Nathaniel Rateliff and his band The Night Sweats are on fire, with concerts that get feet moving and bodies swaying, fueled by rhythm and booze.

It wasn't always this way: In the past, Rateliff would be more easily described as a folk artist. When I saw him recently at a sold-out Sunday-night show in D.C., he expressed intense gratitude for the new audience that's found him. Much of that new crowd has embraced the big-band R&B of his new album, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, which was produced by Richard Swift and released on the legendary Stax Records.

The record and its songs embrace not only Southern soul, but also the rockier side of soul made famous by Irish singer Van Morrison. Here at the Tiny Desk, Rateliff's body-shaking tunes take on a slightly more laid-back sound, served with a warm heart and suitable for a cold beer.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats is available now. (iTunes) (Amazon)

Set List

• "I Need Never Get Old"

• "Look It Here"

• "I've Been Failing You"

• "Mellow Out"

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Nick Michael, Julia Reihs; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; Photo by Julia Reihs/NPR

Related

• For Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, the highlight is getting along and having fun
• The Current's Guitar Collection: Nathaniel Rateliff, 1967 Gibson B-25 12-string
• Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats - official site