Daniel Caesar: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

June 4, 2018 | Bobby Carter -- Daniel Caesar and his band had a clear vision for their Tiny Desk performance. While already confined to a small space, they opted to congregate at the piano, where producer and music director Matthew Burnett sat to create what feels like a fly-on-the-wall moment. We're presented a purity that's nearly impossible to capture on an album.

The success of Caesar's debut LP, Freudian, has created a groundswell of fanfare and exposure for the 23-year-old singer-songwriter. It was nominated for two Grammys and won two Junos (Canada's equivalent to the Grammys). We've seen him perform on Late Night with Seth Meyers, pop stars are serenading him with his own songs and his set at this year's Coachella festival was one of the most buzzed about (behind the queen Bey, of course). Caesar's is an organic ascent that's yet to reach its peak.

Caesar carries a coy aura about him, until he opens his mouth to sing. The years of training in church, fused with natural talent, is on full display. Supporting vocalists Camille Harrison, Danah Berry and Nevon Sinclair are in tow for the whole ride, providing some of the richest harmonies we've heard at the Tiny Desk. I found myself fixated on the playful manner in which the band members interacted with each other.

Caesar didn't hold back with the set list. He performed his three most-streamed songs (a combined 249,000,000 plays on Spotify alone), including "Best Part," which included a Tiny Desk guest appearance by NPR Music favorite H.E.R.

Set List

"Japanese Denim"
"Get You"
"Best Part (feat. H.E.R.)"

MUSICIANS
Gabriella Wilson (H.E.R.), Ashton Simmonds (Daniel Caesar), Adrien Bent (Drums), Saya Gray (Bass), Matthew Burnett (Piano), Nevon Sinclair (Vocals), Danah Berry (Vocals), Camille Harrison (Vocals)

CREDITS
Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, CJ Riculan, Kara Frame; Photo: Morgan Noelle Smith/NPR.

[nprmusic]

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[tifsears]

his voice feels like when someone you love plays with your hair

[adasouffront]

My man in the piano is living his best life

[jammingwithkev]

Can we appreciate how lovely the backup singers as well supporting beautifully for the whole arrangement?

[claudiar]

It's 2023, Daniel recently released Never Enough, and I still play this Tiny Desk regularly. He's a genius. His voice is pure art.

[lopo]

The fact that Daniel is standing towards the back to blend in with the band and singers says a lot . So that we focus on all of them at once .... I see what you did there 😉

[Do_Worrk]

My first kid will be made to Daniel Caesar's music. Guaranteed.

[lucassalles]

it's 2022 and I'm still here hearing to this master piece almost every day, I love this video.

[miamitten]

Kids in year 2070 after hearing Daniel: _”I was born in the wrong generation”_

[hanablemoore]

Lol the drummer is having a hell of a good time. Hes been smiling the whole 16 minutes. A good tiny desk performance will do that to you i imagine.

[bushDid]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate how great the bassist is?

[leratophadi]

Japanese Denim 😩💛🔥
Daniel Caesar 😩💛🔥🔥
The vocals 😩💛🔥🔥🔥
The band 😩💛🔥🔥🔥🔥

[kks]

his voice is like when flowers vibrate in the wind

[shakebreegante]

I actually like these desk concerts better than the recorded music...

[LeaFaye]

the vibe between them is immaculate. this is the only tiny desk that brough me chills and emotions. SO on point.

[conduitofthegospeldarrellb]

The dynamic between Daniel and HER is refreshing.
Haven't seen that type of chemistry on a track from two artist in awhile. Used to be a regularity in popular music

[ahmadsamir]

I honestly think Daniel Caesar doesn't know how good he is

[kpdelaney]

9:24 the syncopation between the piano and the drums here is so cool! Such a groove

[XitlalicProductions]

I love how happy the drummer is when they're performing Best Part.

[midnight_yota]

The drummer and pianist are straight up bros I swear. The chemistry and good vibes is just pouring our of them I love it.