Karl Denson funks Knotty Pine

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Karl Denson is no doubt one of the most successful contemporary saxophonists when talking jazz-funk fusion. After hearing him on Lenny Kravitz’s Let Love Rule and the groundbreaking, Mama Said, I discovered The Greyboy Allstars’s West Coast Boogaloo (1995). Denson’s groove-oriented staccato lines were born from serious jazz chops. That feel, though, cannot be taught.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is about to make its debut performance in the smallest venue of its tour, the Knotty Pine in Victor.

“This dance party is going to get hot and sweaty,” Denson said from the road.
Though hip jazz cats popularized soul-jazz in the 60s and 70s (reference Grant Green’s Alive), Denson and The Greyboy Allstars (named after co-founder DJ Greyboy) delivered the resurgence in the midst of a blossoming jamband era. The extended jam, acid-jazz was delivered to rock audiences, and the ever-growing list of eclectic festivals helped spread the love.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe formed in 1998, putting more emphasis on vocals as a six-piece with two horns, bass, drums, guitar and keys. It further progressed towards funk, R&B and hip-hop. The ensemble went full steam through 2005, when Denson scaled back to KD3 trio. Tiny Universe released Brother’s Keeper last September, its first album since ‘02.

“I wanted to get as close to making a soul record as I could,” Denson said of the new release.

For the first time in his career, Denson had the help of a producer, and what seems like odd pairings for studio guests—Marc Ford (Black Crowes), Meshell Ndegeocello, and Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman, among many others. Foreman penned “The Drums of War” and co-wrote “Mighty Rebel,” two lyrically powerful tunes speaking of guns, survival and faith.

“As a Christian, I’m really freaked out by how lightly the church is taking the current [war] situation,” Denson said, “and ‘Drums of War’ explores a lot of the feelings I have right now.”

In addition to his own projects, Denson has also recorded with artists ranging from Miles Davis cohorts Jack Dejohnette and Dave Holland to the Blind Boys of Alabama, Michael Franti, Fred Wesley, and The Allman Brothers. His energy and vibe is comparable to Maceo Parker’s stage show. He gives Parker props on his latest blog entry:

“Been playing some of the best shows of my life lately. The Greyboy Allstars have been on fire and Jamcruise was the best ever … Maceo Parker completely baffled me with his bulletproof funk and has sent me back to the woodshed to see if I can close the gap on him this year.”JHW

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe takes stage at 10 p.m., Thursday, at the Knotty Pine in Victor. $25/$22 in advance. 208-787-2866.

Courtesy Monifa Brown / Shanachie Entertainment
Karl Denson

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Karl Denson funks Knotty Pine | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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