Tye Tribbett — NPR Tiny Desk, Washington D.C., 2023

Filmed live session by American singer and choir leader Tye Tribbett for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk, recorded on March 20, 2023. A major figure of contemporary gospel and a multiple Grammy winner, Tribbett manages to fit a choir, a horn section and a full rhythm section behind NPR’s desk for a full concert of rare spiritual intensity. From the very first song the fervor rises: perfectly tuned voices, jazzy breaks and funky beats fuel fluid transitions between six songs of praise. A preacher as much as a musician, the artist punctuates the set with exhortations to hope — “you’re never hopeless” — before closing on the encouraging Be Alright. A demonstration of the musical excellence of today’s African American gospel scene, this filmed live concert turns the studio into a joyful place of worship. An essential capture for fans of gospel, soul and sacred music, carried by the infectious energy of one of the most charismatic choir leaders of his generation.