Tank And The Bangas: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Bob Boilen | March 10, 2017 — Out of over 6,000 entries — more submissions than we've ever received — Tank And The Bangas won, unanimously, this year's Tiny Desk Contest. I fully expected their victory performance here at NPR headquarters in D.C. to be celebratory. I didn't know we'd all end up in tears.

This band combines R&B with hip-hop's poetry and rollercoaster storytelling, with a flair and alchemy that could only come from New Orleans. Their winning song, "Quick," mixes liquor and revenge — a sort of modern day take on a great folk tale, but peppered with their own idiosyncratic flair and humor. What I couldn't see, until they took over my desk, was the depth of their lyricism and the versatility of their players. At one moment fun-filled funk, the next laid-back jazz, rhythm-driven blues — and it all flows seamlessly. And it's fun to watch: There's a magic kinship between Tarriona "Tank" Ball and Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph as they share singing roles, like two best friends finishing one another's sentences.

This is the third year that NPR Music has put out a call in hopes of finding a shining star. I'm still amazed how, after sifting through thousands of videos from abundantly talented musicians, we can find a common winner amongst a range of judges with such different musical backgrounds. But in the end, my All Songs Considered co-host Robin Hilton, Trey Anastasio (Phish), Miguel, Anthony Hamilton, Ben Hopkins (PWR BTTM), BANKS, and folks who listen to an awful lot of music — NPR member station hosts Rita Houston (WFUV), Talia Schlanger (WXPN), Stas THEE Boss (KEXP) — and myself were all equally charmed, delighted and captivated.

And so here it is, a chance to see an artist truly blossoming. It's just the beginning: A few years ago, for our first Contest, Fantastic Negrito won our hearts. This year he won a Grammy. Last year Gaelynn Lea, an unknown violinist, teacher and singer sent a video captured on a phone and won our affection and souls. A few weeks ago, her Tiny Desk Concert had been seen more than a million times. These days she's taken to the road, touring the world.

Tank And The Bangas will be hitting the road in April with NPR Music to find their new audience — I'll be along for the ride — visiting many of our member stations with help from those music-loving beer brewers at Lagunitas. I can't wait to see the reaction in these crowds' eyes, as they fill with wonder and tears like ours did, experiencing this band for the first time.

Set List
"Boxes And Squares"
"Quick"
"Rollercoasters"

Musicians
Tarriona Tank Ball (vocals); Jelly Joseph (vocals); Merell Burkett Jr. (keys); Norman Spence II (keys); Joshua Johnson (drums); Jonathan Johnson (bass); Albert Allenback (saxophone)

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Nick Michael, Bronson Arcuri, Morgan Noelle Smith; Production Assistants: A Noah Harrison, Ameeta Ganatra; Photo: Niki Walker/NPR.

[tiarawhitley]

Who’s here in 2024?! 🔥🎉 These are timeless songs at this point! 😮‍💨

[KevOnStageStudios]

NO matter how many times i watch this I still come back and watch it again.

[dedeco]

Hey you, welcome back! I know this isn’t your first time here

[sheenabaharudin]

It's been 7 years and I still find myself returning to this same spot for some soul nourishment. Anyone else in the same boat?

[kaly]

Yo this not just music, this a whole broadway show i'm honestly so amazed. Didn't know music could be THIS expressive, whimsical, beautiful, and chill at the same time. I'm in love.

[gianniclaud]

That was not a performance. It was an experience.

[almaguillot]

Tank sings, raps, acts, recites and is funny all in one song. I've never seen anything quite like it.

[tha.fupa.troopa]

If you don’t know what “Black Girl Magic” is, THIS IS IT!

[dannylowlaw]

There's so much going on vocally and instrumentally, I'm going to rewatch this an obnoxious number of times

[baileyk]

Who else is using NPR tiny desk as their safe place during these crazy times?

[lilyfw]

And she has such a precious combination of a child's amazement at the world, and the maturity and beauty of someone experienced in life...

[earsNjellii]

It’s been 7 years and I’m still coming back to watch this.

Rollercoaster was playing in the delivery room when my daughter was born. Thank y’all and bless y’all for such beautiful music.

[udochiekwerike]

I am obsessed with Tank's energy! Let nothing but light touch her!

[danielmurphy]

Her use of storytelling and emotion is incredible.thank you!

[naturalTJ]

What in the Badu, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Floetry kinda group is this
Man I’m loving 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[jrvalencia]

I fell in love with my partner to this performance. They were so excited one day proudly showing me all of their favorite tiny desk videos. I vividly remember staring at my partner when “rollercoasters” came on, and I was brought to tears because I knew at that moment I had just fallen in love. We decided to separate recently and as I was driving to work the memory of that song and that special moment came to mind. Not unlike rollercoasters the ride ends but you’ll never regret giving it a chance. Sorry for sharing into the void. I miss and love you Wisdom.

[TC-lscm]

Hey 👋🏿 to the person up late night watching this with a BIG SMILE on your face!! Peace and Love ❤

[AmariSali]

Their albums should solely be live albums, no studio recordings.

[dontebennett]

This is the only Tiny desk that feels like a movie.

[sikleqt]

Still the most amazing Tiny Desk concert I have heard to this day. The pure talent of these women as well as the band is insane.