If you’re looking for a bit of a boost to get into the holiday spirit, you may want to consider the latest installment of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts series featuring GRAMMY-winning artists Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music. Set among a decorative display of ornaments, lighting and poinsettias, the festive performance comes on the heels of their Jonny x Mali Tour earlier this year and their recently released and newly GRAMMY-nominated collaborative EP Jonny x Mali: Live In LA. Noting the nomination as an “early Christmas present” the dynamic duo joined forces with fellow musicians, including Thaddeus Johnson on bass, Rogest "Roscoe" Carstarphen on keys and Jermaine Poindexter on drums to spread a little holiday joy.
The stripped-down set featured gripping renditions of classics including “Silent Night” led by Mali and Jonathan’s stirring take on “Mary, Did You Know?” Highlighting the Christmas holiday as the “exclamation point” of the year, they ended their stellar performance on a high note with their vibrant single “Movin’ On” before taking us to church with a snippet of the gospel classic “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Overall, it was an intimate and inviting performance, reminding us all of the true reason for the season.
Watch Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music’s latest NPR Music Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, and, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to add their Jonny x Mali: Live In LA EP to your collection from your preferred digital platform.
