Kiefer: Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | May 13, 2024
For Tiny Desk concerts without a lead vocalist, I usually try to detect musicians' nonverbal conversations with each other as they perform. For Kiefer’s set, there’s a bonus show within the show. He plays with a sense of joy that I haven’t seen in a while and when his eyes connect with a fellow player, it’s as if he’s thanking them each time. With decades clocked behind the piano and a strong catalog, Kiefer Shackelford is primed for the moment.
The Los Angeles pianist and producer’s early instrumental projects were heavily hip-hop-based, playing the keys over drum loops and samples. His 2021 project, When There’s Love Around, leaped into full-on jazz, but his latest, It’s Ok, B U, finds that sweet middle ground. Between albums, he’s made a name for himself in the independent scene and among the majors, booking work with Drake, Anderson .Paak and SiR. For his Tiny Desk, Kiefer brought two ensembles to highlight the best of his work. The Kiefer Trio, comprised of drummer Luke Titus and bassist Pera Krstajic, played a medley of “Why Not?” and “Cute.” For “Superhero” and “Socially Awkward,” Kiefer then invited Nate Smith, Carrtoons, Theo Croker and guitarist Charlie Hunter who, shockingly, is the only musician in this combo who hasn’t played at the Desk.
SET LIST
“Why Not?”
“Cute”
“Superhero”
“Socially Awkward”
MUSICIANS
Kiefer: Rhodes piano, synth
Luke Titus: drums
Pera Krstajic: bass
Nate Smith: drums
Carrtoons: bass
Charlie Hunter: guitar
Theo Croker: trumpet
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Kwesi Lee
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Christina Shaman
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#kiefer #tinydesk #nprmusic

[@iBryanDBrown]

😮‍💨 Keifer is that hidden gem…those who know…KNOW!

[@_classic_rob_]

100%

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

And now I know, thanks to Tiny Desk. 🙂

[@sphamandlandaba1216]

This is the greatest day of my life

[@kyleyoungmusic]

Fax ❤

[@gabrielnekrutman2615]

sameee

[@gcpd9524]

Glad I could be here for your best day

[@zipho]

fr

[@thabosibiya5937]

Brother I feel you

[@SlashestRHCP]

Headphones so badly recommended for this Tiny Desk. That keyboard panned hard R and L into my ears it's just magnificent

[@raresparky]

Popped this open on the iPad til I read this. AirPods in… YES! Wasn’t even hearing that fabulous bass.

[@csharp57]

I nearly lost it when the Rhodes was panning left to right. Sitting here missing my Rhodes (in storage) this made me feel a bit better

[@tikaal]

underrated comment

[@cwopre]

That Rhodes 🥞🥞🥞🧈🧈🧈

[@RoyMaya]

I'd never heard of Kiefer until now. I'm definitely a fan now. Great musicianship!

[@StratosFair]

Lovely performance from these talented musicians, thanks NPR for making this happen !

[@StefveoX]

Bro done assembled the avengers

[@itsjackylegs]

I saw the Kiefer live band in a small club in Chicago and my mouth was on the floor the whole night

[@wizem4n]

Finally Kiefer in Tiny Desk what a great day

[@clydekaila25]

Absolutely fantastic day 🥹💯👏🏾

[@100earth4]

Just love witnessing world-class musicians enter that flow state together. Almost like they communicate telepathically via their instruments.

[@Haku_records]

Music is a language 🎉

[@bigtre26]

Yes that how we do

[@masterprocrastinator6264]

Man ! Kiefer ,Charlie Hunter ,Nate Smith and Theo Croker on the same stage is such a treat !

[@troytolbert2005]

Don't you dare forget about Carrtoons!!

[@masterprocrastinator6264]

​@@troytolbert2005 I didn't know him so forgive me :) , but I'm sure I'll come to appreciate his talent as much as his fellow musicians here.

[@LightestEvening]

@@masterprocrastinator6264 i was shooketh he was also on stage with him. I love the collab!

[@LightestEvening]

@@masterprocrastinator6264 Almost as significant as Thundercat joining Mac Miller's tiny Desk

[@rodrigohpb]

Pure joy. Amazing recording quality, this made my sound system glow. I wish this tiny desk lasts longer.

[@nateyinglingmusic8550]

Charlie is the master of groove. I never thought id get to see this group of musicians playing together! What an awesome set!

[@troytolbert2005]

Dude's trio is as tight as the super group!! Such a great time in history for phenomenal REAL music!! 🔊🎶

[@BrentLane1]

Yes! Came here to say the same thing. 🙌

[@adrianac06]

Thank you once again tiny desk, for introducing me to a beautiful artist I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I love what you do❤

[@sallysson]

Same. The first thing I do in the morning is to search Tiny Desk to hopefully learn of a new artist.

[@kyleyoungmusic]

Yoooo your first introduction!? That’s amazing!! 🔥

[@ranalape33]

This is my favorite comment

[@googelism]

Three of the funkiest dudes alive, all at their most reserved, just keeping the groove and letting the keys and trumpet have the spotlight. Unreal humility from Charlie, Nate, and Carrtoons.

[@XuXin198]

Charlie Hunter is truly an unsung hero. He could have handled both rhytm guitar as well as bass simultaneously. But with Carrtoons poppin' it off Charlie ends up playing this incredibly smooth melodic rhytm guitar. He is never overdoing it during Superhero and Socially Awkward and his performance brings so extremely much to the composition and the vibe. Hats off, my friend!

[@renoshalex]

Agree completely!

[@ijkolpkml]

Agreed!

[@gedster72]

Yep. Such a delight to hear

[@nwk-wt3ty]

Well said mate. Very tasteful playing.

[@tblake2294]

The broken key on the super 6 is a paid actor. Kiefer is one of my all time Favorite artist. He is the Chick Korea of this generation. Unprecedented vibes

[@mowensmd]

Same...actually closed my eye and couldn't really hear anyone other than Chick.

[@Newguywiththecamera]

I really wish this was a live concert album. I would buy it in a heart beat.

[@DBendo888]

All prolific in their own rights, what a roster.

[@coolo73]

Good lord...nothing but modern all stars on this one.

[@tombittikoffer412]

Love to see Nate Smith. Anytime he's on the kit, it's a good day!

[@donjiang5090]

YEAH~

[@kiptamine3662]

KIEFER ON NPR TINY DESK HE CAME SUCH LONG WAY FRFR

[@bennolyon]

amazing! I just saw Kiefer with Nate Smith and Carrtoons TONIGHT in Portland, and man... what an absolutely special night of virtuoso music... Incredible.

[@anthonyfox477]

Was there too man, such a good show

[@bassomatic6055]

​@@anthonyfox477me too. Absolutely sublime.

[@Chiggianya]

I just saw Kiefer perform in Minneapolis last week with Nate Smith and CARRTOONS!!!!!! Truly a mind blowing performer!

[@grantbevan7528]

Can’t wait to see them in Oakland

[@graceapplebaum9268]

I need to see him. I was immersed.

[@nomannic1]

Carrtoons pulls up with that filthy smooth bass tone!! 🔥 Kiefer is a keyboard GOAT & this is a great showcase of his music and groove!!

[@YanivBrenerMusic]

you're doing something right when this absolutely ALL-STAR cast shows up at your call. Kiefer has the talent, humility and sheer love for the music. well deserved tiny desk!!

[@roncha5425]

I never missed Kiefer whenever he comes touring in Paris. Love this guy !

[@jonathanjayes]

I saw him a few months ago in Copenhagen and his energy on stage was sublime - when some folks were talking he said “hey I’m doing my best here, can you do the same” - class act

[@evanedits98]

they are having the time of their life. i've loved kiefer for yeeaars happy see him here

[@smartmouthriveria]

He got all the greats with him !!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BassMusician7]

So glad this channel is turning me on to new artist!

[@DirectedXDW]

True story I ended up falling to sleep late last night with KZbin and i woke up to this playing. Never heard of these guys and I felt completely different this morning compared to other mornings I woke up feeling refreshed even though I went to sleep late I was in a super positive mood Felt excited for the day I think I got a new morning routine!

[@mr.e2297]

KIEFDADDYSUPREME!!! LETS GOOO I've wanted a performance on here for years. Congrats to Kiefer for pulling through and thank you to NPR for hosting him

[@JP.artandstory]

YESSSSS!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!!! AMAZING!!!! WE HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS FOR YEARS AND IT'S HERE! THANK YOU ALL!

[@Songbreeders]

HOW THERAPEUTIC. Thank you very much brothers.

[@EB240]

This is top tier musician stuff right here

[@Accumu]

From big bands to small trios, the sound is always sublime.

[@thondr]

One of the best artists of my generation. What an honor.

[@thondr]

And cartoons on basss!!

[@-imkon-8557]

Kiefer finally on NPR and able to share his incredible gift with the world!

[@kasino7132]

So glad yall got the genius kiefer to rock out!!!!

[@RonaboSoul]

Kiefer is so smooth with it throughout. I'm amazed.

[@thebotmonkey]

I can't get enough of this Tiny Desk. Charlie Hunter 👑 Nate Smith 👑 Kiefer 👑 Carrtoons 👑

[@goodarnold3307]

What a treat, Kiefer is the man! Let’s get Jonwayne on!

[@jdiaz4877]

Yes my boy getting the spotlight!

[@Jdilla76]

Keifer Jamming On The Fender!!! I'm here for it....

[@LiamBarnwell]

I think Nate Smith holds the record for most tiny desk appearances

[@MrLordHasta]

that would be Justus West

[@alexandrawilson6180]

Who is Nate Smith ???

[@LiamBarnwell]

@@alexandrawilson6180 The drummer of the last 2 songs

[@MoShang]

And somehow it can never be enough

[@LiamBarnwell]

@@MoShang True 😅

[@nicktshredz]

Been following this man for so long. He deserves this so much!

[@poonakanwanaeloh7858]

He deserves this. Cute is the song that made me fall in love with his music and I've been listen to him since then.

[@kyleyoungmusic]

Agreed!! ✔️

[@kganyamolefe831]

Found Kiefer through a track by Sam Gendel (Kiefer No Melody) and was sold with Be Encouraged. Very happy with this tiny desk!

[@MB-ks2bk]

My upmost respect for having the trumpet player to play the melody on that song. thank you. -trumpet player

[@Yeqzz]

10:00 got my head spinning with the stereo sound. What a lovely set!

[@monikitand]

I saw Kiefer live in London last year. A total blessing. Breathtaking top notch sound. He keeps it super real. He definitely stands out musically among what's out there.🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@thesmellycatjazz]

What an insane super group of musicians.

[@cy9105]

So happy to see these amazing musicians in one space. Charlie Hunter was quite the surprise!

[@pozest562]

No doubt Kiefer is one of the best it's a privilege witnessing a genius of creation

[@gwojcieszczuk]

Can't get enough of that.

[@RonaboSoul]

The keys are lovely neo-soul chords that I am feeling. Nice!!! Another Favorite tiny desk of mine. Keep em coming!!!

[@charlesheimes7216]

all time desks right here

[@hsrmlo]

finding this kiefer partnership amazing in 2024 and I'll probably come back here more often in the years to come

[@Jibegagosiptta]

His music goes so well with summer night’s cold breeze

[@kyleyoungmusic]

“woo” indeed!!! 🔥🐐🐐🐐

[@user-rq3cm6tn5p]

This show was fyah,music for the soul

[@sallysson]

I love Tiny Desk. Such a pleasant set. It didn't hurt to have Cartoons back after his set.

[@saturten]

saw him play live with nate smith and cartooons, was amazing!

[@AeonGotBeats]

Kiefer is my favorite (and most listened to) artist of the last 10 years. whenever hes within a hundred miles of my city i go see him - almost went to see him in Berlin in Feb. So happy to see him blowing up of late, he's great and super deserving.

[@afxmnstr]

I was looking to see Nate smith and i think a lot of people were, but Luke came up and has a brilliant sound as well, bravo.

[@jarediledundee]

Congratulations, Kiefer!!! I'm a huge fan. Fantastic performance, thank you for the beautiful music.

[@lucasfornaso5269]

This is just insane. Kiefer is always mindblowing, such a great musician and his trio is sooooo cool

[@tunaspew]

love kiefer getting the mad rap he deserves!!!

[@abyanmohamed9206]

YESSSSSS KEIFERRRR IM SO HAPPY THIS EXISTS, i been waiting for this my whole life. Nate smith, carrtoons, kiefer, and Charlie, unREALLLLLL. legends in the making. What your witness is a true testimony to beauty and music

[@mattwildemusic]

Everyone sounds incredible!! ☀️

[@cartoonworld27]

socially awkward being played live is like god speakin into my ear 😭🙏

[@SeoFam01]

Bout time, Kief lets GOOOO

[@legit-ish4203]

This is SOOOOOOOO GOOD. I'm sold and I hate to say this but this my first time hearing this... WTH! This is such a groove baaaaabyyy! ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊

[@Kcasadont]

Nothing wrong with finding something new and great for the first time! Enjoy!!!!!

[@legit-ish4203]

@Kcasadont ikr. I'm lookin for some venues

[@SimulacronX]

Kiefer is such a vibe

[@workingtoseethelight8244]

Nothing better than Kiefer and Tiny Desk on a Monday morning... Ummmmmm... Ahhhhh

[@MrDistill]

Smooth groves sliding through the air way out into the universe

[@angwantibo]

Kiefer rocking the outta tune Rhodes gives me an excuse to insist on bringing out my outta tune Rhodes instead of the clean digital stuff

[@mattgordon3301]

Another gem found thanks to Tiny Desk. What a set! TY!

[@thedude007]

WOW perfect groove tight as f**k awesome musicians I love it👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✌🏾 ❤

[@user-fu7zp4jz1l]

The bounce on Cute had my thumb rush to the like button…!

[@abbos_axiy]

This all sounds so perfect🤩🔥

[@rdolle990]

It's about time, thank you!

[@rappadapp]

Oh man. What's not to love about Kiefer's music? The ease he melds jazz & hip hop? The enjoyment he displays? This isnt even easy work for him, its joy. Tell him I said sorry for taking a week to realise he blessed NPR with his grooves and JDilla Donut jersey.

[@norwoodsstokes3883]

Long overdue....🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽💪🏽🎯🎯🎯🎯💯

[@samuelele]

It‘s unbelieveable!!!!!

[@tayloroliver7293]

we all knew you'd make it man. congrats❤

[@f_rlan]

Siiick! Amazing performance... Cheers from Brazil

[@jammieswitdanny4836]

what a freaking lineup....

[@sailfast2005]

The groove on this set is so tasty I would eat right out of the pocket. Some of my favorite players all in one place with a great mix. A great auditory day.

[@GregSchroederJr]

whew been a fan of Kiefer for years, I'm glad he had this platform...day made!

[@js-jay1uno]

Been putting this off because I knew it was going to be a moment and boy did it deliver.❤❤🙌🏾. The groove is insane.

[@bocajo111]

LETS GO KIEF !!!

[@chasejackson3050]

FIREEEE KIEFDADDYYYYY!! Band sounds amazing 💥💥💥💥💥

[@TheZsuZsa123]

Glad to have found you. My new art studio music.

[@mowensmd]

See ya Wednesday in PDX. Blown away by this man. WHEW!

[@kyleyoungmusic]

Yessssirrrr!!! Well deserved!! Woo!! 🔥🔥🔥🐐

[@Jdilla76]

Yes, you are my heroes as well!!! Nate Smith is my dude. Luke Titus and CARRTOONS have hella producing skills as well. Love all their stuff individually.

[@Jdilla76]

Oh my God! That's what I get for commenting, too soon. Theo Croker Too? I'm in heaven right now!

[@AdrianJonathanMusic]

man... freaking amazing.

[@rawrrawr567]

Love the new trio. Luke Titus is phenomenal live!