Jessie Ware: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Young, soulful English singer Jessie Ware has a powerful voice, but it's used with grace. Her singing brings warmth to electronic music and swoon to her own pop, so it's no surprise that her visit to the Tiny Desk was filled with casual poise and spontaneity.
Ware's dramatic nightclub shows are fleshed out with a full band, but here she's able to convey all that emotion with just a guitarist (Joe Newman) and that voice. To add to the casual flair of the day, Jesse Boykins III - the opening act on a tour which brought her through Washington, D.C. - came to watch the Tiny Desk, and Ware asked him to sing with her, unrehearsed. That confident ambition seeps right through the screen in this performance. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Say You Love Me" 0:52
"Wildest Moments" 5:32
"Champagne Kisses" 9:43
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Morgan McCloy, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Carlos Waters; photo by Carlos Waters/NPR

[@joaonascimento277]

invite her again pls!!!! 'What's your pleasure' needs a session

[@Dorts85]

Oh my god. Yes!!!!!

[@caveatlector1591]

YES!!!

[@lucaxraph]

PLEASEEEE

[@sistemametro]

Siiiii! Completamente de acuerdo.

[@caiocm]

Pleaseee

[@sterlingg.hardaway4444]

Jessie Ware in 2015: I need to get more upbeat sh*t Jessie Ware in 2020-2021: OUR CURRENT DISCO QUEEN

[@elizabethevans2790]

Her new album is all kinds of FABULOUS 😍

[@cherryburns]

100% fact

[@JavenarchX]

She got crazy good

[@Scorpionic_]

Her music keeps leveling up

[@OmDaFunk]

That! Feels! Good

[@boxofboommike]

I’ve never understood why she is not more widely known in the United States. She is absolutely one of the most talented artists of our time

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

There's one major reason but I won't be the one to say it.

[@user-tt6be2zx3h]

JW not about all those flash and gadgets and gossip news and things that American loves

[@fionakiely3505]

​@@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945say it pls... I genuinely don't know

[@Tyson-xd5ct]

Not hot

[@yyyannuuu]

There's something in British water..their musicians are casually out of this world good. *shiver* :3

[@amaniimani2820]

Its the tea 🍵

[@raniaelmugammar5071]

+ayanada06 haha! I love that you also watch this , xo Rania

[@deBarborita]

+Amani Imani heh, then I should start drinking more English tea :P :)

[@yyyannuuu]

Rania El Mugammar Same! xx

[@jbish79]

+ayanada06 why it's so good is clearly on show here ;)

[@tantemitzi6781]

Jessie should be an international Superstar. She has THE voice, the Class and the Professionalism. She is incredible in so many ways. Get her the money and fame so she can spread music and joy forever and on and on an on ...

[@Tyson-xd5ct]

But she’s not hot

[@ejonestoo]

Tiny Desk needs a streaming radio station. The acoustic version of these songs are superb!

[@momurphy8290]

Eugene Jones yesssss!

[@ProjectSoulTV]

It doesn’t have all the concerts but found quite a few on google podcast

[@MuzerlinaV]

I concur!!!

[@kierah16]

I second that!!

[@comraderieco]

I want a Tiny Desk music festival

[@cadehagen7981]

Her charm is unreal. I don't know if I prefer listening to her talk or sing. They're both sublime.

[@chimchim2_]

Indeed

[@1_rjc]

I would not have been mad if Jesse Boykins got his own mic and stayed up there a while longer. He brought some really great harmonies on this

[@rochelljones7571]

+Royal James Did you hear Jesse Boykins Tiny desk? He has one that he did in New Orleans.. Really good job

[@sabrinalecrivainmediaTM]

+Rochell Jones I cnt find it. Send a link please

[@jeremyguthrie926]

Qxs av. s Z. Z. L. N s

[@ihdjs]

www.npr.org/event/music/353286700/jesse-boykins-iii-breaks-it-down

[@danbee6407]

Absolutely agree, I wish I heard him more; Fantastic back up vocals.

[@martha-rayeadjei5831]

I love how simple she dresses and how humble she is. Her voice is just there. And there's so much emotion behind it. She doesn't even have to gesture to make it interesting. (IE hands in pockets the whole time). Lol love it!

[@borcenaskovski2153]

its her style not her character - look at her some 2-3 years ago

[@UncleEti]

She has a great elegance. Well-made up, with this slight touch of neglect which makes her even really charmfull. An art in himself (I am French ;))

[@ronniemack4831]

I didn't think she was dressed simple, she looked very fashionable.

[@davidespinosa1910]

She's 30 years old in this video, and so graceful.

[@kevinilango7896]

I love how she just tugged at Jessie Boykins III to be with her at the mic, like they're siblings 😊

[@AlexanderRM2010]

Backup vocal was excellent. Beautiful compliment, not overpowering.

[@greencase]

Raymond Alexander he gonna overpower her later from the back.

[@AlexanderRM2010]

Haha. Man, why's it gotta be like that...

[@bendoherty3129]

loool there is always that one guy that has to lower the tone. Standards

[@beverlyceasar1977]

Raymond Alexander agreed!

[@renan_andrade]

Raymond Alexander perfect, spot on

[@cullenhossein]

i knew she was a good singer but i didn't know she's this good. acoustic versions really bring her voice out and it's lovely.

[@audreyvanya2040]

Hossein Cullen true that

[@djswift1986]

For real. She is amazing.

[@ShadeMcConnell]

Bring Jessie back for another tiny desk after the release of That! Feels Good!

[@Topself24]

I'm here for Jesse Boykins III, but damn this lady can sing!!!

[@moveslikechevalier]

was introduced to jessie ware in maybe '13 when 2AM Club covered Wildest Moments on their album. Been crazy to watch the evolution in her musical expression.

[@littlesometin]

she's so effortlessly cool and chic

[@MrDogo-ej2hu]

Don't you mean thic?

[@veeno3983]

The back up vocals are so beautiful.... wow

[@DaveDEF82]

Vania Noguez You should check his work. He is called Jesse Boykins III. There should be several vids on youtube.

[@l.soloproductions1465]

Vania Noguez Yes Jesse Boykins III is phenomenal.

[@ycats1000]

DaveDEF82 he's awesome, sound tracks are just like deep base

[@longlivethekingisded]

+DaveDEF82 Seconded, he's really good. I was so surprised when I saw him here.

[@dnellcarson4571]

I actually click because i saw JB3 in the background.. I was shocked to see him. One of my favorite artist.. Very Underrated Artist.. Hes a pioneer in this game.. He Should've already had his NPR moment!..🤔

[@jellyrcw12]

Omg I had no idea that she did a tiny desk concert. I love her! Wildest Moments will always be iconic

[@allthatjjess]

jessie`s new album is out there so i think its time to bring her again, just saying....

[@toyahtorrez]

I remember in 2015 I sat in the park consistently every morning for 2 weeks listening to Jessie Ware & cried my heart out! Helped me get over a break up. This woman is like fine wine & jazz smoke 💫

[@caiocm]

what a touching memory! music is pure magic and very healing

[@anikaelle327]

I’ve probably watched this 50 times 5 years ago and here I am again in 2021... get goosebumps every time! !

[@AIRjordan373]

Same here, one of my favorite tiny desk

[@nthatimakgalemela7774]

same

[@laysguerrero948]

INVITE HER AGAIN, PLEASE!

[@dollarbambi]

invite Jessie again with her latest album That! Feels Good! she has grown so much!

[@jloqwert]

The guyy adds just the right layer for the main singer to shine not to mention Jessie's heavenly singing voice

[@lormaigay]

Invite her again please 2023

[@khayreecopeland7950]

This is the best Saturday night I had in years.... just drinking bourbon and watching NPR TINY DESKS tank and bangas, Christian Scott, Lianne and now Jessie with Jesse, smh sad or beautiful idk but I can't stop smiling

[@486Nichole]

Beautiful

[@jessiewhite354]

I feel ya Amelia Badelia (sp?)

[@melaniesoon2269]

Doing the same thing, same vibe, whiskey, 3 years after your Saturday night. Pretty beautiful

[@khayreecopeland7950]

@Sean N hahahaha

[@jonathanmw4216]

Only recently discovered Jessie Ware. What a voice. Such a joy to listen to.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Always astonished how the British accents disappears when British people sing. Amazing.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Uh, actually I listen to all type of singers from all genres and cultures. It's just the British artists I particularly recall didn't have the accent when singing.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Or did I interpret your statement incorrectly?

[@sabrinalecrivainmediaTM]

Yes me too. The accent goes away when they sing.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

So I'm NOT alone in my observation. Thanks, Badb.

[@dancingcheeseproductions4127]

The accent does not spontaneously disappear when they sing. Many English vocalists deliberately change their accent when they sing to sound differently.

[@youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961]

So beautiful. She seems like she has a wonderful personality, as well, which is equally as beautiful as her singing.

[@sarahholzapfel3510]

These Tiny Desk Concerts are like an ear orgasm.

[@qcouple4930]

Sarah Holzapfel I’m addicted

[@andrewlynham606]

An Eargasm, new word, first heard here :-)

[@stelachongo8662]

Indeed ♥️

[@DesireThompson]

Jesse Boykins has the answers. Can't wait till he's able to slay one of these on his own!

[@garrygirard6350]

she is fucking phenomenal!

[@alleydrum]

Humble and beautiful guitar tone. Also, Jessie Ware kills.

[@hjd1539]

That emotion on that man's face as he sings tho....makes me tear up. So beautiful, the both of them.

[@amandaleopold1687]

I love her stripped down sound much better. Her voice doesn't need all that overproduced popped out junk.

[@Siafa]

BRING HER BACK!!!!

[@GoldenGraham25]

I saw Boykins, clicked, love him...discovered her...love her.

[@speakwhale]

14 minutes of pure bliss.

[@Sarahosagie]

Cant get enough of this rendition of champagne kisses

[@DeejayRach0]

Special stuff

[@PaulLanderic]

the first song is eternal. they somehow managed to capture the emotions in music, the way music should transfer emotions.

[@saruh_sara]

She is a Goddess! her voice is so angelic but also so raw! Hard to come by these days

[@aguadeluna0629]

8 años pasaron rápido y que bella voz

[@sluslu4284]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this version of "champagne kisses"

[@bLACKQT20]

Ahhhhh ❤❤❤❤ this acoustic version of Champagne Kisses. She can never do Wildest Moments wrong!!! Loveeee you sooo much

[@astridbelliot1088]

Such a beautiful voice. I like her better in the setting with the guitar. She sounds so pure and honest. This voice doesn’t need any embellishment 👍🏼

[@Qilaaaaaaa]

0:50 = Say You Love Me 5:31 = Wildest Moment 9:43 = Champagne Kisses

[@benjibatch]

Is it just me or has her demeanour, the way she speaks and how she looks has changed massively, yeah I know this was 8 years ago but still, crazy!

[@thinkwhatsyourlife5908]

Oh my goodness. Jessie...Jesse what's up. That was crazy good. Way better than what we hear on the radio most of the time. I read a lot of comments like this. This time it's me been blown away

[@lisbusch]

always been obsessed with this song...finding out it was done alongside Ed Sheran...makes so much sense why it's as brilliant as it is. These two are unstoppable.

[@k4mi11e]

This woman is wonderful. I got the chance to here her speak at a seminar. She's genuinely humble especially for someone with so much talent💗

[@nwk-wt3ty]

Hes getting a beautiful tone out of that guitar - amazing.

[@neferubastmaat3355]

So. . .HONESTLY. . .Jessie and Jesse should record this together! I have probably listened to it 100 times in the last 2 months! My goodness. How beautiful that they never practiced this and made this magic!

[@almajphotos]

I just love her voice its makes me cry. Jessie ware you are awesome

[@Eriuqsrednef]

Its 2023. I had never heard of Jessie Ware. But I heard 'Begin Again' on a Jools Holland night. The song & arrangements , with the singers is just so delightful. The song goes around in my head, day in day out. I repeat play it especially in the car. Now I am a Jessie fan & getting to like the up beat style of her music. Thankyou Jessie

[@Nat-fi5lu]

Something about her music seems to have me on the verge of tears but with the butterflies. She's so great.

[@Kevinschart]

why do these angels keep making pop music...such a beautiful voice

[@tomgamble2963]

Some amazing harmonies on the first one.

[@lielynarboladura283]

Acoustic sessions of any singer is the best type to bring out how raw and beautiful their voice is. The version of Say you love me is full of emotions, my heart cried. .

[@RaphaelGarcia]

Jessie Ware is so effortlessly incredible! ❤️

[@Sasika95]

I love everything about her ... her voice, her writing, her style, how humble she just stands there and full on blows our minds like it’s nothing

[@kierah16]

This is on repeat on my phone! Can't get enough of this performance. Why don't artists like her do stripped-down albums? I would buy it immediately!

[@SWEETDEE007]

The lower register of Champagne Kisses is dope as hell. Jessie just love me please.

[@add333]

Wow, this is beautiful, and I love Jesse Boykins III is included in this. I'd love to see him have his own Tiny Desk Concert!

[@user-rc7qo3mp3j]

I keep coming back for this version of champagne kisses... It's just so good

[@lh8167]

How have I missed this gem of a concert!!!

[@jenniferconcepcion8804]

00:51 Say You Love Me 5:32 Wildest Moments (FAVORITE OMG ^.^) 9:43 Champagne Kisses

[@Suprkim88]

I wish his harmony would pop out more!! I love this.

[@neghiethervil5606]

I found him distracting and some of his choices to be big misses. He was a last minute addition so I'll chalk it up to a lack of preparedness.

[@abrahamhernandez5719]

How could I have been sleeping on Jessie all this time!

[@n00bsauce1987]

I didn't know Ed Shareen wrote that song. That makes a lot of sense because it feels like something he'd sing and write.

[@abwarmblood1780]

Um...SHE wrote with. Let's not just credit Ed.

[@guttojunior9581]

Sheeran*

[@4161pz]

You can hear Ed harmonising on the recorded song with her towards the end

[@frankringel6541]

I can't get over the sound of her voice. Consider me a new fan.

[@keltonaarris4045]

Man her voice is amazing and she's so beautiful..

[@beastlybooks]

Thank you Jessie, for introducing me to Jesse... *Heart eyes* to both of you!

[@sarahroannamartin9114]

I literally fancy her so much... voice, attitude, smile... damn. Hot.

[@audreyvanya2040]

Sarah Roanna Martin i've got to say she's beautiful

[@christinemurphy7372]

Introducing yr partners onstage first thing - class act, lady. ^_^

[@MsDivaJonelle]

I saw Jessie and Jesse just casually sing background vocals and I CLICKED SO FAST!!!!

[@iPaul143]

I've been a massive fan of Jesse Boykins and fml he killed. Holly shit his tone and even his volume was perfect. Plus he looks like he admires her.

[@radnowonward]

Just keep coming back to this magnificent performance. This is the video that introduced me to this humble, beautiful woman. And Jesse Boykins III is without parallel-- not just in these impromptu harmonies, but in his own right. Big love for this piece of magic ✌

[@MM-111]

Wonderful !

[@SteveAmaefuna]

Her voice is simply Love! It's heart ache, hope, honesty and happiness all in one. Watching her perform live just made my bucket list.

[@msbgr8]

Had no idea she wrote "Say You Love Me" with Ed Sheeran 😍 I just heard Wildest Moments for the first time today & have played it on repeat for hours now.

[@Emztrynewthings]

her voice.... i felt heaven

[@golasgolas783]

she's amazing

[@nibyafternight1983]

Imagine she doing one of these with her new style, literally heaven 😍😍

[@kemikalrxn]

gosh I LOVE her

[@tshepangmogashoa6817]

Thank you for giving my ears something sweet to listen to and for lending my eyes your wonderous beauty to see

[@Joseph-gd1ee]

WE NEED HER BACK!!!

[@eduardogonzaleznieto729]

I just found out Jessie with her "Midnight" and it mesmerized me. She's one of the greatest jazz singers. I really love 💕😘 her. Kissing from Me from Mexico city

[@nthatimakgalemela7774]

October 2022, been listening to this since 2016 and still can't get enough! Jessie just does not get enough credit

[@Redawuk1]

Gorgeous. Jesse Boykins III, extra gorgeous. Lovely voices.

[@q.7628]

The first song sounded like a movie soundtrack 💙🎶

[@user-rz4fo6de2z]

Stunning voice

[@cynamin922]

That first song really speaks to my soul. I love the delicate balance between the singers. They are amazing together.

[@rapasvi]

WE NEED IT AGAIN!!!!

[@SWEETDEE007]

I love Jessie with all of my heart, soul, being, mind and spirit.

[@medicalpiff803]

SWEETDEE007 facts!!

[@tibbsshaleen]

Good Lord!!!! She's even better live! ANd the backup singer...YES!

[@freespirit5731]

Jessie is beautiful inside and out and Jesse Boykins compliments her voice beautifully

[@Bamsambam33]

dont know this artist but i liked this video 20 seconds into it... shes incredible

[@fabioguarda6199]

Saw her in a festival some days ago. what a voice. thank you jessie.

[@carolineschapoks8516]

im just blown away, Jessie sounds even better live..what a voice♥

[@meep3445]

I love how soft his voice is behind hers.

[@shinysilversparkles]

okay i literally played this video five times in a row. i don't ever want to stop listening to her voice