Jordan Ward: Tiny Desk Concert

Ashley Pointer | October 23, 2023
Jordan Ward showed up to NPR headquarters radiating with a warm energy that felt familiar, like linking up with your favorite cousin at the cookout. After all, the immense amount of creativity and synergy displayed by Ward and his bandmates during this Tiny Desk performance is indicative of pure fellowship.
The St. Louis bred singer-songwriter started his professional career as a backup dancer for stars like Justin Bieber and Becky G. Since carving out his lane in music, Ward has been steadily on the rise and dropped his stellar debut album, FORWARD earlier this year. He's an effervescent presence in R&B and this Tiny Desk concert traverses an array of his most beloved musical moments, directed by producer Lido on vintage synths and backed by PG county's own Alex Vaughn on vocals.
Ward opened his six song set with a dreamy soundscape before diving into his 2021 song "Lil Baby Crush." And when Lido cued the unmistakable synth lines from "WHITE CROCS," they turned up the energy in a Tiny Desk arrangement of the already classic tune. Closing out the show on a sweet note, Ward serenaded the audience with a bossa nova-infused arrangement of "CHERIMOYA," and you can't help but wonder how so much talent can exist in one person.
SET LIST
"Lil Baby Crush"
"MUSTARD"
"FLIGHTS"
"WHITE CROCS"
"FAMJAM4000"
"CHERIMOYA"
MUSICIANS
Jordan Ward: lead vocals
Alex Vaughn: vocals
Lido: synth, music direction
Myles Martin: drums
Jermaine Paul: bass, effects
Caleb Buchanan: guitar, bass
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Bobby Carter, Ashley Pointer
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Elizabeth Gillis
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Photographer: Estefania Mitre
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#jordanward #nprmusic #tinydesk

[@nprmusic]

Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.

[@pineappletk9025]

Actually one of my most highly anticipated Tiny desks . Truly believe he still has AOTY for R&B his sound is so unique and he’s truly one of a kind man .

[@BadMiloMusic]

YERRRRR

[@cmooreHD]

I thought I was the only one who thought this! I can press play on the album and walk away! It’s amazing! Leon Thomas would be my second pick.

[@calebsewell8227]

@@cmooreHDabsolutely Leon Thomas is right up there with him for R&B album of the year.

[@above97]

I need a vinyl bad. This is one of my AOTY also

[@iMellaa]

@@above97 yes!!! Been waiting for a vinyl release!!! 🤞🏼

[@TheJfotofili1]

"She look like 90s R&B, her friends like SWV" sung over Rain by SWV was beautiful to hear

[@leeron.x]

i was looking for this comment 😭😭

[@datanoster]

portrait of tracy by jaco pastorius was the original sample for that

[@naledi1431]

WAIT I DIDNT NOTICE THAT

[@OnlyAshayla]

Literally came back today just to listen to it 😩

[@brendandaravong9199]

@@datanoster”portraits of Tracy was the original sample” ☝️🥸 yeah we know bro

[@yolophonik]

I’m so happy for people who get introduced to Jordan Ward with this performance. He really deserved this.

[@yolophonik]

I also have to say shoutout to the band. They did great ✨

[@em8969]

Very true, new fan here

[@woozyamooba3903]

so glad im going to see him in amsterdam. he is by far my fav artist atm

[@nidanaeem3876]

THIS WAS MY FIRST THOUGHT TOO UGH

[@MrMaddzkillz]

New fan alert! 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@izayuh3828]

Alex Vaughn doing background vocals is WILD ✨🔥💯

[@TMDubb]

Wild

[@zipho]

crazy right!?

[@israeltodd1303]

Too wild 😭

[@soulofvibessounds]

Agreed! I got the shock of my life😭🔥❤️

[@shakeraholness1428]

Wow I didn’t realize that was her

[@dddelve]

time stamps for you guys! Lil Baby Crush - 0:00 MUSTARD - 3:47 FLIGHTS - 5:35 WHITE CROCS - 7:14 FAMJAM4000 - 9:26 CHERIMOYA - 13:13

[@nicholastjia-gan3329]

Here’s your Crown bro. 🤴👑

[@fredfarrell]

You notice the 'portrait of Tracy' quote at the beginning? So good

[@ariannas264]

God blesss🙏🏾🤩

[@Head_Turnah]

They need to pin this.

[@Spheriment]

thank you so much

[@jessicagarrett8208]

Alex Vaughn X Jordan Ward is CRAZY 🎉🔥💕🥰

[@conradmargiela1090]

Fr

[@juanf3344]

I'm sure they have a collaboration somewhere and when it drops I'll go berserk

[@dollyonelly4564]

​@@juanf3344I CANT WAITTTT

[@nathanielmccarthy1559]

This guy is proof that you should watch the support artists at concerts, I found him when I went to Smino's gig and he was so sick, couldn't believe I missed so much of his music

[@chillwithash]

I saw him with Smino and JID too, he was great

[@nathanielmccarthy1559]

@@MaejorArray ikr! I'd hope people go to concerts not just to see an artist but also cos they like music, you'd think that'd mean they'd wanna find more 🤔

[@beckystyles9636]

I read that he was a backup dancer for Beyoncé!

[@SSingh-nc8hb]

Me too! Saw him in Berlin! His sound directly connected with me!

[@DavidTheBaker]

This is such a vibe

[@suiiiiiiiiii9567]

big fan of you mage

[@Spheriment]

you next?

[@DevAnimal]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@marki1009]

his voice is amazing. he sounds even better live and the backing vocals are perfect. amazing job, phenomenal!

[@josuemorales8441]

Pretty sure that's Alex Vaughn on backing vocals, her album is so good

[@lukehamburger3659]

Saw him live as an opener for JID and Smino, one of the best artists I’ve discovered live

[@rllrsktr4157]

Right

[@DeniseDeion]

Alex Vaughn is an amazing vocalist/artist. Can’t wait to see her have her own Tiny Desk

[@iMellaa]

Seeing Jordan's growth has been such a joy! He deserves it all! And the amazing back up vocalist compliments him so well!

[@blackthacreator5762]

I know, it’s bittersweet😢 hope he goes so much farther!!!

[@teej7777]

Shoutout Alex Vaughn 🔥🔥

[@jordanwilfrid835]

😢

[@mqksim___]

Man... Im so happy for Jordan Ward, first going on tour with Smino and JID, having one of the best albums of 2023 and now (finally) having a tiny desk concert. This is fantastic and Jordan is such a talented artist, I love how optimistic and happy he seems when he performs and the dance for FAMJAM is fantastic ❤❤

[@vizualwarrior129]

Jordan Ward been that mf guy bro. Sucks that he only went on the east coast shows for LuvIs4Ever tour :(( but I got to see SwaVay he was there for the west coast shows.

[@jabon_99]

@@vizualwarrior129saw man preform in NYC man was cooking and dancing along. He was hittin too

[@TheSvmurai]

8:29 SO SMOOTHE HOW THEY TOSSED IN THE BOONDOCKS OUTRO!! 🔥🔥

[@scotty4n795]

Was looking for this comment

[@8readstick]

@@scotty4n795me too 😂

[@davonjroberts5]

just noticed thats the sample. thats crazy.

[@namu-amy4113]

Thought I was the only one that clocked that ! So good fr 🔥

[@mandyayo7282]

Your backing singer is AMAZING! Not a note missed I tell you!

[@josuemorales8441]

Pretty sure that's Alex Vaughn she's so good, her latest album is great

[@saeedmalami110]

Alex Vaughn is goated in her own right - her latest album is A1.

[@dafhul641]

Who you callin a back up dancer 😂

[@dr.strawberry5773]

@@dafhul641 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 dancer

[@cowboysnationtv5538]

She has perfect pitch

[@chillvibesonly816]

Ok now smino turn

[@yaboidsean8099]

ONGGGGGG

[@mosesbenjudahisrael8687]

I'm like why has Smino not done one yet?

[@PlazaEri]

For the past 5 days I been singing “She looks like 90’s R&B” at least once an hour. Lol this Tiny Desk truly has me in a chokehold

[@matthewhumphrise6800]

Bro same

[@user-zs1uz3fl2p]

His last album is a whole new level of alternative rnb. Been listening to it forever. My new fav artist 100% he’s got taste

[@seyidrml]

I actually love his stage presence so much

[@OliverClothesoff012]

Jordan Ward AND ALEX VAUGHNNNN ?!?! We really got a sweet sounding session here😍😍😍😍

[@tylermcmahan4828]

Favorite tiny desk ever. I’ve been watching for 7 years.

[@zanti551]

the lady backup singing alex has such a BEAUTIFUL voice and added so much dimension to all the songs!!

[@swaleyblue5590]

I come back to this like 5-7 days a week, to sing outloud and dance in my living room. Pray for my neighbors 🙏🏽

[@sirisblank]

Saw him live in minneapolis. Opening for Smino and Jid. I’ll never forget the energy this man brings. Good voice, good looks, good vibes. Nothing but love for this man

[@DoubleC3C]

I was there too! His stage presence got me HOOKED! What a show 😭

[@arinzei.7496]

The vocal run that Alex Vaughn hits at 13:44 aligns sooo perfectly with the original song! She did incredible.

[@dream4starz]

the fact that he used to be a backup dancer too 😭 like WHAT CAN’T HE DO 😻 he’s so cool man

[@rickyabril2933]

I’m not going to lie this is the first Tiny Desk in a while where I’ve felt like I was actually there, like an actual concert. Thank you for making me feel engaged Mister Ward! Hope to see you in actual concert soon!

[@youngchrezzy]

That transition into White Crocs!!!! Pure artistry.

[@asenathimzola]

I love Jordan Ward , the FORWARD album still got me on chokehold .I thought I'd gatekeep him but I'm happy that his getting the recognition he deserves .Much love from SA .🇿🇦🇿🇦🥺❤️❤️

[@Roeinesmati]

Sent him a dm in 2019 telling him I am from Belgium and I love his music and that he will make it, he replied good things take time, I’m so glad he is making big steps and released an amazing album

[@djkidkrazy]

St. Louis taking over! No genre. Just vibes. Jordan Ward, Smino, SZA, Sexyy Red

[@iamthew0lf]

Jordan Ward is one of the most refreshing musicians of the 2020’s so far.

[@dysonhaaland2447]

Woww this is actually one of the quickest artists I’ve ever seen get a tiny desk and it’s so well deserved! Jordan Ward is suchhh a great artist and his music slapssss I’m so proud of everything he’s accomplished frr

[@dailyremz]

Watching Jordan success from 2018 to now is just amazing… I’ve been waiting for a tiny desk for soo long and this is the perfect time to have one after his debut album. Im so happy for Jordan man… I can’t wait to see his next projects in the future

[@Adrianqwyc]

fr his story will be amazing

[@nickamato8872]

The dance choreography during FAMJAM was amazing!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@karlellberg6629]

I just realized, this version of Lil Baby Crush uses a sample (the live guitar) from Jaco Pastorius - Portrait of Tracy, and to me it made this whole live performance 10 times cooler. That’s really why I love music. The way we put sounds together to make it into something special and heartwarming. Thinking, was the track originally produced using a sample from that song, or did someone realize the melody fit so perfectly afterwards?

[@MaejorArray]

In the first verse he sing “She looks like 90s RNB. Her friends like SWV”. SWV is a RNB group from the 90s that had a very popular song titled Rain. Their version of Rain samples Jaco Pastorius’ song Portrait of Tracy.

[@chalwemukoma4968]

I think artist's should be releasing these tiny desk performance versions as songs ❤

[@mattmueller4077]

Being a St. Louis native, seeing Jordan’s progression over the past few years has been amazing, I’m so glad he’s come this far!

[@YWiggy5]

Him and his band seem to have amazing chemistry! I love seeing him get recognition. His voice is truly one of a kind ❤ I love it

[@maureenzeufack5185]

The SWV "Rain" Intro to Lil Baby Crush was MAJOR. The whole thing was just chef's kiss fr

[@andreso7841]

Seeing Lido and Jordan collabing on this project is such a cool clash of two worlds I never suspected would come together

[@Discaimervision]

Crazy to have Alex sing his backing, these two are R&B rn ❤️

[@kelseybee123]

I'm a big supporter of Jordan's work. I love seeing how much other people vibe with FORWARD.

[@seika150]

Seeing lido there is another feeling, I've been listening to his music since 2014 and now he's here, his music deserves so much praise

[@jamesbradford4253]

I swear the tiny desk performances are so much better than the record itself its crazyyyy

[@rupertknoop]

Been a huge fan of lido for years, amazing to see how he came out of the norwegian pop scene as a teen and is now exec producing Jordan’s (and other’s) album, awesome so see him as part of the performance as well🫶🏻

[@barsbeatlife]

what sets jordan apart is he has an incredibly unique voice, is extremely likeable as a person and just has that instant star quality of being entertaining and personable. only wish him the best. just wish his london show was put back a few weeks so i can go 💀

[@tyrannosaurushands]

Bro seeing this dude on tiny desk is so crazy. I started listening to him back in 2019 and I showed him to this girl I had crush on back then. Seeing his growth is inspiring.

[@mandisadindi9690]

Jordan Ward you will forever be famous

[@noahpatrick2557]

starting lil baby crush with rain by swv to coincide with the opening line "she look like 90s r&b/her friends like swv" is so clever i like

[@skylercole2314]

jordan ward is him. dropped easily one of the best albums this year

[@adreass5114]

This is my favorite tiny desk concert ever.This guy can express every feeling through his music.Incredible talent

[@bzzarre815]

Been a fan since he was a backup dancer and when he released his project “Valley Hopefuls” in 2019 . Seeing him finally get his recognition is so amazing

[@parriys2485]

7:36 the way they’re just flowing together!!! 💫

[@Jimmy_99]

Saw him live opening for Smino before I knew who he was, love his music. Nice to see him on here

[@michaelalow3927]

Dang I wish the released version of lil baby crushed was released with his vocals like this, so amazing. Anyone who discovers jordan ward is so lucky

[@MeltingFacesOff]

I’ve never heard of him before this, but I can recognize talent & just tell that he pours his soul into it & when someone puts their soul into something you can feel the authenticity. Gained a new fan.

[@cookingwitchefzayy8830]

His album was so good man 311 is always on repeat

[@bellefleur1]

He honestly should've performed more songs 😭❤️

[@FSREntertainment]

was patiently waiting for zoomies ☹️☹️

[@maryanngambrah1963]

Do Smino next!!!

[@mothebaker1935]

Truly one of the most deserving artists to perform on Tiny Desk!!

[@_MuLifE]

Jordan ward is so underrated

[@nfmosphotos4624]

What a refreshing performer! Gots the old school style of just being soulful and having fun, love it!

[@mrdefari8827]

J Ward GoesUP glad to see his NPR recognition ✊🏾....Big Chune agwan Big Wave......tooWavy

[@janeybakarbessy2330]

I love learning about new artist and coming on Tiny Desk. After this I will be putting Jordan Ward on repeat on Spotify!

[@PivotPixie]

I just found out about him at the 6lack concert. He did such a fantastic job. High energy and funny, and the vocals were on point.

[@Prodbymiracle]

already my 67th time rewatching this just to vibe on it this tiny desk really gets me relaxed and layed back

[@tylerpoire3496]

Im a white dude from Arizona and I love the music i find that i normally would never hear thanks to tiny desk concerts

[@Gro0w]

I couldn't have had a better surprise this morning. Thank you NPR, Jordan you're so treasured

[@itsrealkenna]

Me as an underground artist with a small audience, Jordan Ward is the type of success story that inspires me. It's been inspiring to see how he's grown in his abilities and steadily exploded after embracing every chance he's been given! With good reason, Mans has swiftly become a hallmark in the music business. I know that if I work hard enough, I can eventually reach a wider audience, but for now, I'm satisfied as a supporter. It'll be my time next.

[@fitwithjuni7376]

wow... Jordans co-singer is incredible, props to her!

[@errorloadinginformation5429]

Jordan's such a deserving artist, definitely one of the more original ones to come out recently. So happy to see him shinning

[@cloudedmind7690]

Jordan mad talented saw him open for the JID and Smino joint tour and I’ve been listening to his music ever since!

[@Koofumhead]

Nice and mellow, goes good with my Monday morning. Hold on, ge said, eat what like a bowl of peas??!

[@jovannygonzalez8971]

I remember it being 2018 and listening to my first Jordan Ward song after discovering him when I saw him perform at Coachella with Beyoncé!!!! So cool seeing an artist make something that will outlive them while remaining genuine and authentic every step of the way. Congratulations Jordan!!! ➡️

[@leejael5963]

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER STOP WATCHING❤️😫

[@drone808]

Bruh, this NPR performance is my best this Year! Ward's music transcends, man. 🙌

[@xoharleyrae]

He's probably going to be my most played artist this year 😂 love this sooo much ❤

[@KyleYouMadeThat]

I've come back to this performance at least 5 times since it came out. Jordan's absolutely incredible !

[@DomoDolo]

Saw him live in Philly last night ans can say he earned a new fan. Letsgoski!!!!!

[@Thrilz]

i saw him live back in March and his vocals and stage presence are elite. bumping his music for 2 years now and not stopping soon.

[@cmooreHD]

This is a Gift. I wasn’t expecting to see Jordan on here at all ! What a performance!

[@bongumusicntuli491]

Just when I recently discovered him, he is just pure bliss❤ Much love from South Africa

[@batgirl052009ify]

1:45 Alex Vaughn is the truth! Like an angel

[@UT00BE]

Some artists come to sing he came to Perform! What a performance ❤

[@zamaqwabe449]

Oh I love both Jordan Ward and Alex Vaughn this is so beautiful!!!❤❤🥺

[@nats8416]

Wish SIDEKICK was in here too❤

[@chichalexisse9388]

i want to cry

[@rufus2016]

So beautiful

[@aspenreneexo]

The joy I experienced seeing Jordan Ward's name pop up!! Thankful for this!!

[@wordsbygemm]

Jordan Wards voice is just everything! I love seeing my favourite artists on tiny desk. Cherimoya is one of my faves off the album, so glad it was included in the set.

[@LVBYRINTH_SOUND]

FLIGHTS has been on repeat for MONTHS for me. So glad they did that song

[@JJfromroundtheway]

From the days of running round as kids to now, this man always been genuine, full of love, definition of a good human…Gango leggo Cuzzo 💯🙌🏾🔥

[@isena3401]

I've been listening to this everyday atleast twice since it came out. It's sooo good 🙌

[@isairuiz461]

The way I went crazy for the opener, with SWV. What a G, love you Jordan Ward! 🎉🫶🏼 And the band ON LOCK with the transitions omg

[@LagoonWavey]

Love Jordan, Back up singer killed this

[@simonpeters4256]

This Tiny Desk is going to age like the finest wine in the world

[@crackswareg135]

Got to see him open up for JID and Smino in KC earlier this year and his stage presence is so great. So much personality

[@JustThtKidKris]

I got to meet him on my birthday for the JIDxSmino tour and his energy is so infectious, I’m glad he’s getting all this buzz!! Can’t wait to see where he goes from here

[@namu-amy4113]

Cherimoya is such a beautiful song i be listening on my smoke sessions 🍃😩 I’m really glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves fr fr ❤️✨

[@randleman1116]

That boy good!

[@sikoswanii]

seeing his growth for the past three years has been such a joy and pleasure and proud to say he is in my top five most listened artists of all time. he’s so consistent and the quality never drops, it only rises. truly has album of the year and has such a unique and creative sound which is what makes him so easily enjoyable to listen to. all 17 songs of the album are still in my rotation to this day and there’s good reason. loved this tiny desk also he picked fantastic songs to perform.