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

[@theDawsonEffect]

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

[@_classic_rob_]

100%

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

And now I know, thanks to Tiny Desk. 🙂

[@bapbap22]

Last time I listened was years ago, it was a little more poppy/rnb w/ vocals. I love this new direction

[@barbae9388]

Purely I love his sound ❤

[@cy9105]

Let’s lift this supremely talented pianist up and NOT keep him a secret.

[@Thirstrapforcuties]

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

[@StefveoX]

Bro done assembled the avengers

[@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 🥞🥞🥞🧈🧈🧈

[@brianvigneau2074]

Like I am going to listen to a tiny desk concert any other way?

[@wizem4n]

Finally Kiefer in Tiny Desk what a great day

[@clydekaila123]

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

[@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.

[@CharlesCollins-k2m]

Charlie Hunter is a treat

[@jussmall]

thank you NPR kiefer is criminally underrated.

[@tymtrppr3]

Dude naturally just brought some of the most incredible jazz musicians rn. Nate Smith, Theo Croker, Charlie Hunter.... Carrtoons ... Absolutely amazing :D

[@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.

[@CRAETION_]

I saw the Kiefer trio play last October and now I'm seeing CARRTOONS and his band play in September!! So excited

[@itsjackylegs]

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

[@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.

[@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. 🙌

[@RoyMaya]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@ivand8531]

More to bob james than chick IMO.

[@tombittikoffer412]

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

[@donjiang5090]

YEAH~

[@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.

[@rodrigohpb]

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

[@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!

[@henriquealejandro7247]

That's the Kiefer effect!

[@aldon560]

The joy on everyone’s face says it all.

[@coolo73]

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

[@alfonsoalcala]

My face all the video: ☹️ but in the best way possible. Tiny Desk at his best, thanks!!!

[@-imkon-8557]

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

[@ArthurDhaeyerMusic]

First trio interplay is so dooooope !!

[@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

[@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!!

[@Churrosonice]

Kiefer on fender Rhodes is a good match. Shout out to all the legends on the guest appearance too

[@evanedits98]

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

[@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!!

[@thebotmonkey]

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

[@luziabezerra4631]

Ac.m

[@luziabezerra4631]

Ty🎉

[@5amJones69]

bro I thought you were just listing off seperate tiny desk concerts that slap as I was reading this early in the video and then THEY ALL GET UP TOGETHER WHAT?!

[@Benry675]

I haven't seen anyone talk about the trumpet solo. It was killer

[@angelsierramusic]

Luke always lays it down on drums 😮‍💨🔥

[@EB240]

This is top tier musician stuff right here

[@copper067]

This trio is just plain sick wit it, if you can't vibe out with Kiefer you not no real Head.

[@jazzjazznjazz]

That first track though .... 🤟♥

[@L.F.Carpede]

Therapeutic. Thank you very much guys.

[@nwk-wt3ty]

Have a great day mate

[@Yeqzz]

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

[@Newguywiththecamera]

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

[@F_letc.h]

They just put out a live album of this material?

[@SimulacronX]

Kiefer is such a vibe

[@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!! ✔️

[@Isack4]

Been waiting for this one. Luke Titus so fun to watch as a drummer.

[@alichamas63]

The dopest of nerds! Fans put your hands in the aaaaaair!!

[@kyleyoungmusic]

“woo” indeed!!! 🔥🐐🐐🐐

[@RuthwikRao]

Dilla endorsed! 🙏🔥

[@ChrisIzattOfficial]

Yo this dropped on my birthday and this is hella tight!

[@pjay6746]

Already knew I was gonna like this when I saw his J Dilla Donuts tee before the music started. And I was right. Nice seeing Carrtoons there, too. 👏

[@Accumu]

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

[@Jdilla76]

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

[@DaniloMarrone]

Charlie Hunter sitting in playing “only” guitar is so strangely cool.

[@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.

[@scolhs]

So happy I got to see him live in Malaysia few weeks back. Such an inspiring chill dude!

[@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.

[@JP.artandstory]

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

[@AdrianJonathanMusic]

man... freaking amazing.

[@intrepidfox37]

I saw him in Denver recently with Nate Smith and CARRTOONS. Fantastic show. Even the opener Galaxe on the vibe/beat machine was good! Well worth the 2 hour drive there!

[@thesmellycatjazz]

What an insane super group of musicians.

[@CharlesCollins-k2m]

Charlie Hunter is the man. Love his groove

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Brilliant! Yes, Yes, YES!! Focus on Instrumentalists 🔥👌🏿👌🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@a.h.2667]

Whaa...how did I miss this video? Still hoping for the chance to see him live one day.

[@LIMITEDDAYS]

Finally!!!!!!!!! Been waiting for 7 years for this moment!!!!!

[@gregorymajor1925]

My 1st time experiencing this artist, absolutely AMAZING!!!!

[@RonaboSoul]

love the guitar licks @15:15 Nice!

[@mattgordon3301]

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

[@karisnoflin3597]

I wish some Tiny desk were made in vinyl eps. This is one of them.❤

[@JesseFischer]

THANK YOU FOR MIXING THAT RHODES IN STEREO! 🎧👌🏻

[@Saintxthief]

Haha you’re welcome, It had stereo outputs so I didn’t even have to mic it up. Plus the great thing about smaller groups doing tiny desk is that there are more inputs to work with cause right now we max out at 24

[@JesseFischer]

@@Saintxthief ha thanks for answering! I love that stereo rhodes autopan... sometimes engineers just take one channel or fold both channels into mono and it really doesn't translate well 😭 while you're here, another thing, I'm glad you open Kiefer's talkback mic every time he does a "oooh" or "ey", must've been tedious but makes all the difference!

[@aminabarry]

I LOVE KIEFER THANK GOD HE GOT A TINY DESKKK

[@kaya9901]

This was so beautiful!! Jazz is alive and well! Love the “Dilla” shirt💕

[@brianbonifacio7536]

I saw him with Cartoons and Nate Smith at the Blue Note back in March and met him briefly afterwards. Keifer was so chill and gracious. He genuinely seemed just as happy to be at the show as the crowd was. Glad he's getting his shine

[@StratosFair]

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

[@sunnydaysatl]

New fan sound amazing

[@frenchantonio1]

What an awesome way to have spent 22 minutes and 30 seconds. Something about "Socially Awkward"'s composition and the musicality behind the performance almost makes me cry. Gotdamn this is great. Everybody just floatin.

[@neonshadow3000]

Can't believe I'm late on this one, the algorithm not doing its job. Kiefer's been my most listened to artist for years now, glad to see him getting the opportunities he deserves... especially when he brings this much grooving to the table

[@thebmusproject]

Yes, yes and yes!!!!

[@MB-ks2bk]

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

[@kevinwarrick7190]

Why does every new artist (to me) on tiny desk Im a new fan. Kiefer see you on tour this year... keep bringing that great passion to all your projects.

[@marijkepostmus7263]

Iisten to this every day 🤩

[@dbook619]

San Diego all day everydayyyy,… yesss sirrrr

[@truffleb]

I'm really upset. This version of Superhero slapped SO hard. Hurt my neck bopping to it, doc said it will never be the same again physically. But it was worth it.

[@sallysson]

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

[@roncha5425]

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

[@cy9105]

10:18 I love how he lets the groove breathe before showing us what’s what.

[@FanDutch]

they're having so much fun

[@BassMusician7]

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

[@KemetColeman816]

Love me some Nate Smith (drum god for real) but that first trio was BONKERS.

[@WalterBurton]

Such a cool sound. A lot of eclectic and delightful homage mixed in there, intentionally or otherwise.

[@brianvigneau2074]

I have to admit.....that was a ride on da loop d loop

[@trulyy.beloved]

keiferrrrr! 🔥

[@mattwildemusic]

Everyone sounds incredible!! ☀️

[@kaftie]

Fuuuuuuuuuhk, how could I miss this for 4 days!

[@mellomusicgroup]

Love it! Let's go

[@tymtrppr3]

my favorite music label just casually posting on my favorite artist's tiny desk

[@PTJ_S]

Bout time, Kief lets GOOOO

[@dcshortwave]

Got me from the beginning!

[@kganyamolefe831]

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

[@MrDistill]

Smooth groves sliding through the air way out into the universe

[@smartmouthriveria]

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

[@jdiaz4877]

Yes my boy getting the spotlight!

[@JimmyTanglesRecordingCo.]

Fire 🔥

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!