Music Monday: Gyptian via N P R’s Tiny Desk Concert Series
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series has been in my ear for a hot minute.
The genius of the unplugged set is such a powerful draw, and it just works so well in the small studio-like venue, that so often feels and looks like the corner in the very back of the library. If you can’t imagine music so sweetly sung in a library, as in the instance of Gyptian’s Jan 5th 2011 showcase, I would dare any librarian worth her salt to complain or shush 
Needless to say that as ‘Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton spin their favorite new tunes and live concert recordings from around the country’ I am all ears.
When I first saw/heard that Gyptian aka Windel Beneto Edwards would be next up, I was mildly interested. Although that last is not be taken out of context, as this series is really about the discovery of off-(sometimes off-off)-the-beaten path mix of musical talent. However, Gyptian was not a stranger, but at the same time, I was not so well acquainted with his music. I fully expect all you voracious music lovers out there will tell me if I have been remiss in my lack of attention.
I mean I am familiar with the unstoppable Gyptian/Nicki Minaj collaboration in the way of the “Hold You” remix as its constant radio airplay in 2010 and even somewhat now was/is hard to escape. Yet, as I’ve discovered that is only part of the story.
At the close of 2010, I viewed a video via VP Records’ YouTube channel and lo and behold it was Gyptian performing “Hold You” on the Soul Train Music Awards, which had aired live, except this performance had been preempted for a commercial break. Now, I won’t even run off the mouth here, but I will unequivocally say one thing about Gyptian: That man can perform his and your pants off!
For me, it has to be all in the way he actually sings into the mic. Many singers (and he is that) don’t have a live rapport with the mic. And beyond the mic, there is a noticeable building of the intensity with his audience. Case in point: The Soul Train audience seemed to start out a bit lukewarm, but they livened up, and it become apparent that they loved the delivery because it was a genuine package being delivered to them as if the song/lyrics and they mattered.
And if the above performance was a mild tease, then imagine my ear-to-ear grin of surprise as I was reeled in again by the NPR take.
Obviously, the man gets it. He gives it—with a full-on Marvin Gaye feel for sounds that very frankly appeals to the female element as he growls into the mic with a straight face—and I for one am deeply appreciative. Enjoy his set of “Hold You,” Beautiful Lady,” and “Nah Let Go,” very nicely backed by Anthony “Tony Bone” DiFeo on guitar as I delve into the annals of Gyptian the artist and maybe even get open on Gyptian the man.
ABOUT THE WRITER
A look Gyptian and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series. What’s not to love!… http://fb.me/RGmN66eC
Seriously?
Swoon.
That is all.
Apparently we are both laid out! lol Thanks for blessing my page Mama. All is love!
As always, you are my resource from the Source! Thanks for bringing me a new name!
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All I will say, “Me Nah Let Go!”