Carla Morrison: Tiny Desk Concert

From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Tiny Desk is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with an El Tiny takeover, featuring Jessie Reyez, Susana Baca and more musicians from all corners of Latinidad.

Felix Contreras | October 7, 2022
The magic of Carla Morrison’s music is in the intimacy of her lyrics and her voice. I’ve seen the Mexican singer-songwriter woo small audiences and large crowds with an elegance that’s only grown since her first releases.That power to mesmerize is on full display during her time behind the desk with four songs that draw on the things that have earned Morrison stans all over Latin America.

After the opening piano strains of “Contigo,” we’re treated to a display of how Morrison’s lyrics can sometimes move the singer herself as she confesses to shedding a few tears during the chorus.

There is an underlying sense of purpose and release in this music as she explains why she took a break from her music career and how that influences the passion behind her latest album, El Renacimiento.

In fact, even as she introduces “Encontrarme” as an ode to self discovery and recovery, Morrison displays where the emotion in her lyrics come from as she tears up explaining the origin of the song.

“I’m so emotional,” she says through tears, “because it’s been a long time since I’ve been touring and I took a really long time to come back to myself and to be able to sing again. Just to be here means a lot to me because I do watch NPR Tiny Desk at home!”

As if it couldn't get any more emotional, Morrison introduces “Te Regalo” by introducing the object of her melodic affections, her husband and co-producer, Alejandro Jiménez.

I’m not saying you should have a box of tissues nearby while you watch Carla Morrison’s performance, but it came in handy for me.

SET LIST
“Contigo”
“Encontrarme”
“Te Regalo”
“Disfruto”

MUSICIANS
Carla Morrison: vocals
Alejandro Jiménez: guitar
Daniel Fraire: keys
Samuel Felix: drums
Edgar Hernandez: bass
Damaris Fraire: vocals
Sarai Pajon: vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern
Audio Assistant: Hannah Copeland
Animation: Alanté Serene
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Anamaria Sayre, Fi O'Reilly
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#eltiny #tinydesk #carlamorrison

[nprmusic]

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[santanaarmand]

If only non Spanish speakers could understand how beautiful “Te regalo” is

[philb]

I honestly accidentally clicked on this and decided to go ahead and listen. After my second time listening to this it will NOT be my last time hearing her.

[AZstampinChica]

Her song, “Te Regalo” was the song my Mom played over and over while my Dad was sick…his death has left a void in my heart and soul but Carla’s voice calms me. Amazing artist. Fan for life.

[mjluna]

One day in an Uber my driver had Carla playing and I had to know who she was, can't understand more than half of what she sings but her voice, heart and style is all I need to understand. This coming from a Hip Hop and Metal Head. I know beauty when I see it and more importantly when I hear it.

[rawdaaljawhary]

Te Regalo reminds me of my dad. He survived and sacrificed so much for our family. He is an amazing man. I am blessed to be his daughter. I hope I can repay him a fraction of what he gave to us. I hope to have his excellent character and pure heart most of all.

[ThirstyKnife]

What a wonderful NPR drop to wake up to.

[jordancaballeromedia]

Again. The booking agent and sound engineer deserve a raise. Love carla!

[johnsolomon]

When you don't know what the artist is singing because you don't speak that language but it still gives you chills that's something special.
Wonderful performance and beautiful young lady and awesome band.

[giovannibautista]

I dedicated Te regalo to my aunt who was dying because of cancer at that moment, i cannot listen to that song without crying

[elfuegoeternodetuamor]

México es cuna de cantantes, de artistas! 🇲🇽🇵🇪

[griseldaperez]

FINALLY. Carla is a GEM. I hope more people can appreciate her talent, humility, gratitude, and beautiful soul. TE AMO REINA!!

[mckinneyhunts]

I don't understand all the words, but her performance brings tears to my eyes. It's absolutely beautiful. She has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.

[ginatyra]

I had no idea what she is saying but I’m crying! Wow! Her voice is amazing.

[majoca]

Este Tiny Desk Concert es como esa cajita de sentimientos que guardas en tu corazón.

[SashaLangholz]

I have two terrible chronic illnesses and can barely leave my house anymore. I never thought I could live like this but i have to channel inner strength every day. Unlike the many failed medications I’ve tried for my disorders, this tiny desk gets me through so many hard days and genuinely improves my quality of life ❤

[scoopwiththeloup]

I'm a white dude that works at a mexican bar. She's come on our pandora for the last 4 years. " Me Puede/Falta De Respeto" is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard

[FranzJoseph_III]

Even with 0 Spanish, I enjoy the beautiful voice and the emotions Carla is transmitting. And I loved her speech!

[jbuncker]

00:08 Contigo
05:49 Encontrarme
11:41 Te regalo
18:20 Disfruto

[geogmz]

Her voice is so peculiar. It's powerful, but still feels like she's whispering to your ears.