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Soul and R&B legend Charlie Wilson delivered a delightful, career-spanning set on the latest installment of NPR. Small Table Concert Cont.
Wilson, a group of musicians and backup singers, entered the NPR offices for the show, which opened with a fitting intro: „Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” the beautiful title-track from Wilson’s 2005 album. Afterward, Wilson delved into his deep catalog of classics, performing „Computer Love,” a 1986 single he created with Dayton Funk Job and singer Shirley Murdoch.
Since then, Wilson has performed „There Goes My Baby” since 2008. Uncle CharlieIt was followed by an emotional rendition of „I’m Blessed” from 2017 It has to win. Leaning into the gospel vibes of the latter song, Wilson preached in „Tiny Desk Church” about his life and career, drug addiction and 28 years of sobriety.
Wilson ended his set with two songs from his Cape Band days (with his verse sandwiched in between a remix of Fetty Wap’s 2022 song “Sweet Yams”). First, he played „Longing for Your Love” from the group’s 1980 LP The Cape Band IIIHe then ended the show as „the best” since 1982 Cape Band IV.
It’s been over six years since Wilson released his last album. It has to win, he has been quite busy in the meantime. Earlier this year, he teamed up with Dan Tolliver for „No Phoney Love,” while he dropped two singles last year, „No Stopping Us” featuring K-C Hailey and „All of My Love” featuring Smokey Robinson.