Karl Denson is one of the most innovative and thrilling musicians of his generation. Able to cross cultural and generational boundaries with his unique mix of soul, rock, funk, blues and jazz, Denson manages to reinvent himself time and time again. It is no wonder why the celebrated saxman and vocalist has been first call for such musicians as Warren Haynes, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Franti (Spearhead), The Allman Brothers and James Brown alum Fred Wesley. On September 15, 2009 Denson will release " Brother's Keeper on Shanachie Entertainment joining the musical chameleon with an all-star cast including Meshell Ndegeocello, Marc Ford (Black Crowes) and musicians from Lenny Kravitz's Band, The Dap Kings, The Greyboy Allstars and Switchfoot.
- Shake It Out
- Where It Counts
- The Drums Of War
- Brother's Keeper (Part I)
- Brother's Keeper (Part II)
- Mighty Rebel
- Monica
- Expressions
- Empty Soul
- Take It Down
- Just Got Paid
The Bridge is a fairly straightforward document of Karl Denson's live performance. Though there are plenty of guests on the disc -- including poet and activist Michael Franti, poet Saul Williams, funk trombonist Fred Wesley, and jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove -- that's not too unusual for Denson and company. Denson himself regularly turns up on others' stages and just as frequently invites guests to sit in with his own Tiny Universe. The music is an eclectic mix of funk and R&B approaches. The playing is straightforward and energetic across the board. The sonically adventurous cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Check out Your Mind," with its multi-layered textures, is a standout track. Pop studio man Russ Elevado mixes the band sympathetically and warmly, with each instrument obvious in the mix without ever being overbearing.
- How Fine Is That
- Because Of Her Beauty
- The Answer
- Bunny Playa
- Freedom
- Check Out Your Mind
- Satisfied
- The Bridge
- Groove On
- Rise And Shine
- Elephants
Karl Denson's brand of postbop jazz considers 1960s-era hard bop a mere launch-off. The D Stands for Diesel has the tenor saxophonist fronting a band similar in makeup to the vaunted Greyboy Allstars. Here, Denson also enlists vocalist Andy Bey as a soulful, mellifluous answer to early jazz's shouters. Keyboardist Robert Walter provides pinpoint accuracy when necessary and smudgy Fender Rhodes electric piano when the mood is downright shaking. Denson's got the goods on his horn. He blows with a harmonically tight focus one second and a reaching scour the next. D Stands is energetic the way Catalyst once was, with a love for unbridled jams and improvisational creativity atop precise rhythmic footing.
- Louis and Co.
- Bougainvillea
- The Grind
- Sunday School
- Russian Qualude
- Jam Sandwich
- The Grind (Reprise)
- Steamed Water
- Tune-Up
