Mac Ayres Captivates Audience with Soulful Tiny Desk Performance

It’s easy to become enamored with Mac Ayres’ music. His hands-on approach to R&B offers a refreshing contrast to mainstream trends. Accompanied by a stellar band — featuring longtime collaborator Declan Miers on bass and as music director — Ayres presents a diverse selection from his catalog.

The performance is deeply satisfying, tastefully arranged, and consistently in the groove. Beginning with “Sunny & 62,” Ayres weaves rich harmonies alongside vocalists Brandon Lee Harris and Jess Schneider, before keyboardist Daniel Abraham Jr. introduces the iconic motif of “Calvin’s Joint.” He debuts “Please Come Home,” an unreleased track co-written with Tiny Desk alum Carrtoons, channeling ’70s soul as guitarist Josh Porter crafts a cinematic soundscape. “Where U Goin’ Tonight” introduces a subtle disco flavor, highlighting Ayres’ impressive vocal range; the grooves, driven by drummer Brian Richburg’s steady foundation, are utterly compelling.

“This song transformed my life,” he shares with the audience before concluding the set. Nearly a decade ago, “Easy” first introduced countless listeners to his sound — and it also served as the closing number for his Tiny Desk (home) concert. Now, the crowd joins in a unifying sing-along, bringing the experience full circle.

SET LIST

• “Sunny & 62”
• “Calvin’s Joint”
• “Pickled Ginger”
• “Comfortable Enough”
• “Please Come Home”
• “Where U Goin’ Tonight?”
• “Easy”

MUSICIANS

• Mac Ayres: vocals, guitar
• Josh Porter: guitar
• Daniel Abraham Jr.: keys
• Declan Miers: bass, music director
• Brian Richburg: drums
• Jess Schneider: background vocals
• Brandon Lee Harris: tambourine, background vocals

TINY DESK TEAM

• Producer: Ashley Pointer
• Director: Joshua Bryant
• Audio Director/Mix: Josh Newell
• Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
• Video Editor: Nikki Birch
• Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Kara Frame
• Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
• Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
• Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
• Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton

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