, Josh Bryant, Michael Zamora, Pierre Kattar, Alanté Serene
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Jill Britton, Joby Tanseco, Maia Stern
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#tinydesk #BMM #maverickcitymusic

[nprmusic]

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[Best_Playlist_Of_Gospel]

I was paralyzed in bed last year and I heard Jesus say out loud to me - If you believe in me get up and walk💜🕊💜 I got up and not only walked but went for a walk outside. Praise GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING!!!! ✌💜🕊🙏

[TheRJPowell]

Maverick City doing a Tiny Desk performance?!! Count me in!!😂🙌🏾

[KevOnStage]

Such a good look for Chandler and the Mav City Music peeps!

[FM-mgzi]

Today I officially accept Jesus as my savior and this song plays while I pray. Thank God for the best decision I could have made!

[robvanbreda]

I'm not a religious man, but i'm playing this video for 5 days straight!!!
Man, what a spirit * * * * *

[jairusnouvel]

Once again, this bass player is definitely doing the work of the Lord.

[paigegotbooks]

All I can say is God is up to something. Maverick city been on a lot of platforms that we normally don't see Christian or gospel music. The View and now NPR.

[mrnmdcelestine]

Whenever I hear that part "if he dresses the lilies, with beauty and splendor, how much more will he clothe you, if He watches over, every sparrow, how much does He love you, " in Jireh, I can't hold back, it resonates so much. Thanks NPR and Maverick City Music.

[MemsNaijNATS]

Jireh gets me all the time. The part, 'if He dresses the lilies with beauty and spender, how much more will He clothe you? If He watches over, every sparrow, how much more does He love you? I just be balling. Gets me all the time. This really lifted my spirit.

[rweiner]

Didn’t wanna sleep tonight with an angry heart, and now I just wanna stay up, read scripture, and listen to this forever 🥹 Thank You, Lord, for this healing period of my life.🤍

[thamipooe]

Really appreciated that Naomi took an opportunity to preach a little bit in this set, giving context about the God behind the songs and what this is really all about.

[tinamarie]

Every generation asks “what do the young people really want?”
Answer: THIS! Young people respond to the anointing. Every generation. They want pure divine worship and something real that connects them to their Father in heaven. This is it every time

[cmvv]

Maverick bringing the gospel to NPR. I AM WITH ITTT

[LilaBMonique]

Naomi voice is so pure she makes me cry every time

[dariusmariner]

I grew up with Chandler in his dads church here in Charlotte NC. So glad to see somebody I grew up with doing good for themselves and also spreading the love of Jesus

[yoursoulbelongstogod]

My Mom passed early Thursday morning. I'm completely broken, please keep me in your prayers, she was my best friend, we slept in the same bed for years until when she was admitted to the hospital. One of my dear sister in the Lord sent me this song this morning, and I’m being blessed right now….perfect timing. Sis. Scott, thank you so much. My spirit is lifted…glory to God!! Love you all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Stay on the Solid Rock(Jesus Christ)🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️

[JonathanOgdenMusic]

Jireh sounded so good at the Tiny Desk 🔥

[heavenyoursoul]

I was homeless and then started sleeping on a family member couch. I was in ministry I usually came home late on weekends. Family member became upset why. I explained but to no avail. I was asked to leave, sleeping in the church and one night the Lord spoke out clearly, "I will settle you" I got a roommate and today 3yrs later I own a home, a very decent one. His promises are yes and amen 🙏

[RogueEkko]

call it goosebumps if you want; the soul will always recognize worship