When Tuxedo arrived at NPR and Mayer Hawthorne spied a small 'Ho!' button sitting on Bob Boilen's desk, he immediately beamed. "We use a big 'Ho!' button on tour," he said. They didn't bring a drummer, opting for a boombox — yes, a real boombox playing a real cassette tape, kids — and it was nostalgic delight from the start of the cassette's hiss. The band was tight as ever, while their ace in the hole, Gavin Turek provided dance moves and the sweetest harmonies. Tuxedo set things off with a fan favorite from their first album, along with two from their latest, before closing it out with a red light special. It's one thing to go against the grain for the sake of it — and another completely make it good. In this Tiny Desk concert, Tuxedo accomplished both.
Setlist:
"Do It" / "Second Time Around" / "July"
Musicians: Mayer Hawthorne (vocals, keys); Jake One (keys); Gavin Turek (vocals); Christian Wunderlich (guitar); Sam Wish (keys)
Credits. Producers: Bobby Carter, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith, Colin Marshall; Editor: Tsering Bista; PA: Jenna Li; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.