It's been a good couple of years for hip-hop and soul producers to step out from the boards and record their own music.
Mark Ronson released the stylish Version and Timbaland put out the interesting, if uneven, Shock Value.
Raphael Saadiq has been in the R&B scene for 20 years as a singer for groups like Tony! Toni! Tone!, but most notably spends his time in the producer's chair.
He's helmed recordings for artists such as John Legend, Joss Stone and The Roots.
His new solo album, The Way I See It, is an authentic standout within the recent '60s soul resurgence.
In this interview, Saadiq discusses his early bonds to The Temptations and the Dick Cavett Show, and reveals the advice he received from Stevie Wonder.
Raphael Saadiq: Tiny Desk Concert
Raphael Saadiq
The Tiny Desk
15/03/2010
Looking sharp in his tailored suit, the Grammy-nominated R&B artist performed three acoustic interpretations of his soul-inspired tunes.
He was joined by guitarist Rob Bacon in this intimate performance at Bob Boilen's desk.
I'm not sure how I expected Raphael Saadiq to translate his old-school soul and R&B to the acoustic confines of the Tiny Desk, but I know I hadn't imagined two acoustic guitars.
In the late '80s and '90s, under the name Raphael Wiggins, Saadiq played bass in the multi-platinum band Tony! Toni! Tone!
More recently, he reinvented himself as a successful producer and released last year's Grammy-nominated solo album The Way I See It, which features collaborations with Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z.
For his Tiny Desk Concert, Saadiq brought a remarkable accompanist in guitarist Rob Bacon.
The two had just gotten off a plane, but in their impeccably tailored suits and their grand smiles, they looked fresh and played an inspired acoustic performance.
As you watch, keep an eye on Saadiq's guitar work: You'll see how his years as a bassist influences many of his licks on his Taylor acoustic. You're in for a real treat.
SET LIST
"Love That Girl"
"100 Yard Dash"
"Sure Hope You Mean It"
