Watch Michael McDonald Play ‘Matters of the Heart,’ ‘Minute By Minute’ and ‘What a Fool Believes’ for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert — From Home in Quarantine

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series presented a mini-set from Michael McDonald this week, but with a twist.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders placed on pretty much everybody right now, the iconic singer/keyboardist played his songs at home in a makeshift Tiny Desk setup — treating viewers to run-throughs of his song “Matters of the Heart,” as well as dusting off Doobie Brothers classics “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes.”

Watch the show below:

Per NPR, McDonald’s performance marks a shift in direction for the Tiny Desk series, due to current events:

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It’s the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

This special, intimate performance from Michael McDonald is the latest in an ever-growing trend of musicians and artists finding ways to perform concerts during a time that is increasingly surreal, both in terms of its effects on the concert/music industry and our society as a whole.

Rolling Stone recently launched its In My Room series of at-home gigs, featuring the likes of Brian Wilson, Graham Nash and John Fogerty, treating virtual audiences to short performances of classic songs.

This is our new reality for the time being, and it’ll take getting used to — but for now, it’s a welcome comfort during these confusing times.