Yesterday, Oct. 26, 2023, a video was released of Nile Rodgers & CHIC taking the stage at NPR’s Tiny Desk, leaving the viewers with a deeper understanding and a greater yearning for their legendary funk. The iconic guitarist and composer Nile Rodgers set the tone for the evening with a bold declaration: “If we can funk in this, you know we can funk.” And funk, they certainly did.
CHIC, a band with roots dating back to 1972, has cemented their status as ambassadors of funk. Their infectious rhythms seem to know no boundaries, and no space can resist their grooves. NPR’s Tiny Desk, a host to a vast array of genres and artists, served as the perfect host and the resulting testament to their enduring love for and contributions to funk will stay seated in that space.
Rodgers, whose career is an epic journey through the annals of music history, stands at the crossroads of both disco and hip-hop. The 1979 album Risqué not only became a milestone in the world of disco but also played a pivotal role in the hip-hop movement. His influence on the fabric of popular music is immeasurable, as both a prolific songwriter and session musician boasting an extensive list of collaborations with musical legends, including David Bowie, Diana Ross, Madonna, and Mick Jagger.
The setlist seen during the performance was a journey through the annals of funk history. “Le Freak” opened the segment and moved the audience to the infectious beat. Next, Rodgers introduced “I’m Coming Out,” a song he explained he “wrote for Diana Ross,” before adding, “Obviously, every song we’re going to play is a song I wrote,” with a smile. “I’m Coming Out” featured a breathtaking saxophone solo by Ken Gioffre that sent the energy soaring and was uplifted by the vocals of Audrey Martells. “We Are Family” had a surprising twist, breaking down in the middle before rising to a triumphant finish.
The clip is lush with memorable anecdotes, including some wonderful banter about the making and success of Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, keyboardist and vocalist Russell Graham singing “Soul Glo” from Coming to America, before performing “Get Lucky” from the aforementioned LP. They then performed “Good Times,” which saw Rodgers break into an impromptu rendition of Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” a nod to the song’s iconic sampling of their work.
The grand finale, “Let’s Dance,” paid tribute to the timeless reach and enduring power of funk and the freedom found in dance. Nile Rodgers & CHIC brought a sense of what Rodgers lovingly referred to as “maximum funkocity” to the Tiny Desk stage as they danced, reminding everyone that their legacy as funk pioneers remains as vibrant and alive as ever.
Watch Nile Rodgers & CHIC’s electrifying Tiny Desk performance on NPR’s below.
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