The Suffers: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

The first time I saw 10-piece Houston big band The Suffers, it was at a small venue in Washington, D.C., called DC9. The club was barely big enough to contain all the horns, guitars and percussion, not to mention the undeniable force of the music.
October 27, 2015 by BOB BOILEN
At first, I couldn't pull my attention away from irrepressible singer Kam Franklin, whose down-to-earth but uplifting presence put a huge smile on my face. But as The Suffers' set progressed, I became increasingly enchanted with the band, which was part Archie Bell & The Drells and part James Brown, with a touch of New Orleans and even Jamaican reggae.
It was a perfect mix of power and delicacy, as the band held back at moments only to steamroll me when my guard was down. The group has only two EPs, with an album on the way, and trust me: 2016 will be The Suffers' year. Look for the band on far bigger stages soon enough.
Make Some Room is available now.
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/mak...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Make-Some-Room-...
Set List
"Giver"
"Midtown"
"Gwan"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Nick Michael, Julia Reihs; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; Photo by Julia Reihs/NPR
For more Tiny Desk Concerts, subscribe to our podcast:
www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Kam Franklin - Vocals Adam Casteneda - Bass José "Chappy" Lunes - Percussion Alex Zamora - Acoustic Guitar Kevin Bernier - Acoustic Guitar (wearing the hat) Pat Kelly - Keys Nick Zamora - Drum Set Cory Wilson - Sax Michael Razo - Trombone Jon Durbin - Trumpet

[@claessim]

thanks dude

[@norvellyoung2721]

The voice the band don't separate them. Such a beautiful marriage.

[@Trencomtrink]

What a voice this girl has.......and what a backing band.......BRILLIANT X FANTASTIC

[@mattjdorsett]

She can sang.

[@jeffjones7012]

And she is humble enough not to perform as a solo artist. She doesn't need 9 other musicians (12 more when I saw them/13 total). Basically, she is a giver. The music is better for it. Even though she would make more cheddar solo...maybe.

[@sphincterkid]

How has this tiny desk been slipping under the radar?! These guys are gold!!

[@elliotblanchfield2542]

If there's one thing I can appreciate it's a horns section that can be subtle. Man! I loved what they did in that first tune.

[@jeffjones7012]

Tasty af. Saw them live in November. They kilt it.

[@yusefsellers1894]

as a man, as a jazz man; this music (Giver) is everything I like to hear. The Suffers are bad ass.

[@katwright2264]

Absolutely love this BEAUTIFUL, BOLD GODDESS!!! Her standing on the desk is so perfect, she is so strong and tender, a sight to behold! Keep shining lady!!!

[@jamilaheesambee2710]

I like how the lead singer sings with her hands. It's like she's explaining something to you but with such a melodious voice.

[@kattinabrown4921]

Yes!!

[@OxumahSpeaks]

the way she was singing along with her hands had me nodding and agreeing to everything she said lol

[@ltd5190]

Took us to church...."say yes!" "Amen??" We repeat and knod!!

[@conpuzzledpeas]

Yes, she can sing it again, she surely is a giver that what she gives vocally melts hearts

[@csandovalbosox]

I'm from Houston and I remember seeing The Suffers at bars and restaurants....and i'm so proud of them as many of us Houstonians are. This band is such a great representation of our city....we have Soul, Diversity, Depth, Hurt, Happiness but above all...Love. Thank you Kam and The Suffers for giving Houston a REAL representation.

[@moleratical7634]

Me too. They used to play free shows a lot to build there name. I'd go every chance I got. So happy to see them succeed, it's well deserved.

[@sosonique]

She's incredible. I can't deal with the amount of soul and depth they're delivering.

[@jazzblakk69]

OH my, I AM MESMERIZED... What a band, what a Voice, and that trumpeter had me floating in wonderland @3:40min

[@grovestreet1520]

i saw them perform last saturday night with sarah jaffe; i had never even heard of them before! that trumpet part for "giver" is simply haunting. the whole show was incredible but that track felt truly special. what a band!

[@foxypsycho]

His notes🤯

[@rodneybradford6977]

What?!? Just found this on a Friday night...UNBELIEVABLEDELICIOUS!!!

[@ashleydavis31]

Kam. Franklin. She took me to another place! Wow! I'm sorry I been sleeping on the Suffers. I'm awake now honey!

[@emmasankofa7597]

Houston we have a problem. I was born & raised in HTX yet I've never heard of this amazing sound. Thank you NPR for supporting our local artists. This was such an awesome concert

[@csandovalbosox]

:o you need to get out and check out Continental club/CottonWood/Axelrad....just to name a few places that feature local bands! :)

[@Bree8tiveBEing]

Same! Although I have been living in DC for about 5 years, I still expect to know every amazing thing coming out of Houston.

[@jimandsunshinethesherwoods8827]

Wow..! 😊

[@tomlibero3780]

That voice especially in low register knocked me off my feet! GREAT BAND!

[@Freshcoastgoods]

Love this sound, the horns are perfect without being overwhelming.

[@RebtheGoodNews]

How many singers have tried to communicate this exact thing and yet this is the first time I actually heard it.

[@MissSunflower242]

A. Men.

[@jeffjones7012]

Well said lol

[@floriankberger]

One of those comments you feel in your body. Real.

[@nesikhaNofret]

Giver sends goosebumps all over. I love it so much. I feel the love she wants to give in every word. Damn...this is music.

[@niikaiwells]

such a relief to hear real music...

[@repairdrive]

This is what I like. Music that is good enough to stand on its own then you add a great sooner on top of that. Literally on top!

[@mannyblackwell3279]

Kamerra Franklin is a QUEEN and should hold court by standing on the desk on tiny desk! SANG QUEEN!!!!!!! What a beautiful and dynamic voice! The Suffers as a band are OUTSTANDING! Cheers to real music!

[@glennsilvaable]

Her voice ❤️❤️❤️

[@devotioncmt]

WoW! tones so smooth, vocals just like icing on a cake.

[@Ayesha_Michelle]

Love It, Her Voice was so unexpected and the Band is on Point

[@ConvertingMe]

I saw The Suffers live a few months ago and they closed out with Outkast's Spottieottiedopaliscious. It was colossal.

[@Wizdomisgold562]

Shai Unfiltered What?? I definitely need that in my life..

[@MidwestMoeTechConsultant]

This is one funky group. You don't see much music with this sort flavor nowadays. You can feel the love between the band members as well. Bravo; Tiny Desk. Another winner for certain.

[@mamodikwekungoane4156]

the level of focus on each on the members faces. all of the wows!! absolutely fantastic

[@jaffasholva7738]

Beautiful woman. Beautiful voice. Beautiful music.

[@GRiMHOLDx]

+Jaffa Sholva *"Indeed..."*

[@jaffasholva7738]

:)

[@VioletGiraffe]

Certainly. P. S. Shal kek nem ron!

[@jaffasholva7738]

Shal kek nem ron, brother Giraffe

[@ichiban308]

Indeed

[@springnicole1810]

The band is so good and her voice is so mesmerizing, I didn't realize the first song was like 7 minutes.

[@dznutz217]

I heard them listening to a soul station on Tune In radio a couple of months ago and have been hooked! It's artists & music like this that really makes you love and appreciate the art. Damn! This sista voice is all that! She has control, power, smoothness, sexyness and it is so sultry!

[@dab505279]

Don't know to label this - elements of blues, soul, jazz, smooth jazz, Afro-Cuban, vocal, other. But it all comes together in a great mixture but all the instruments come out distinct. A real treat to listen to.

[@Yani-TV]

I had the to opportunity to see them live at Riverbend Festival they are an awesome band glad to see them on NPR

[@crimsonstar108]

I love the focus and joy on their faces during 'Gwan'

[@zoilalulu3798]

I had the pleasure of seeing them here in Houston about 4 years ago. They did a cover of 'A Message to You Rudie' that was amazing! Glad to see them making it to Tiny Desk.

[@yaboyreece22]

Love their vibe. Very musical and diverse in sound.

[@moniquemortonderouselle6846]

Yes, yes, and yes!!!! I love it all even the standing on the desk.

[@BigBlack81]

The only worry I have with a band like this is that the masses might be to dulled into lackluster, pallid sounds and meters to be able to stay with such a sonic fire as this band has at their disposal. Rich and complex, heady and ferocious, this band really feels like they'd be better suited for the rich heavy vinyl era of recorded music. But beyond that, this sound can't be denied and this groove is something out of this world. Bravo.

[@marcofromhouston]

Best. Band. Ever! Love y'all, forever and ever!

[@starbabi77]

yesssss chyle.... Yesss.....what magically awesome thing was he doing on the trumpet on giver tho? makes my soul so happy.....I love this band.....with her Beautiful self💖👍💛🙋

[@KayCremebrulee]

For the past few weeks, I have obsessively listened to Make Some Room. I'm so glad to see them at the Tiny Desk--and to discover they're just as fantastic as--if not more than--their studio album. Thanks for bringing the quality, NPR.

[@darnellavery1545]

I love her voice so smooth

[@darnellavery1545]

and band as well

[@crimsonstar108]

The entire band is like butter. A little makes things good and a lot makes things fantastic.

[@manzanillita]

dang i knew this was gonna be good even before she started singing

[@notholding2]

Gotta get their music! They're absolutely wonderful!

[@poprockmeli]

thank you NPR for bringing out the Suffers!

[@AfterMemphis]

Got the chance to see "The Suffers" In Minneapolis, they sound just as great Live. Thanks for your sound words of encouragement, Kam!!! I hope you see my comment here Thx for chat, and photo pics with us!!!

[@Incognito-vc9wj]

You guys at NPR seriously know how to set up a concert. Excellent sound, excellent camera work, and above all excellent guests.

[@shawnthras]

Talented group! Real music.

[@Raquel-Dean]

I can't believe I've been missing out on this! SO PERFECT. You darling, sing to my soul. You have a new fan in me!

[@solangegarcia536]

I was not prepared for this. Nice.

[@BigBlack81]

+Solange Garcia Retro yet boldly different. And that lead singer...unreal.

[@davidstorm2029]

+Solange Garcia I wasn't prepared for your beautiful smile and face baby luv thankyou

[@allglory2thehynotoad]

+David Storm Hahahaha

[@davidstorm2029]

Andrew Ellergodt Music She is beautiful right? I mean if that is really her.

[@mashico]

Solange Garci

[@120beers]

Fine fine band and this woman can sing it.

[@strongforu]

I love this band, especially the lead singer! Wow!

[@Honest000w]

Them boys got soul😍

[@mayaward15]

This was too amazing for words went straight to my Apple Music and downloaded their music

[@NetSpotgmail]

The passion from the whole band - awesome. Truly inspirational. I am a new fan.

[@9299sara]

I kept searching for an hour under the surfers lol glad I found the correct name

[@BeatrizReyes19]

you made me choke hahaha haha lol 😂

[@tyrionlannister4331]

The band made reference to this at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland a couple days ago. Guess you're not the only one:)

[@solangegarcia536]

I was not prepared for this. Nice

[@rainbowbrite621]

This is so amazing and wonderful!!!! Their sound is refreshing and warming!!

[@mclainwm]

This band is the real deal. Last time i saw them they did a dope cover of Spottieottiedopaliscious and nailed Ghost Town. Looking forward to their next Dallas show.

[@eddiemac224]

This band and its music is the real deal and never grows old!

[@jonascampos1895]

They are soooo gold! 👌 The fact they were all working regular jobs a year previous to this is outstanding!

[@lepaulmanson8046]

Dayum, them horns...... that voice! I’m over here crying. I’m a grown ass man. Crying! Unh unh unh.... sang!

[@iBarbies]

This band is so amazing. I'm glad I was exposed to them, because now I am obsessed. It's always amazing to see any artist truly put their heart and soul into the music.

[@OddWomanOut_Pi81]

Lawd! They done gone & sang my favorite song FIRST! *swoon* U betta SANG, Kam! 😃

[@lebogangpanyane2576]

That beautiful Nubian voice used to work 9-5 in a cubicle. Thank goodness it was set free

[@mattjdorsett]

Fly free. Fly high. Soar on the winds.

[@russillschizaflow4204]

Amazing!! Discovered so many artists I never heard of! Special tip of the hat to the sound man. Outstanding work Sir!!!

[@astridvitols4712]

What a beautiful voice !!!! And a great unity with the good musicians very invested to be With Her !!!! Thanksfully to all of you☺💖🎈 Astrid (Paris)

[@floriankberger]

Still come back to this on a regular basis. I learn something new every time I hear this performance of "Giver".

[@masonfoley1276]

Stand on the tiny desk...a first!! Love it!!!

[@jaredmh90]

She is fire! Check out St. Paul and the Broken Bones Tiny Desk set. I'm not sure who was first to stand on the desk, but SPBB is another talented artist you'll love if you like this artist.

[@prestondust6676]

Tower of Power too, but they are the only 3 that come to mind.

[@andresvargas5487]

2022 still here love the suffers love ms. Kam

[@leroythomas4967]

Straight singing is what she did, and I liked it. A sound all of her own, like a breath of fresh air. Not having a sound like anyone else. The band sound was clean and, fresh. Thank you! 🌹

[@MeechDolo]

OMG this is now my favorite video on KZbin by far. Need to catch them at a show..Thank You NPR...this is why I donate keep it up.

[@dminus77]

She is the truth with a great band! serious fun

[@devotioncmt]

Love this song - I decided to buy the CD.... beautiful vocals and band blend well together.

[@nekobot]

Still so dope and sweet sounding.

[@othercarib]

I first saw them at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2018. The festival was right outside our hotel on Place des Arts and they played a 11pm show. It was 90F down on the street and the band was just as hot!

[@WALTRCINEMATOGRAPHER]

absolutely amazing

[@AM-dp9tv]

Beautiful voice!!!

[@HMankin101]

I saw The Suffers at the landmark music festival this past september and was my favorite set of the festival. powerful and moving.

[@liliana1lfr]

Look up The Suffers when they made an appearance on the last week of The David Letterman Show, Kam REALLY takes off with GWAN. Many thanks, NPR!! This is the very best of the Tiny Desk series.

[@kaydan8720]

Amazing singer and band

[@Mark.mp3]

Amazing passion

[@JoannaDaCosta70]

I always wonder what happened to big bands with horn sections - you can't replace that sound. This band is so full of energy. Amazing.

[@francyszambranoyanez5964]

Her voice gives me the chills, such a great band!!!

[@Thatsnat2u]

Wow. Amazing

[@MoPoppins]

Sometimes, I debate with myself whether I like something, but determining this is actually quite easy. If it gives me CHILLS, it's for real--no overthinking required. The Suffers gave me INSTANT chills. Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful group, NPR Tiny Desk!

[@floriankberger]

Just bought tour tickets for NYC in November precisely because of this video. Thanks NPR.

[@modernista71]

great sound...I would like to see them live

[@chrisOsud]

Chaque fois que je vous entends jouer , j'ai des frissons, je ne me lasse pas !

[@MsTee-eg8qi]

Absolutely wonderful. I am a new fan.

[@lorraineburton3415]

wow beautiful !!!!!!!

[@SomdahSaysSo]

Why haven't heard them before? I love their sound...

[@haroldarchie3859]

Sing that ish!!!!! Cant believe I'm just seeing this.

[@odellphipps1861]

Last Night Baltimore July 5th 2018 Fantastic!!!

[@glennsilvaable]

I can't get enough of this band. They're amazing.

[@carlb718]

Great Music and Wonderful Group.🎶🎧

[@leroythomas4967]

Straight singing is what she did and, I liked it. A sound all of her own. The sound was like no other. The band itself, was smooth. Thank you. 🌹

[@Explosion5auce]

She's my giver of Joy! I love her voice!

[@secondarymusik]

the brass here is...divine.

[@sophiasnegova5234]

This band is a gem❤️