NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Buddy Guy

Afternoon Delights
Written By Rob Dean

SINNERS was my top movie of 2025. Impeccably made, wonderfully entertaining, while also being brilliantly about something more. Thanks to the film, 90-year-old Buddy Guy is enjoying a renaissance of popularity outside of his usual (large) fanbase, crossing over with his impressive blues music to a whole new audience.

That revival continues with a Tiny Desk Concert from NPR where Buddy Guy is joined by SINNERS’ breakout star Miles Caton.

As the summary states:

Buddy Guy displays a youthful spirit during his Tiny Desk that makes you question if he really turns 90 this year. Once the music starts, his subtle speaking voice transforms into a mighty instrument, demanding your attention. Guy wails on his polka dot Stratocaster, reminding us of his skill and showmanship. The title of his latest album, Ain't Done with the Blues, is not only apt but defiant.

The elder statesman of blues is the last standing among his fellow architects of the genre like B.B. King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. Throughout his career, he has collected every accolade possible, including a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, a Kennedy Center Honors award and the National Medal of Arts. He recently took home his ninth Grammy Award, this time for best traditional blues album.

His set starts with his rollin' 1991 classic "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues" and moves into "Hoochie Coochie Man," both songs a must for any Guy performance. Then newcomer Miles Caton exuberantly joins Guy to present a pair of signature songs from the 16-time Oscar nominated film, Sinners, in which both portray blues singer Sammie "Preacher Boy" Moore. But what kind of blues show would this be if they stuck to the script? Guy takes detours into the history of the blues, playfully challenging Caton to keep up. Caton proves to be more than up to the task, letting his own powerful vocals out to play. As Guy and Caton perform together, we see the journey of artistry, the interplay of a master teacher and a student.

SET LIST

  • "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues"

  • "Hoochie Coochie Man"

  • "Travelin' "

  • "I Lied to You"

MUSICIANS

  • Buddy Guy: vocals, guitar

  • Miles Caton: vocals, guitar

  • Dan Souvigny: piano

  • Ric Hall: guitar

  • Orlando Wright: bass

  • Pooky Styx: drums

Rob Dean
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