Mitra I. Arthur | March 31, 2023
Durand Bernarr is an experience. At the Tiny Desk, members of his band — clad in costumes evoking characters from the Disney Channel animated series The Proud Family — surrounded Bernarr, outfitted in a white and magenta sequined ensemble with a wig styled in a pompadour, channeling the electric energy of the soul and funk singer of the Proud Family, Uncle Bobby.

More than an experience, Bernarr is a skilled singer. He's gained a following from his catchy albums (including his most recent, Wanderlust), his time spent backing Erykah Badu on tour and his appearances on BET programming. His voice jumps from robust baritone to clear falsetto with ease. Every song takes on a different musical character as he curates the show needed for each audience.

When reflecting on his visit to the Tiny Desk, Bernarr remarked, "I had to show on this platform I'm so much more than just R&B." And he did just that, using, as he put it, "a smooth, alternative James Brown, vaudeville jingles, Quiet Storm, Chanté Moore, jazz, R&B, Patrice Rushen, hip-hop, bluegrass, country, musical theater, house, funk, opera, rock..." to showcase his showmanship at its peak.

Bernarr told the Tiny Desk team: "I'm not meant to be understood; I'm meant to be experienced." I imagine not many Tiny Desks experiences wrap up like his did: with a shirtless performer going into a dip and Diana Ross-in-Mahogany-style twirls, and then weaving his way through the audience supplying hugs and high fives.

SET LIST
"Leveled"
"Chops (Reprise from Stuck)"
"Sam's Vibe"
"Company"
"Mango Butter"
"Relocate"
"Freefall
"Stuck."
"Melody"

MUSICIANS
Durand Bernarr: vocals
Frank Moka: drums
Sam Hoffman: guitar, keys
Egberto "Budda" Foster, Jr.: bass
Devin Smith: keys
Terron Austin: vocals
Roy Pattern, Jr.: vocals
Jason Paul: vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Estefania Mitre, Maia Stern
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Ashley Pointer
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Pilar Galván, Sofia Seidel
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #durandbernarr