Saxophonist Karl Denson makes no bones about the fact that he plays a funky jazz tailor-made for people to get their groove on--and never more so than on The Bridge, an album that strays far from his jazz roots. Already known for his love affair with funk, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Greyboy Allstars, Denson adds some other interesting nonjazz wrinkles. A strong Afro-beat influence manifests itself in some slamming horn charts and percolating rhythms, particularly on "Elephants" and "Because of Her Beauty." Denson gets soulful on Curtis Mayfield's "Check Out Your Mind," doing a passable job with the vocals (several tunes here feature Denson singing) and embellishing it with sitar and surreal psychedelic production touches. The album also benefits from a hot production job from Erik Newsome, who captures the nearly rock & roll energy and intensity of the KDTU live experience. This is definitely one for the fans who like it when Denson does his high-energy groove thing. --Tad Hendrickson
Artist(s): Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
Disc 1
- Track 1 - How Fine Is That
- Track 2 - Because Of Her Beauty
- Track 3 - The Answer
- Track 4 - Bunny Playa
- Track 5 - Freedom
- Track 6 - Check Out Your Mind
- Track 7 - Satisfied
- Track 8 - The Bridge
- Track 9 - Groove On
- Track 10 - Rise And Shine
- Track 11 - Elephants
UPC:
674224660229EAN:
0674224660229
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4.0
weak soulless funk
Maybe I'm just not a sax guy, but this album was a let down. Soulless funk with atrociously banal lyrics, I'd have to be incredibly drunk to 'get it on' to this album. Drunk enough that I couldn't hear it playing, that is.
[+]
10.0
I couldn't find it at my used CD store
I bought this CD for the song "Because of her Beauty" and found out everything on here is great.
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10.0
Fantastic jazz/funk!!!!
This album is a must-have for any fans of funk-infused jazz.
Other posts here seem to do justice to the album, so I won't elablrate.
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10.0
The Answer to your question is I never get enough
I have to be careful how often I play this album, because it hurts too much when it stops.
These guys are really good, the vibe fills you whether you know it or not. And when it stops... you become hollow inside, with cat-tongue scratches assaulting the pleasure centers of your brain. It's a painful Jones, but it's worth it. The answer to your question is I never get enough. Seriously, these guys have a great sound. Tranquil, yet insidiously agitating.
If I had to think of a criticism, I would say it's a touch too brassy. But since Karl Denson is a sax man, I think it just comes with the territory. I would like to hear a little more of the guitar and keys, and tune down the brass just a touch, but that's just me.
Trust me. Have I ever let you down?
[+]
6.0
KDTU - Funk + Hippy-Dippy Lyrics = Disappointment
As a longtime fan of the Greyboy Allstars and their offshoot groups (KDTU & RW20C), who's seen all of the above groups live countless times and loved every show, I really wanted to love "The Bridge." But a listen all the way through proved very disappointing. The first couple of tracks have a halfway-decent groove, but most of the album sorely lacks that raw fonkiness of their live presence (reference their smoking live covers of JB's "Think" or Jimi's "Spanish Castle Magic"), or even of Karl's previous effort "The D Stands for Diesel." I realize it's tough to capture their live essence on a CD, and maybe they wanted to turn down the funk a bit on this album and explore other areas. It's technically a well-executed piece, and the group is, as always, tight and monstrously talented. It just doesn't capture for me the musical aspects of KDTU that I like the most about them.
Besides the reduced funk component, "The Bridge" also turns up the hippy-dippy lyrics component to a point I found annoying, though I'm aware my impatience with that stuff is a matter of personal taste and others may even find this aspect a plus. I can deal with it when it's done well, or when the groove is so strong as to make the lyrics irrelevant (as in the monster-funky "Bouganvillea" on Denson's "Diesel" album, in which I loved the singing even despite lyrics like "And when you're searching for the spirit's course / look inside, you'll see its cosmic source", or in much of George Clinton's or Jimi Hendrix's work); but when the music isn't grabbing me by the ass very hard, my brain kicks in and gets irritated with grandiose statements of flowery spirituality. I'm also not a big spoken word fan, so the track "Freedom" got on my nerves with Michael Franti's three-bong-hit leftist soapboxing. It should be noted in mitigation that two of the offending tracks on this album were in fact groovy enough to overcome this personal prejudice of mine - the title track, and their cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Check Out Your Mind."
So the album gets a star deducted for lyrics, a star deducted for being overall not one of the funkiest things Karl's put out, but I'll give it three for solid musicianship, tight group dynamics, and having a few bright spots.
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10.0
new genre rbjazzfuze
Blown away!!! THE best thing on the block!!!!
totaly unique,...found this gem of a talent by freak coincidence,i have always found my best stuff by spontinaety .
Here in uk except for specialized "jazz watchers" Denson is easy to miss to the untrained eye,but found dance lesson played it and the rest is history!!!!!
I an wishing i had enough money to entice Karl Denson and his band over to gig in the uk!!!spread the gospel this man does for this muzak genre what Donny hathaway does for soul
I wish that I could categorize this is as jazz or R&B but it combines the best of both musical worlds. Karl Denson has put together a collection of songs that are inspired by old school R&B guys with great sax solo's inspired by the likes of John Coltrane. It's really that good. The songs are fun to listen to and while they have that 60's and 70's charm, they are also refreshing and new. It's as if you were to discover an album from thirty years ago that you never listened to. This is the best cd I've heard in years. If you like funk, R&B, and jazz, this has it all for you. Buy it now!!!
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10.0
Live???..more like A-live!!!
After purchasing "The Bridge" while listening to "How Fine Is That"(The cut was still playing!!) I actually stopped traffic when I saw a flyer announcing they were going to be in my home town of Ann Arbor, Mi.
After pulling a few strings so I could take off work I HAD to see them live. Needless to say I'm a member of the legions of fans that'll follow them wherever they play!
I grew up listening to Tower of Power, Sly & The Family Stone, War, Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few..and have seen them in concert...let me tell those who haven't seen Karl..they're right there in the pocket..one of the most energetic live performances I've seen in YEARS!! Two days later I'm still hoarse from cheering, yelling and partying..these guys aren't live...they're A-live!!!!
[+]
10.0
Because of its Beauty
This album is, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle of Acid Jazz. The tracks are melodic, groovy, and highlight many styles and themes. When giving "The Bridge" a good listen, you are reminded of Curtis Mayfield, Lenny Kravitz, Nelly, and many others. If you are into Groove Collective or Liquid Soul, you will find this album somewhat legendary.
Highlights include "Because of Her Beauty"-- an incredible groove with an excellent 'call and response' melody. "Groove On" is the penultimate groove. Bass chords and great percussion highlight the track. I can't really put much more into words-- but I can say with certainty, you want to buy this album!
