I don’t subscribe to many Youtube channels, but one of the three channels that I am a loyal fan of is the Tiny Desk Concerts put on by NPR. I have learned about so many amazing artists from Tiny Desk, but that’s not to say that I love them all. But I listen to as many of them as possible and the wonderful, wonderful thing is when I watch and have that fantastic spark of a feeling of knowing that I’m going to be a huge fan of an artist or band instantly. . .it’s like love at first sound.

Tank and the Bangas Tiny Desk Concert provided that – jazz, funk, R&B, emotive voices, a flute! (holla for all my flute players even if you’re like me and only played for a few years!),  watching joy unfold between people who clearly enjoy their craft! I had this feeling during ‘Boxes and Squares’ that reminded me of those days when I got to ride my bike to the Mini Mart. It was a mile away or something, but whoa the independence! and joy of riding with friends afterschool and just smiling with the wind in my hair. We had this big dirt hill that we’d fly down and some times totally crash, but the freedom and thrill of the fall . . . this band made me think of those times. It was also the time when I started to learn about how I had my own taste of music – and that I had eclectic tastes even at a young age loving hip hop, country, big band music, jazz, grunge music – this band is just fun.

On a serious note, they are incredibly talented and have a serious range and such a unique tone. And you know, if you even just listen to the instrumentals – the band is so legit. I realize I’m not even making full sentences – but this band goes from being serious to silly, and I am a fan! The last song – ‘Rollercoasters’, opening with her poetry and spoken word leading into that song is just so incredibly emotive and expressive.

I can’t listen to this and not smile. I can’t listen to this without bopping my head.  It might not be your cup of tea, but if it is – you’re going to love it too!