John P. Kee & New Life: Tiny Desk Concert

Mitra I. Arthur | February 5, 2026
The joining together of voices is a sacred act in the Black Christian church; Pastor John P. Kee's music is key to understanding that act in gospel music. During this Tiny Desk, the gospel music essentials of call and response, modulation, articulated phrasing, choir section solos and full-throated singing are expertly on display. Whether solo or with a choir, Pastor Kee's powerful voice and praise-forward songwriting have remained at the forefront of his music ministry for nearly 40 years.

Performing here with a four-piece band and a seven-person choir, Pastor Kee's set journeys through both his traditional and contemporary gospel output. "I Believe" and "Lily in the Valley" transform the Tiny Desk into an old, wood-floored country church. "Life & Favor" and "Standing in the Need" aren't just notes and melodies — the testimony inspires. The uptempo "Oh How Wondrous" and "Mighty God" joyfully proclaim, with reverence, the power of God. Prepare your spirit to be filled and get your hands ready to clap.

SET LIST
"Jesus is Real"
"Life & Favor"
"Oh How Wondrous"
"Stand!"
"I Believe"
"Lily in the Valley"
"Clap Your Hands"
"Standing in the Need"
"Mighty God"

MUSICIANS
Pastor John P. Kee: vocals, keys
Leeland Thompson: guitar, music director
Dominique Britt: keys
Josiah Farrar: bass
Christopher Darden: drums
Jeanette Taylor: background vocals
John P. Kee III: background vocals
Tianna Roberts: background vocals
Shawna Dominique Harris: background vocals
Tallie Rogers: background vocals
Dell Kee: background vocals
Zakeya Stewart: background vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Mitra I. Arthur
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Director/Mix: Josh Newell
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel
Audio Engineer: Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez
Production Assistants: Dhanika Pineda, Dora Levite
Photographer: Alanté Serene
Tiny Desk Team: Kara Frame, Ashley Pointer
Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton

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