Thee Sinseers: 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.
Felix Contreras | May 2, 2022
To appreciate the magic of a performance from Thee Sinseers, you have to understand the co-mingling of Chicano and African American communities in post-World War II, Southern California. Living in the same neighborhoods, these communities created a virtual symphony of R&B, mariachi and boleros. And what you hear in this California band's Tiny Desk (home) concert, as they perform among plants in a flower shop, builds on a legacy of music that became known as "oldies but goodies" in the Chicano community.
Right from the start, band leader and vocalist Joey Quiñones and his crew dig deep with their original songs that pay homage to the oldies in a way that evokes my own memories of lowrider car shows and lazy Sunday afternoons at Roeding Park in Fresno, Calif. "What's His Name" features a delicate falsetto that was popular in 1950s R&B. The short horn parts and the doo-wop background vocals fall into a call and response backdrop for lyrics about a broken heart.
There is a very real connection in this set between the passionate vocals of the best R&B ballads and mariachi ranchera, both borrowing from the emotional devastation of Italian opera. That's all on display in "Hold On," which makes us question how we have the power to keep on living. Particular attention has to be paid to vocalist Adriana Flores' delicate pleading on "Lovin You," which crescendos into a blown out ballad powered by a tight, shouted chorus from the entire band.
SET LIST
"What's His Name"
"Hold On"
"Lovin' You"
"There Must Be Something"
MUSICIANS
Joey Quiñones: vocals, keys
Adriana Flores: vocals
Christopher Manjarrez: bass
Francisco Flores: guitar
Bryan Ponce: guitar, vocals
Luis Carpio: drums, vocals
Eric Johnson: saxophone
Joseluis Jimenez: trombone
Steve Surman: saxophone
CREDITS
Director/Editor: Bryan Ponce
Camera: Anthony Ramirez, Rosario Briseño
Recording Engineer: Brian Gazo
Mixed by: Joey Quiñones
Location: Floreria Primavera
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Ana Sayre
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Joshua Bryant, Michael Zamora, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
VP, NPR Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#NPRMusic #TinyDesk #TheeSinseers

[@kayceable]

When you’re expecting the girl to sing but wait ole boy on the keys blew my mind gives me old school heatwave vibes. Thank you for real music! 🥰😍

[@leticialopez1063]

She sings in another band called The Alton’s check them out 😁😁 some of our local talent 🔥🔥

[@dave_creamcheese1496]

Just check out Penrose Records for these timeless vibes

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

My thoughts exactly, this is such a throwback in sound.

[@kayceable]

@@dave_creamcheese1496 thank you I surely did and saved it!

[@Sundog8732]

You late this band is badass

[@JoeseGloria]

My boy Joseph Quinoñes on the keys is a local legend in SoCal from his days with the Steady 45s. So happy for his success. He's such a talented musician and singer. Big ups!

[@leonorhernandez7079]

Wow his voice is amazing I’m floored and in love because good music is so hard to come by .

[@joseluisgatica1090]

I think that all of us here are old souls in modern times listening to music that we already experienced and when we listen to it again we just remember... I feel that way... I don't know about you...

[@RxLifestyleVitalism]

❤❤❤❤

[@kevinfuller5290]

You summed it up perfectly

[@J_Granted]

As soon as bro opened his mouth on the keys , I was hooked 🤌🏾

[@ColemineRecords]

Joey claims another victim. The Quiñones Effect is working.

[@AzzyLand]

Decided to give it a listen for one song and here I am 15 minutes later obsessed 🥰

[@ColemineRecords]

This crew is the best! We can't wait for their LP to drop. Thanks so much for listening 🙌

[@BatkoBrat]

Chugging lemonade, enjoying the heatwaves, listening to this

[@paulsedano4157]

If you ever get a chance to see them live, you will be even more obsessed 👍🏽

[@davidrobinson6554]

Same!

[@ECGran]

So good.

[@elvablumenstein1422]

This is one of my new favourite bands alongside with The Alton's, The Sacred Souls and Durand Jones and The Indications! Greetings from an Icelandic fan

[@jonathanvilla7280]

I love the Sacred Souls. Can I Call You Rose stays on repeat. Check out Los Yesterdays. Nobody's Clown. Amazing and catchy.

[@elvablumenstein1422]

@@jonathanvilla7280 thanks for the recommendation 😊

[@dottiemathews6853]

I'M WITH YOU SWEETIE! SENDING LOVE FROM ATLANTA GA USA!!

[@josephavila9699]

Sammeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@freydough3178]

Check out bobby oroza 👍👍✌️

[@iekbxjskd]

Came for the plants in the background, stayed for the groove

[@jimikazak]

NPR always a good groove .

[@tarsvanhoof3766]

@@jimikazak Very often great plants too :)

[@timdavis2220]

And the Skittles behind the rhythm guitarist/to the right of the trombonist - adding a bit of sweet/sour to the groove....

[@bluewhale2575]

Came for the groove, stayed for the plants 😄

[@ellencooney5563]

Came for the great name, stayed for total talent, and awesome set design 0/

[@hxnrv]

THEE SINSEERS KEEPING REAL BARRIO MUSIC ALIVE 🤙🏽🔥

[@JoseTorres-hx7wq]

Orale!

[@sunflowergranna2575]

Nice this just took me back to my east Los..days! Gage and Brooklyn now Caesar Chavez . Brought back so many memories, I can smell the pan dulce and tortillas being cooked awesome just love it!! Thank you🌻

[@buttaflysugababy]

Si mon

[@tanishacueto2991]

I went down ro see ms brown ​@JoseTorres-hx7wq

[@sallysson]

I am so entranced with this performance. Real musicians, real instruments, real unaltered vocals.

[@isaiahmendez2885]

Finally Thee Sinseers are getting recognized!

[@ColemineRecords]

🤝 they put in the work!

[@thegrownman]

Yes & the vibe is the albums please put out more

[@mgv92115]

Dude on keyboard. Your voice is GOLDEN!

[@bluebillbenjii6014]

My soul cries from happiness to be able to hear this type of music in 2022 my son knows these songs by heart and its safe to say this music shall live on forever. Thank you the sinceeers

[@courtney474]

Totally agreed long live the 3 sinseres

[@mao7615]

Puro Chicano taking the tiny desk ❤️🔥

[@BoFader-ye2rq]

I'm gonna go ahead and listen to this for the rest of my life

[@kellysmith5236]

NOW this is real music. Thanks . I have faith again. Keep the soul coming.

[@willhamilton927]

Apple Music threw a track from this group at me after a complete listen through of Thee Sacred Souls album. Caught my attention from the jump. Now I am knee deep in this genre/revival. Thee Sacred Souls, The Sinseers, The Altons, Trish Toledo, Miriah Avila, Durand Jones, etc., are all finding their way into my music collection. This train has been on the move for a while (search for videos from Thee Altons, you will see that they been around for a minute. And that the three singers here are also part of that group), and I am just trying to jump on board.

[@AliceJones-yc1kh]

I'm loving this. I've never heard of this group of young musicians before. Sounds from the 50s-60s, retro groovy. Keep them coming l.❤

[@donraybeats7070]

Not sure how I ended up here years later, but I'm glad I did. Good gracious.

[@MyAlbertC]

Very nice and smooth, backup singers sound fantastic. And the band sounds great as old school. Thank you. Mr. lead singer sounds little like James Brown😮😊.

[@michelleesco3452]

They are my favorite! But Joey is my favorite singer and very nice guy in person! 💕🎶

[@tomascaetano7436]

Everybody can sing in this band??? These guys are crazy talented, great performance!!

[@lindatorres7003]

🔥🔥🔥 from The Steady 45s days to The Sinseers, Joseph has always partnered up with the best. Their live performance never disappoint and you feel it in your soul!

[@brianthomas7626]

Gosta make room for this band on my oldies playlist, yes they got that vibe that keeps me old school.

[@MysteryGrey]

This is soul!

[@blender_wiki]

I love people that try to keep the original tiny desk meaning. The results are always spectacular.

[@giselle5373]

Don’t sleep on these folkssssss! They’re so freaking amazing!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@luzpatino3581]

Congratulations to my cousin paco and his band mates for an amazing video keep up the good work everyone 😊 much love from Ontario California

[@AzucaNegra16]

Luz, what part of Ontario are you in? I'm from the Campus Ave. and Maitland area.

[@Sauul9FN]

@@AzucaNegra16you’re a little bit too personal don’t you think

[@AzucaNegra16]

@@Sauul9FN You're kidding??? I didn't ask for an address or phone number. So no, I don't think I was too personal. Cheers.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *What's His Name* (3:19) 3:30 - *Hold On* 7:52 - *Lovin' You* 11:38 - *There Must Be Something* [15:41 - Tiny Desk team]

[@piotrwolny8792]

Hahahahha❤

[@atticusdefense]

That sax solo in “hold on” is hearty goodness for the soul. Love this whole performance.

[@ericjohnson2900]

Thank you thank you!

[@bendo-si-dos8099]

Hold On is an absolute gem, for real

[@TeriyakiSawce]

most underrated band of all time❤

[@armandomartinez4152]

i was jamming and suddenly my hair got all slicked back with 3 Flowers!!

[@gee_code]

😅😅 chioooow

[@totakingrighturns]

The way I need 'Something I had done' tattooed onto my soul

[@bjl7even5ive]

So amped for their full debut album this March 2024. Already pre-ordered the vinyl. Smooth vibes to cruise to...

[@jesustoscano926]

Thee Sinseers deserve this moment. They're an amazingly talented band. Twice I've seen them and they pour their heart out each performance. If y'all like Thee Sinseers, check out The Altons. They share some of the band members and are just as amazing!

[@carlscott5447]

One of the bands totally robbed by the idiotic/despotic lockdown policies and their endless continuations. They were cresting in early '20.

[@monifamarie]

And the sacred souls!

[@nataliekramer5187]

check out Penrose Records (an offshoot of Daphtone) Vol 1 has Thee Sinseers, the Altons, Thee Sacred Souls and more!

[@joshuaone8]

Me too just seen Trish Toledo the sacred souls n Johnny Ruiz n the escapers recently they are all fire love this whole scene glad to be living in it

[@sebastianfernandez6146]

Motown vibes fr

[@jessmireles4022]

My 2024 wish is to see this amazing talent in the Visalia/ Fresno Ca. area!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kevinc7998]

Friday 02 February 2024 thee sinseers live thee sinseers and The Altons The Charities Fulton 55, Fresno, CA, US

[@jessmireles4022]

@@kevinc7998 Nice!

[@shakemaholman6955]

When I say I was not expecting fire 🔥🔥. I have a new artist in my play books!!!! But when she belts out her notes effortlessly 😮. But wait there is more!!! I love this group!!!!

[@mikesalinas4437]

Shout out to the lead singer Joey Quinones, Brian Ponce & Adriana Flores of the Altons and the rest of the Sinseer crew! Perfect music to begin the Cinco de Mayo week! The Bay Area loves you guys!! Keep up all of the great work.

[@bigSLEEDS]

YES SIR!!

[@roby1er]

MUCH RESPECT TO THE BAY FROM EAST LOS

[@bittymatharealest3252]

I didn't know of them until today and am genuinely excited to see what comes after song"1! P.S. Digging the fact that you know the artists names!

[@joshuaone8]

I love the bay much love from East vegas

[@thegrownman]

Tx & Ky

[@sam00smith]

We need Hold On on Spotify 😭😍 so goooooood

[@LovelyLobster-sg6sy]

Keep playing the music God bless you

[@ninarobertson3901]

Forgive me but I hadn’t heard of thee sinseers until I got the notification for this video, but just having listened to the first five minutes I added them to my playlist and am so happy to explore their music! Thanks for showcasing their talent!

[@jrbship]

Tiny Desk does that! Some of the best concerts are artists that have had some commercial success but not everyone had heard of before. Then others are artists just starting out, and everything in between. I’ve discovered a few great bands just listening to these performances

[@JuniorrHP]

durand jones, the sinseers, the bashtones, the lakesides all similar artists !

[@Jmm147]

This is actually a supergroup group that includes most of The Altons. The Altons are a great band as well. The Sinseers have an excellent KEXP performance too

[@xpert80]

@@JuniorrHP Thee Sacred Souls too

[@brandongavinet4651]

You're about to fall into a hole of amazing music (souldies) check out the Altons next

[@marcagouni5084]

That's a real soulthern moder !! what a legend !! proud to be alive to live this period

[@jasonarevalo7584]

The sinseers and the Altons thanks npr family

[@dellcarr9805]

Sending love from San Antonio, Tx . So groovy. Radiant energy.

[@VincaniTV]

So nice to see the Sinseers on Tiny Desk! Much respect!

[@ColemineRecords]

A true sight to behold ♥️

[@frankpops645]

I agree , bout time they break through . Trish Toledo next

[@HARDxHITTER]

@@frankpops645 trish has shut down her Social media outlets... hope shes okay

[@Lil-Britches]

Colemine Records and Arron Fraizer put me on to these cold mamajamas.

[@lilzilla6374]

i’ve been waiting for this. get thee sacred souls next!!!!

[@KrazyLury]

Right! The Sacred Souls is my new favorite band. Saw them in Feb at the Toyota arena and they blew it out of the park! Hands down, best live music!🔥🔥🔥💯❤️ Red Hot Chilli Pepper's 🌶 are now my 2nd favorite band. !😄

[@traceywilliams2160]

They’re performing along with Durand Jones and the Indications at the Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas new year Eve. I purchased tickets a couple of months ago and Thee Sinseers were not in the line up but they are NOW. I feel like I hit the JACKPOT!

[@danielo783]

Seriously, they day before New Years they are playing at the house of blues in Anaheim Ca and I’m l glad I get to see them both rock the same stage

[@traceywilliams2160]

@@danielo783 when I went to purchase my tickets for HOB Anaheim, they had one day and they were sold out. I remembered Las Vegas and hurried and purchased my tickets. Then weeks later I see they opened up more dates at the HOB. Ahhhh mannnn, I could have stayed in Cali. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ Originally Sinseers were not a part of it. I’m soooo glad they are. I was actually looking to see when they were performing and saw they were playing with Durand. I hurried to the Las Vegas show web site crossing my fingers that they would be playing there as well. I CANT WAIT!

[@AnaSanchez-wl7ch]

Where can I purchase tickets to see them...

[@drew_man_joo628]

It's not very often that I click on a completely random never heard of band to me and become absolutely entranced

[@ColemineRecords]

This, my friend, is known as The Quiñones Effect.

[@4LIFEACMILANFAN]

Man I couldn't believe when I saw the Sinseers name pop up with Tiny desk! I saw these guys back on New Years Night for 2020 in grand park Los Angeles and I never forgot how they caught me in their trance ! Absolutely elated to see them getting some recognition and exposure, if you ever manage to see them live you'll know its truly deserved. Looking forward to seeing what they have in store for the future, shout out to NPR as well.

[@shayjones8867]

They don’t look like what they sound like-some great music! Wow!

[@swetyfootage8284]

I really like how Ther Sinseers are they’re own group but, the band has members who also have their own band. Sick to see them both come together as a unit.

[@tiarysha84]

Reppin' East L.A. properly! ❤😎

[@Grantalonus]

This proves there's still good music in this world.

[@carlscott5447]

Yes, our progressivist-oligarch masters haven't killed all of it yet.

[@okaythen-]

There’s plenty of good music in the world. You just have to look!

[@noodlessoul8356]

Is this a time machine to the 60's or am I just dreaming? You all guys got beautiful voices

[@mokestahnation]

Another fav in my books... listening from maui

[@michaelkutulas8878]

I'm just blown away with how good this whole band is... great everything!

[@ColemineRecords]

Joey's range is wild. You should dig in to his history. He's been in all sorts of bands ranging from punk to sweet soul.

[@elvablumenstein1422]

He's amazing! I can't wait for the LP!

[@dodgerblue5658]

Also check out The Altons. Basically same band members but Bryan Ponce is the lead singer.

[@geezygee]

And THIS is why i love this npr project! That band is LIFE GIVING!!!!

[@ghostfunkorchestra]

Some of the hardest working musicians out there. 100% pure soul. Big up to these future legends!

[@joseisaiasgonzalezgomez926]

Cámara con esa banda Mexa-chicana están bien chingonas sus rolas, puro feeling chido. Reciban un abrazo chido desde chilangolandia corazón de esa mexicanidad rifada en los unaites!!!! Bonito proyecto!!!

[@andresvizgarra6092]

Un poco de aire puro a tanto rap y hip hop que han arruinado la música negra

[@blakewalters6855]

Jesus those musicians and singers are phenommmmmmmmenal

[@Jay-xc3ot]

You never know who tiny desk is going to introduce to you and I’m in love with this group thank you for the introduction.

[@richarddupuis9181]

Old school so cool 😍🤩🥰

[@cruzzyy2227]

YES GIVE THEM THEIR FLOWERS!!!! 💐

[@andrewshaffermcc8632]

Sublime & Captivating

[@luisv8413]

These 🎷solos yo 🔥🔥🔥

[@leeslialcala9245]

Really wishing Lovin’ You was available on Spotify. I have chills from the entire performance but WOW this one did it for me 🥹🥹

[@louieness]

The Sinseers are a mega talent from East LA, love u foos ❤️

[@mikemoore8135]

Wow his voice is amazing and refreshingly different…..

[@MagicCrateMako]

My kind of tunes. Makes me homesick for So Cal. Thee Sinseers & Altons combined are an unstoppable force of soul 🎶

[@elvablumenstein1422]

I discovered these bands a while ago and am completely hooked! Hey are my new favourite bands along with Durand Jones and The Indications.

[@nancyhernandez1888]

Yup. It makes me want to go back home to LA.

[@davidgrisanti3379]

Hey, I am 73 and grew up in East LA. It is great that this video was recorded in a flower shop on Whittier Blvd. My sister and I would often walk up to Whittier Blvd with my mom and grandmother when we were kids. When I was 10, I started walking up to the Golden Gate theater on Whittier Blvd by myself to watch whatever was playing in order sit in air-conditioned luxury on hot summer days. Anyway, this band takes me back! They are an exceptionally talented group, with the trademark East LA sound, with the horns, soulful sound, and incredible vocals. I am so impressed. (I am reminded of Thee Midnighters who are still on my playlist!) I hope they go far. But, please, don't ever forget from whence you came. I wish you great success.

[@ceomikenoble]

Something special going on in San Diego seriously. Second group in a week I discovered here!!!!

[@meatball51008]

I literally clicked on this video because they looked cool. I was NOT disappointed. 😌

[@reneesmith3419]

Wasn't sure what to expect but this was phenomenal

[@Angela-pi6zc]

BRAVO!

[@yegortitov4861]

my greetings from France, have a nice day everyone 🙏

[@AficionadoKO]

So smooth, so tight that it's loose, thanks for the soul music.

[@robertpeterson1497]

Decided to give it a listen for one song, and here I am 15 minutes later wondering where the time went. So soulful and a really nice break from what’s on the radio these days. Great music Sinseers. Count me as a fan.

[@jbecknc]

Love it! Channeling that Memphis sound which is always a good thing. Otis is looking down and smiling.

[@jesuscuevas6380]

I have been listening to this all week!! Sinseers, The Alton's.... this is music!!!! thank you. SO happy to hear these young folks singing this music!!! Absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@dannymac6368]

Wasn’t quite awake when the alert came through, was expecting multiple Gary Sinise on stage for a second. What a nice way to start a day. ☺️

[@xpert80]

Me hubiera encantado "Drifting on a memory" Chicano vibes 💪😎 Firmes desde CDMX!

[@rodmckinney40]

This group is absolutely amazing and that lead singer keyboard player plays multiple instruments

[@catherinehay7651]

This is JUST what I needed on a Monday morning. AMAZING surprise

[@bigSLEEDS]

i thought the same thing exactly 🤙🏽

[@fredlopez3295]

I love this band. I always think what a fun and dope band to be a part of. Soulful af. And gotta love the Latinos doing their thing for music. Much love from rgv texas. Peace and love to all. ✌🏽

[@evelynl1727]

Geez, that a beautiful feeling to see Thee Sinseers on Tiny Desk + feel so represented all at the same time. Que talento hermanos!! Ufff sin palabras !! Thank you for creating real music! ✨❤️‍🔥

[@churlishmay19]

Yesssss! I love this band! SoCal represent!

[@stephenangela9838]

Once again a band that proves real music is still alive and thriving!

[@elidadshawty]

SOO HAPPY THEY GOT THEIR CHANCE ON TINY DESK!! my favorites!! ❤️

[@bigSLEEDS]

their tiny desk submissions are amazing too!!!

[@ColemineRecords]

Caught us by surprise! Didn't know this happened until the video dropped lol

[@jajuanmitchell3836]

Tiny desk really doesn’t miss with exposing me to new people… appreciate y’all

[@tomlibero3780]

Wow - I'm back in sixties!

[@jillianelinton1352]

Just hearing this group for the first time and I’m loving it here!

[@thabathababuthelezi2079]

What a lovely way to wrap up Monday 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@MissFitHero]

EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU ALL! Your voices and your sound and your look. Love the florist as well, thank you for making my Monday rise and shine brighter. 🎶☮️ thank you tiny desk 🙏

[@dlj230558]

First time hearing Thee Sinseers. Love their soul-filled 70s vibe.

[@fabiomarx9490]

Amazing.❤

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

they really need to release a full vinyl, would buy it instantly!

[@dodgerblue5658]

Thee Sinseers need to release that 2nd song they played, Hold On. 🔥🔥🔥

[@cesarcozzi1539]

Que lindo.. me encanta essa colaboración que hay entre uds, joe quiñones, los altons, jackie mendez, trishis tolerdo, adrian carmine, ...otros... todos, son maravillosos, talentosos, DESDE CHILE, un fuerte abrazo, sigan fuertes en su música linda y preciosa... todo nuestro apoyo...FIRME OLDIES ! FUERZA LA RAZA !

[@brendajohnson467]

Thank you, Eric❤

[@normandulloagomez5778]

Like a oldies but goodies, This kind of music remember me Ralfi pagan