PJ Morton: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bobby Carter | December 2, 2020
If we invite artists to return to the Tiny Desk, we ask that they do something completely different from their first show. For PJ Morton, the obvious shift would've been to come solo. After all, he defied the laws of space back in 2018 and managed to squeeze 14 bodies behind the Desk. This time around he's just as generous with the spotlight, but puts a new focus on gospel.
Gathered in a big airy space in his hometown of New Orleans, PJ and his band performed three selections from the now Grammy-nominated The Gospel According To PJ, his very first gospel album. He grew up playing gospel music, but chose secular music as his professional path. The album brings him back full circle, a journey mapped out in conversations on the album with his father, Bishop Paul S. Morton.
PJ only sings lead on one song but is clearly the maestro for this Tiny Desk (home) concert. They open with the reggae-infused "So In Love," featuring Darrel Walls and Zacardi Cortez and close with "Repay You," featuring J Moss. I think we could all use a little praise music as we round out 2020 and who better to offer it than the preacher's son, Paul Morton, Jr.?
SET LIST
"So In Love" (featuring Darrel 'MusiqCity' Walls & Zacardi Cortez)
"All In His Plan"
"Repay You" (featuring J Moss)
MUSICIANS
PJ Morton: vocals, piano
Darrel 'MusiqCity' Walls: vocals
Zacardi Cortez: vocals
J Moss: vocals
Ed Clark: drums
Brian Cockerham: bass
Shemaiah Turner: guitar
Tiondria Norris: vocals
Jarell Bankston: vocals
Ashton Fortner Francis: vocals
John Perkins: trumpet
Tajh Derosier : saxophone
Brad Walker : saxophone
Stephen Lands: trumpet
CREDITS
Video: Vincent Powell, Paul pda Allen
Audio: Reggie Nicholas
Video Director & Editor: Dominic Scott
Director of Photography, Camera Op: Harrison Atwood
Video Producer: Delaney George
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@KevOnStage]

AYEEEEE PJ MORTON. LIVE SHOW KILLA!!!

[@scurvytaco1954]

hes actually a beast

[@thekaerichtexas]

Hey kev👋👋👋

[@sequoiagray]

lol! i hear you saying this!!!

[@BboyKsmooth]

@@scurvytaco1954 kev was actually at PJ Morton's live performance with a small special crowd. For the "The Piano Album"

[@williegant4550]

@kevonstage man I had the opportunity to do studio time with him, but my doggone then executive director came around the corner as soon as I was about to give him my card!!!

[@fancyleelee1992]

Please get the Walls Group to come perform.

[@corybaxter]

YES! I second this!

[@zahronjames]

they not together anymore 😬

[@keith32181]

@@zahronjames that’s not true stop spreading false information 💀

[@tina27luv]

PLEASE Tiny Desk!!!

[@Lookatmyhandle]

Quickly

[@iamvictorious9940]

Pj Morton gives me Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway vibes! What a gift he is!🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@firsttino]

Dear background vocalists you all are point... !

[@CALetty23]

YAAAASSSSSS!

[@elaynek4592]

Indeed they are 💯

[@AtheneHolder]

not a note was out of place you hear me.... NOT A NOTE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JackieYates]

J. Moss...this mans voice is so underrated 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@DMJMC]

Seriously

[@Arvndenise]

J Moss’ vocals are like butter. OMG Flawless

[@Gaverny]

Yes! I listen back to some of his older albums and his voice is like a lazer. He sounds auto-tuned but hes not!

[@DMJMC]

Oh my goodness

[@lolawon1111]

@@Gaverny THAT'S MOSS ANNOINTING. THAT'S MATTIE MOSS NEPHEW THE CLARK SISTER'S MOM YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT.

[@Gaverny]

@@lolawon1111 I actually didn't know that! Thank you 🙏 Amazing gifted family

[@lolawon1111]

@@Gaverny Yes, Goodbless you!🙏

[@tyasasongko]

When something's so good it makes you wanna cry.

[@lenapin6521]

Tears of joy.!!😇🥰😇

[@user-zt8lv2tz6b]

the music is always gonna hit like that when it’s done especially for GOD! The creation behind it is just so powerful! those healthy emotions coming out that’s worship! .. If you don’t I bet the rocks will cry out. The best emotions from music anyone can get being in the kingdom. Think about emotions you feel from different genres.

[@JS-lp2gp]

listen! I cried from the intro to the second song till the end of the video.

[@karenderr1101]

Just cry girl....

[@g-love0704]

Yes, I went from about to start shouting to tears on Repay! That's my song, it's so true!!! Lord I am grateful!

[@romanbjohnson]

Whew. Darrell Walls and Zacardi Cortez singing together? What a gift of a performance, PJ Morton.

[@channel_wavy]

PJ - this performance just confirmed we need that "Gospel According To PJ (Unplugged)". Just imagining the live vocals and anointing from all the featured artists 😩🙌🏾 Manifesting it for 2021!!

[@lrrfg8]

Standing in agreement! 🙌🏾

[@choskins517]

🤔 That would be so dope! 🤦🏽‍♂️ Sheesh

[@jhrtss]

Definitely 💯🙏🏽🙌🏾

[@MsCoCoAscension]

💯 facts

[@tree3073]

yes!!! 👏🏽

[@breannarichardson518]

The legendary J MOSS made an appearance!! he still got it too. Band was locked in and vocals were tight. Overall Excellent performance PJ!!

[@sicelotimz5601]

Darrell voice has something which I can’t even explain... he really sings from the depth 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭May God bless him.. PJ your music is really touching.. May God keep you safe and bless you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jenniferramsey2102]

Amen

[@gracedelucia6680]

can we give it up for the set direction? having the lead vocalists on that little TV in front of the background singers and the rest of the band was visually very cool to look at, but also allowed the rest of the band to take center stage. plus it was a bit of an ode to the times we're living in, constantly connecting through screens when we can't connect in person.

[@kylerice4314]

if yall could just like... keep droppin once a day just like this

[@valleriewesco2224]

GOD is Awesome. I don't know of a Greater Love than what He has for Us.

[@up2cuzz]

I can’t stress this enough, but The Walls Group need an appearance on Tiny Desk‼️

[@kingdavidwilliams8609]

PJ MORTON has the Serious Potential of being the "Donnie Hathaway" of this Generation! Fifty Years from now,..... there'll be an Up & Comer that will be described as having the potential of being the next "PJ MORTON"!

[@PayMeNoMind]

Just feels like in an earlier era PJ would be at the forefront of music. I'm sure he doesn't lose much sleep on the size of his spotlight now. His projects are enjoyable!

[@lv6524]

Hum and Jazmine are out of this world talent wise

[@jnfe]

I've heard the same about that guy Aulando Frazier. So many underrated singers that choose to stay out of the limelight but are just seriously talented!

[@PHILKaJo]

J Moss still an all time favorite,...thank you PJ

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *So In Love (feat. Darrel 'MusiqCity' Walls & Zacardi Cortez)* [3:52] - *All In His Plan* [7:14] - *Repay You (feat. J Moss)*

[@joepalmer436]

Been having Repay You on repeat 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@s2392]

@@stanvanillo9831 cz they want u listen until the end, not a part that u request

[@herley7]

PJ then a couple months later Kirk? NPR must have something working in their business. 🧐 Lord, please bless the publications of this company. If it is your will Father, this radio station to have more performances by people who praise your name. AMEN!!! 🙏🏼

[@karringtonhill4484]

Amen!!!!

[@user-qr3ds6rq4v]

This my favorite version and longer too😍

[@ItsJustPatrick]

PJ thanks for bringing out JMoss, God knows how this man's music held me up through college to now!

[@marcuspicot]

Exactlyyyyy

[@stephenmccall4769]

JMoss has ALWAYS been that dude!!

[@allysonshorter1747]

J Moss got me through the bar exam. ‘Anointing’ gave me everything I needed to make it!!! 💜💜💜💜

[@JackieYates]

Still trying to figure out what it is about his voice...😩😩😩 real talk about holding up thru college🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@JackieYates]

PJ this was exquisite...thank you, the band, the singers, J Moss, Tiny Desk...simply beautiful

[@rissbliss]

PJ, again, yesssssss!!!!! Sang J Moss!!!!

[@alainawhite9944]

It’s bringing J Moss for meeeeeeeee

[@OTPeach87]

Chile I almost fell out my chair!! 😩🙌🏿❤️

[@alainawhite9944]

@@OTPeach87 haha YESSS!!!!

[@herFLYness79]

I SCREAMED! Dude is a beast and genius in his own right. I use to study his vocal stylings and production. Amazing!

[@shawnboswell4879]

Beautiful....Darrell and Zacardi...geeezze 🔥..Pj just soul stirring...Band and Backround..Locked and Loaded🌹and J Moss...a true and lasting vocal gift...has similar characteristics toTim Rogers 🔥

[@png3056]

j moss man such a gift so unfortunate he doesn't make as much music anymore

[@ephramwalton]

PJ is awesome! Definitely a (musical) grandchild of Stevie Wonder.

[@ranaehedman2893]

J Moss has so much fun as he is worshiping; I'm not even surprised! It's exactly what you would anticipate from listening to his music. This was so fun to watch!

[@JustinReid1188]

J Moss need his own Tiny Desk.....I'm just saying

[@moimotooth61]

I wish this was longer.

[@CONSCI]

Thank you to Tiny Desk for keeping live performances alive!!

[@1stdecondivineusher914]

Thank you so much👏👏👏👏 Be blessed

[@ItsMissChas5]

Yes!!! 🙌🏾

[@mcraesonja3197]

@@1stdecondivineusher914 pp

[@arnoldanderson4859]

The first song literally has 3 of this generations greatest male vocalist .

[@ironeousaudio]

The best tiny desk I’ve seen so far and it’s only been 2 minutes

[@nilskavanagh]

Jon batiste tiny desk :)

[@NaturallyProud]

Yes!!!!

[@alexcitizen8582]

I've never heard these guys and don't typically listen to this type of music but wow! I'm blown away, how can anybody dislike this?!

[@christinagraham2915]

This gospel music right here

[@markknopflerisnot]

Astonishing vocals, both from the lead and the backing/harmony singers......tight, tight band....an oustanding performance of wonderful live music....thank you PJ and NPR, uplifting and joyful

[@franciscomatarasso1582]

maybe cause its not entirely played live. im not doubting the talent of each member and the band alltogether, but you can see a lot of playback in this recording, from the vocals and the instruments. I dont understand why they decide to do it like this. im sure they can nail a live performance... maybe not to this level of perfection. But you can hear a tiny bit of digital tuning in the vocals. and some bass lines are different than the ones in the video. For me its quite sad, i feel that it totally misses an important aspect about tiny desk wich is real performance in a room with every flaw and imperfecton. I really dig the music and i enjoy this very much. I understand that the pandemic leads to changing the format of the show. but this for me would have been 10 times more enjoyable with less visual production and an acutal live setting performance. sorry for using your positive comment to make this whining statement! just wanted to let it out

[@steezystyyk]

@@franciscomatarasso1582 "i feel that it totally misses an important aspect about tiny desk wich is real performance in a room with every flaw and imperfecton." Well put Francisco! Also, the disconnection between the performance and the music being heard is a bit distracting to me. I feel this happens quite often when something is presented as being a live performance but what you see does not actually match with what you hear. You start to focus on the mismatch between the performance and the music instead of enjoying the performance and music as a whole.

[@beatz04]

Yeah, i just wish they would have left their hands off the autotune. It gives a false impression of what a "live" performance is and sets the expectation bar for other acts who play 100% live unrealistically high.

[@itswysdumb]

We need more Gospel in Tiny Desk mane 💯🙏🏽

[@ndianau]

There will NEVER be another PJ Morton, Darrel Wells, and J Moss!!!! My best Tiny Concert Series, y'all Sang!!!! and heaven felt it in my heart!!!!

[@Jetta32696]

"Repay You" had me sitting on the couch in tears. I haven't cried like that in a long time!! Thank you.

[@IvetteMovesYou]

SAME!

[@IzzyTheGent]

Facts. To’e me up! 😭😂

[@Jetta32696]

@@IzzyTheGent 😂😂😂Happens to the best of us… 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@alfinar5487]

Same 🥺🥺🥺🙏🏾

[@shrimpdance4761]

I'll never be able to repay You, such a freeing concept when you think about it. No guilt, no obligation. Just gratitude and acceptance of His gift.

[@taylorwarner7074]

“ All In His Plans” lawdddd just Pj and his background singers make it sound so original I love it when the writer sings it

[@kyoniadow8776]

I see Pj & LIVE, I click. This man, these vocals, these instruments, the accompaniment... Jesus. Thank you God. Blessing me this Sunday.

[@nettas5437]

Same here🙋🏾‍♀️💛

[@mauricecolvin3117]

When 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus! This is a great worship experience. 💯👑💎🤝🏾

[@Remy-dl6nc]

my husband almost died and this song really helped me praise the lord. I sent the song to my husband as well. God bless you all. and keep on singing for Jesus.

[@PayMeNoMind]

Alright Darrel & Zacardi!!! Both brothers did their thang! Salute to PJ for the dope presentation!!!

[@IAMKO517]

Zacardi is a beast!! 😄 ❤️

[@cheralexander8759]

J moss! Wow ! I remember his beautiful music like yesterday!

[@TaiwoNekan]

NO SINGLE PART of this was dissatisfying or disappointing!! Nailed it 👍🏾👏🏾😍

[@leepryor2211]

Pj need to let his background singers go in and let have. You can tell they all have skills. Would love to see them let loose 🖤

[@ayomiku22]

Bass player and drummer 🔒🔒 Vocals insane pj on piano..

[@vivian6024]

the amount of talent. I aspire.

[@danielstahl5028]

The entire set is a blessing, but Repay You is the song I needed right now...

[@tolatade2182]

JMoss "Repay You" - speechless

[@mainedawkins4203]

Never thought I’d spend a part of my morning Devo listening to Tiny Desk🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jamilabest8360]

PJ and December are synonymous in my book. His concert last year in NYC had me in tears, laughing, dancing, and singing along with everyone else in the standing room only venue. Thank you, Tiny Desk!!

[@Blemished_Babe]

❤️❤️

[@kimeshasimeona434]

Yes it was beautiful!!!

[@GitaSavitriDevi]

💯!! It was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. We had sooo much fun!

[@naima6967]

Yes! That was one of the last concerts I went to before COVID surged months later. I miss live music.

[@derrickchambers3271]

Are you talking the one at the Brooklyn Bowl in 2018? I was there, amazing show!

[@JackieYates]

This tiny desk is such a breath of fresh air...PJ is a GENIUS, all the guests are ON POINT and those background SANGERS!?!? 😩😩🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@JalenWright35]

YES PJ! I love this so much! Zacardi and Darrel never disappoint. And can we talk about how much swag J Moss has?

[@jmichelle979]

Those background vocals hit DIFFERENT 👏🔥

[@sandraschools79]

Omg!! This was just the right medicine. It baffles me that anyone could thumbs down these guys. They are phenomenal, even if gospel isn't your thing, you can't appreciate their talent? I honestly think thumbs down people aren't hearing what I do. More like two thumbs up, just couldn't find that button anywhere. Thank you for 20 minutes of peace, love and positivity NPR.

[@ephramwalton]

They probably prefer auto tune music & came to the wrong place.

[@alexcitizen8582]

I posed the same question, I don't understand how somebody could dislike this, I don't even listen to this type of music but I'm wow'd

[@PayMeNoMind]

What some folks actually decide to act on, to select thumbs down on this set, is startling at times. 🤦🏾‍♂️ But aye... That doesn't diminish the performers or the performance in any way.

[@beatz04]

The thumbs down are probably for the autotune and other playback/post production stuff.

[@gcavy1]

woah those guys can sing!

[@jaredspiano3]

Tiondria with this FAMU shirt on! Always reppin’ come on!

[@TiondriaC]

ALWAYS!!! 🐍🧡 Love you, FB!!!

[@corybaxter]

Please bring The Walls Group! I'd even love to see Darrel Walls have his own set! He's such a gifted singer and really sings from a deep place. So good to see him on Tiny Desk with PJ Morton!

[@DOC2089]

I’d rather see Paco instead of Darrel for his on set on NPR. He’s real, transparent, and dope.

[@LoriBlunt-vf1rj]

You are amazing P J. You, have the greatest male gospel vocalists. J Moss, Darrell Walls, Zicardi Cortez and of course ( your vocals ). Outstanding, my brother.

[@glennyodermusic]

Bro! PJ is a genius at songwriting and content! His production value is so high. This is a PRO modern musician!

[@AndreMitchellTV]

Best tiny desk performance, please keep adding more Live Gospel Artist to this platform please.

[@RyanB_Journeys]

I've been struggling since leaving New Orleans and Greater. I miss Pastor D, Deacon Jordan, and so many others. I just miss everything. Anyway as usual I'm in tears PJ. Happy to see you on tiny desk again!!!! -Ryan

[@Chardaff]

Encore Encore!!! That was too short😩. I wanted more!!

[@MrJujuhunkin]

This is pure vibes 🔥🔥🔥

[@dr.karenhinton-polite4680]

PJ you in your element with this! Gospel music is your thing!

[@allysonshorter1747]

PJ!! Louisiana natives stand up! You’re amazing, Sir. Please keep giving us the gospel! ⚜️💜⚜️💜⚜️💜

[@mayajackson2520]

Praise God for bringing this music to a secular platform! I pray this spreads and spreads and people are saved from accidentally stumbling upon this!

[@lakishaallen3657]

When PJ sung 'in His plan', it touched my spirit. The ladies did good on it... but there's something about the way PJ sang it that moved me more..

[@Onesimusplayskeys]

That piano sounds so good ❤️🔥

[@KJStJDC]

This is amazing. PJ and his band never disappoint.

[@karenderr1101]

Thank you!!!! I'm a huge PJ Morton fan and I thank you for introducing J. Moss to those who may not know of him. J. Moss is one of the greats :) It could've been me. Thank you God for all you've done and what you will continue to do. You didn't have to do it but you did. Thank you God!!!

[@gillianday9865]

Hands down one of the best TDCs I’ve ever seen

[@tahomalewis2300]

So in love ❤...Tiny Desk, you all nailed it!

[@nprmusic]

Thank you!

[@MrMikey1981]

J Moss and those runs. He's a beast. PJ, you crushed it as always!

[@rayharvest]

The vocal harmonies are crazy 🎶🎵🎵👌👌👌

[@JustinTre331]

Come on Daryl, Zacardi, and PJ for serving a performance as usual! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@derrickchambers3271]

Wow, J. Moss still got it! Wonderful adoration displayed in this song...... Repay You!!!

[@sowrongitsella1]

PJ Morton you're something else. SO MUCH SOUL! and his musicians just wow.

[@lavernebeauty6315]

But why is J moss just getting better with his runs? Those vocal acrobatics running through 3 octaves got me flaborgasted...

[@Jaisha26]

PREACH!!! He got me at home training right nah!!!!

[@Gaverny]

He makes it seem too easy 😑

[@allthingscreative1631]

Karen been working em lol

[@iamsharon3306]

Love the Jesus Is Love (by Lionel Richie) sample in All In His Plan. Beautiful and flawless production.

[@Tryin2findout]

PJ and Crew, thanks for your service!

[@thefinancialsecurelife]

I am huge PJ Morton fan. I love this presentation.

[@MsDorisann]

PJ is a BEAST!!!! Love his music and love him!!!!! The definition of a musician is PJ Morton!!! J Moss, Darrell Walls, and Zacardi Cortez, simply amazing artists. Tiny Desk, thank you!!!!

[@stewarttavengwa4724]

thank you tiny desk for giving us this fine acoustic version, undistorted vocals from Darell and Zacardi and pure keys from PJ . BIG UP !

[@Leebrewer100]

PJ Morton you are a musical genius. Your talent is on another level. I get those Stevie and Donnie vibes. Keep it up my brother! BIGGEST FAN here I pray that God continue to bless you your beautiful wife, family and EVERYTHING that you touch! Blessings

[@2tufftommy12]

I listen to this tiny desk every day!!!!! I will never be able to repay you, it would take an eternity because you’ve been that good to me 😭🙌🏾

[@jaylenslife92]

Im glad Jmoss got his shine on this one. Always been a fan

[@camscuevas]

grabe his music never disappoints talaga

[@mikhailvillacorta1784]

soul - gospel at it’s finest. Parang maka-bagong Stevie Wonder

[@rustyedrea777]

Amen amen

[@keem6104]

Y’all are SANGING you hear me?! SANGING!

[@ianspencermusicja]

Big up from yaad otherwise known as Jamaica.

[@kylenkross]

PJ Morton is AMAZING lyrically and vocally!!

[@Comaci97]

here for the all in his plan performance 😍 they didnt disappoint fs

[@TheLouchis]

Darrell walls gives me the chills!!! He truly is anointed

[@rikitiaboston8779]

This collaboration is priceless! Would love to hear a full album!

[@kinglouie02]

Don't remember the last time I clicked on a video so fast. Loving this!!!

[@DOC2089]

J.Moss will always be a beast to me. I feel like the last era wasn’t ready for him. Thanks for bringing him back in a spectacular way. The band is low key locked in. PJ Morton is on Stevie Wonder status. I always liked PJ because our piano styles/voicings are similar. Not a fan of Darrel Walls, I’d rather it had been his lil brother Paco or Jonathan McReynolds, but he did ok. And you can’t get no better than Zacardi. Overall I’m going to run this album out like I did his last lol

[@PayMeNoMind]

J Moss' energy and enthusiasm is always appreciated and infectious.

[@williammanas9008]

INCREIBLE ESOS COROS, Y LA PASION POR EL SEÑOR! MUCHAS GRACIAS DESDE ARGENTINA

[@kristinharper2953]

PJ Morton's music brings me such joy. And shoutout to the FAMU Rattler!

[@TiondriaC]

🐍🧡

[@GPrice-mg8mi]

Nothing like the live cuts. They always will hit different!

[@42069wastaken]

NPR tiny desks really are a blessing to mankind