NPR Music invited Daniel Caesar back to their Tiny Desk Concert series to perform songs from his critically-acclaimed album Son Of Spergy. The release landed on many a “Best of 2025” list, including Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter who chose the set as his favorite album from last year. With Carter being such a big fan of the artist and the music, it’s no surprise that he reached out to bring Caesar in for a return engagement following his 2018 debut on the series.
For his second appearance on Tiny Desk, Daniel decided to add some razzle dazzle this go ’round with the addition of a choir 12 people deep. The only musical accompaniment was a piano player and Daniel occasionally playing guitar, so with the limited instrumentation, this was clearly a vocal showcase.
The choir showed out early, singing “Rain Down” and having church at NPR’s D.C. headquarters. After that stunning intro, Caesar picked up a guitar and started singing “Emily’s Song” solo before he was joined by the choir who helped him segue into “Moon.” The backing vocalists hit some heavenly harmonies and notes while he set down the first guitar and picked up a second, which he hugged and didn’t play until well into “Who Knows.” Daniel ended his set with “Sins Of The Father,” the final track on Son Of Spergy, and showed his skills on yet another instrument, this time jumping on the piano.
Caesar received a hearty round of applause at the conclusion of his Tiny Desk Concert, but the highlight of his set was without a doubt the choir. Their vocals lifted the performance and added a new element to Tiny Desk that we hope more artists replicate. While we wait to see who does it next, watch Daniel Caesar and his mass choir do it first right here.
