For years, the NPR Tiny Desk Sessions have offered something rare in today’s music world: unfiltered performances where the focus is entirely on the sound and the story.
No bright lights. No spectacle. Just musicians and their instruments connecting with listeners up close.
It is this same spirit of authenticity and individuality that inspires us at Syos, which is why we are so proud to see our artists appear on that iconic stage.
Christian Ortiz with Roberto Fonseca
One of the most recent moments came when saxophonist Christian Ortiz joined Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca for a Tiny Desk performance. Sitting on baritone saxophone, Christian brought depth and color to the set, filling the room with resonance and warmth.
At the 10:26 mark, his solo soared, a reminder of the baritone’s power and the expressive freedom that comes with the right setup. For us, it was a perfect snapshot of what a Syos mouthpiece is designed to do: let the musician’s personality shine through without compromise.
Brent Birckhead with Igmar Thomas
Tiny Desk has also welcomed Brent Birckhead, a versatile saxophonist whose career bridges performance and education. With a résumé that includes awards, international tours, and teaching positions at the Baltimore School for the Arts and Morgan State University, Brent embodies the balance of technical skill and soulful artistry.
Performing with trumpeter Igmar Thomas, Brent’s sound was fluid and commanding, capable of moving effortlessly from groove to melody. His performance showed how a strong musical voice can fill even the smallest space with presence.
👉 Read more about Brent’s Tiny Desk performance
David Negrete with ASKA
On the other side of the world, David Negrete brought the Syos sound to Tiny Desk Japan, performing with legendary pop icon ASKA. With a career that started in New York before moving to Tokyo, David has become a bridge between two vibrant jazz communities.
His tenor saxophone lines added richness and dimension to ASAKA’s timeless voice, a blend of tradition and innovation that felt right at home in the Tiny Desk format. For David, it was another step in a journey of cross-cultural collaboration, powered by his own musical identity.
👉 Discover David Negrete’s performance with ASKA
Why These Performances Matter
What unites Christian, Brent, and David is not just their talent but their commitment to individuality. Each of them plays a mouthpiece designed to reflect their own style and sound, and when they bring that to Tiny Desk, it creates a performance that feels both deeply personal and moving.
At Syos, we believe every player deserves that same freedom. You can choose the design that matches your sound goals, pick the color that feels right in your hands, and if it does not suit you, take advantage of our 30-day free trial.
👉 Find the mouthpiece that fits your sound
