Watch: Louis Cato Takes Over NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’

Screenshot via YouTube

Louis Cato has appeared on the most recent edition of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. The video, which was dropped via NPR Music on YouTube yesterday, Dec. 20, presents stripped-down renditions of four tracks, all of which were included on his August 2023 released LP, Reflections. 

The musician, known for his role as the leader of the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, tapped bandmates Jeremy McDonald (bass), Randy Runyon (guitar), and James Williams (drums) for the four-track delivery. 

To start the set, Cato led on a subtle rendition of “Cutie Baby,” catapulted by the artist’s sweet lyrics, light instrumentation, and distinct soul-driven delivery that centered around his jovial stage presence. Continuing the frame, Cato picked up the 2023 title track, applying an introspective lens–curved with a deep groove and solo from Runyon. 

After the initial pair of originals, Cato continued with more cuts-off Reflections, including an ensuing solo take on “Unsightly Room,” which showed off Cato’s emotive guitar work. For the final segment of the video presentation, the band returned for one final song, “Human.”

The aptly titled song solidified the rawness of Cato and his band’s organic approach to melding thoughtful lyrics with blissful instrumentation. Watch below.