Even in a stripped-down acoustic set, Tinariwen's trance-inducing desert music doesn't disappoint.

Watch singer Teri Gender Bender transform from a soft-spoken musician into a rock 'n' roll beast.

The band's keen sense of song prevails, especially in a new song called "It All Means Nothing."

Banjo master Schepps and friends create an intriguing goulash of Bartók, bluegrass and bebop.

Watch the masterful folk guitarist perform a lovely instrumental set at the NPR Music offices.

Calvi plays songs from her self-titled debut in this powerful performance at the NPR Music offices.

The San Antonio trio gets back to basics to explore its songs' forms and the soul of its lyrics.

The brilliant and nimble guitarist reinvents the songs of John Lennon at the NPR Music offices.

The group has revitalized a long-lost culture through music performed entirely in Haitian Creole.

The Hold Steady singer's stark side is nicely conducive to barren arrangements at the NPR offices.

The dance-friendly, India-inspired funk group performs a high-energy set at the NPR Music offices.

"The Duke of Bachata" gives a raw but beautiful interpretation of bachata at the NPR Music offices.

Hear the fresh-faced opera singers perform Puccini at the NPR Music offices.

In this performance at the NPR Music offices, the Irish pop band mixes new songs with early hits.

A band of selective minimalism, Milagres gets the most of simple sounds at the NPR Music offices.

Through her insightful lyrics, Sandra Velasquez conjures the sounds of the Mexican desert.

Her gorgeous, whispery voice inspired the Tiny Desk Concerts series in 2008. Now, Laura Gibson returns with her band to perform four songs from her new album, La Grande.

The saxophonist's new repertoire salutes electric funk, South Indian modes and swarming solos.

Real Estate wears placidity well: It's a band born and bred to convey and celebrate laconic comfort.

A soulful master musician from Iran, Kalhor performs a beautiful improvisation at the NPR offices.

Sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg make charming, folk-infused pop music that lulls and enchants.

The ensemble employs all kinds of toys, from an amplified cactus to a mug filled with spare change.

The Canadian singer performs four sweet, warm, relatable songs that soothe as they nourish.

Caveman writes guitar-based pop songs full of space and melodies you can carry around in your head.

At the NPR offices, the band plays in a lean, funky configuration that gets the room grooving along.