Maxwell: Tiny Desk Concert
Mitra I. Arthur | August 23, 2024
Have you ever been in a room where you can feel a palpable, collective swooning? Welcome to a Maxwell Tiny Desk. The crooner’s sensual falsetto and rooted baritone have seduced audiences since his debut album dropped in 1996. One of the leading voices in the resurgence of soul music during the late ’90s, Maxwell’s albums are full of tender songs recounting love, life and heartbreak that have resonated with generations of fans looking for ways to be vulnerable.
Clad in soothing neutrals, Maxwell charmingly admitted his nervousness at being at the Desk, stating that “This is where real music can’t lie. You cannot lie here.” The audience was there with encouragement — singing along, screaming in pure glee and adding the party vibe when needed. His set here featured “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” complete with a funky bass solo from Darrell “Free” Freeman. “Lifetime” features impressive work from Travis Sayles on the keys and Shedrick “Shed” Mitchell on the Hammond B3 organ, an instrument I’m admittedly partial to. Maxwell presented his latest single during this set, a cover of the Al Green classic “Simply Beautiful,” breathing life into the song and paying homage to the soul singer. To end his set, Maxwell performed the song that launched his career, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder).” Percussionist Charles Haynes gave us a little D.C. go-go flavor as everyone partied.
SET LIST
“Sumthin’ Sumthin’”
“Bad Habits”
“Lifetime”
“Pretty Wings”
“Simply Beautiful”
“Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)”
MUSICIANS
Maxwell: lead vocals
Shedrick “Shed” Mitchell: keys, musical director
Hod David: guitar
Travis Sayles: keys
Darryl “Lil Man” Howell: drums
Darrell “Free” Freeman: bass
LaTina Webb: vocals
Aaron Marcellus: vocals
Charles Haynes: percussion
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel, Zayrha Rodriguez
Audio Engineer: Ted Mebane
Photographer: Estefania Mitre
Tiny Desk Team: Kara Frame, Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#nprmusic #tinydesk #maxwell
Really enjoyed this!!—I wish he performed “Fortunate.” I was really looking to that next to “Ascension.”
❤He is BAD!!!!!❤
Tiny Desk..NPR Music…I love you! Thank you for great concerts in the comfort of our homes and as background music at work (of course I am working and not grooving with my hands up). I see awards in your future! Great work and I cannot thank you enough for ALL of the different groups you bring to this platform.
I FEEL SO SPECIAL AS A MILLENIAL! But Maxwell I know EVERY. SONG! I have loved Maxwell since he came out.
He put on a hella show for sho! Wished he sung 'This woman's work' though
Robinson Christopher Thompson Jose Hernandez Kevin
Not me being a millennial singing every song word for word! I was shocked when he stated we’d know Pretty Wings. Maxwell is a legend ❤
Nah this is good, Max. You still sound & look good. I was hoping for …Til the Cops Come Knockin', my third favorite song in life, but this set list is good. Anyhow, Bad Habits does not get enough credit for me. I rank that song right up there w/ the work you did on yo' debut, Max.
So wait… everyone like this comment if yall think they should have Maze ft franke bev and sade on here next!
Johnson Dorothy Martin Paul White Edward
So gracious, so perfect ❤
South Africa Sept 5th 2024. This is just golden
Gold standard for modern journalism. NPR leading the way!
Maxwell def still got it, never lost it. ❤
Maxwell, simply beautiful!!! You and the music.
Harris Susan Clark Maria Young Joseph
Walker Jennifer Young Elizabeth Lewis Sarah
OMG MAXWELLLLLL !!!!
I❤ u Maxwell
Anderson Dorothy Lewis Melissa Young Joseph