Durand Bernarr is an expertise. On the Tiny Desk, members of his band — clad in costumes evoking characters from the Disney Channel animated collection The Proud Household — surrounded Bernarr, outfitted in a white and magenta sequined ensemble with a wig styled in a pompadour, channeling the electrical vitality of the soul and funk singer of the Proud Household, Uncle Bobby.
Greater than an expertise, Bernarr is a talented singer. He is gained a following from his catchy albums (together with his most up-to-date, Wanderlust), his time spent backing Erykah Badu on tour and his appearances on BET programming. His voice jumps from strong baritone to clear falsetto with ease. Each tune takes on a unique musical character as he curates the present wanted for every viewers.
When reflecting on his go to to the Tiny Desk, Bernarr remarked, “I needed to present on this platform I am a lot greater than simply R&B.” And he did simply that, utilizing, as he put it, “a clean, different James Brown, vaudeville jingles, Quiet Storm, Chanté Moore, jazz, R&B, Patrice Rushen, hip-hop, bluegrass, nation, musical theater, home, funk, opera, rock…” to showcase his showmanship at its peak.
Bernarr advised the Tiny Desk staff: “I am not meant to be understood; I am meant to be skilled.” I think about not many Tiny Desks experiences wrap up like his did: with a shirtless performer going right into a dip and Diana Ross-in-Mahogany-style twirls, after which weaving his manner via the viewers supplying hugs and excessive fives.
SET LIST
- “Leveled”
- “Chops (Reprise from STUCK.)”
- “Sam’s Vibe”
- “Firm”
- “Mango Butter”
- “Relocate”
- “Freefall
- “STUCK.”
- “Melody”
MUSICIANS
- Durand Bernarr: vocals
- Frank Moka: drums
- Sam Hoffman: guitar, keys
- Egberto “Budda” Foster, Jr.: bass
- Devin Smith: keys
- Terron Austin: vocals
- Roy Sample, Jr.: vocals
- Jason Paul: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
- Producer: Bobby Carter
- Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
- Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
- Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Body, Estefania Mitre, Maia Stern
- Artistic Director: Bob Boilen
- Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
- Manufacturing Assistants: Jill Britton, Ashley Pointer
- Tiny Desk Staff: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Pilar Galván, Sofia Seidel
- VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
- Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
