Mac Ayres: Tiny Desk Concert

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partyislife
Published
Ashley Pointer | September 3, 2026
It's so easy to fall in love with the music of Mac Ayres. His hands-on approach to R&B is such a refreshing departure from the mainstream. Behind the Desk, Ayres brings a stunning band — including longtime collaborator, bassist and music director Declan Miers — and a selection of tunes from across his catalog.

This set is profoundly satisfying, tastefully arranged and always in the pocket. Opening with "Sunny & 62," Ayres builds lush harmonies with vocalists Brandon Lee Harris and Jess Schnieder before keyboardist Daniel Abraham Jr. cues the unmistakable motif of "Calvin's Joint." Ayres debuts "Please Come Home," an unreleased song co-written with Tiny Desk alum Carrtoons, leaning into '70s soul as guitarist Josh Porter creates a cinematic backdrop. "Where U Goin' Tonight" brings a subtle disco vibe and lets Ayres flex his stunning vocal range; the grooves, anchored by drummer Brian Richburg, are completely undeniable.

"This song changed my life," he tells the crowd before the set ends. Nearly a decade ago, "Easy" turned so many of us onto his music; it's also how Ayres ended his Tiny Desk (home) concert. And now the crowd joins in a sing-along, bringing everything full circle.

SET LIST
"Sunny & 62"
"Calvin's Joint"
"Pickled Ginger"
"Comfortable Enough"
"Please Come Home"
"Where U Goin' Tonight?"
"Easy"

MUSICIANS
Mac Ayres: vocals, guitar
Josh Porter: guitar
Daniel Abraham Jr.: keys
Declan Miers: bass, music director
Brian Richburg: drums
Jess Schneider: background vocals
Brandon Lee Harris: tambourine, background vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Ashley Pointer
Director: Joshua Bryant
Audio Director/Mix: Josh Newell
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Editor: Nikki Birch
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton

#nprmusic #tinydesk #macayres
Category
Youtube Live & Streamers
Tags
NPR, NPR Music, National Public Radio
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