While the multi-talented Karl Denson has been known to structure his Tiny Universe performances as an opportunity to pay homage to an impressively diverse array of artists, nothing prepared his devoted fans for the announcement of an Allman Brothers Band tribute. When the boisterous bandleader isn’t on the road with the Rolling Stones as their full-time saxophonist, or continually collaborating with Phil Lesh & Friends, he’s primarily focused on his accomplished solo-career.

In a time where the music industry is topsy-turvy, we need artists like Karl Denson more than ever. The multifarious Denson fares innately in different genres, as bandleader or sideman, and paid his dues as a touring musician that came into his own. The San Diego based saxophonist first gained recognition as a member of Lenny Kravitz and quickly soon after broke through in the A-list jazz circuit. His ambitious bop-oriented Chunky Pecan Pie (1994) featured an impressive supporting lineup of Jack DeJohnette & Dave Holland.

Today, Rolling Stone Magazine premiered a live video of Slightly Stoopid performing the Grateful Dead’s “Franklin’s Tower” with the support of special guests Bob Weir and Karl Denson. The track was originally performed during the Live from Roberto’s webcast at Weir’s Tamalpais Research Institute Studios in San Rafael, California earlier this year.

In the weeks following pop icon Prince’s untimely passing, hordes of respected entertainers paid their respects through acknowledgement or performance. Once again, an artist’s full depth and impact is celebrated strongest posthumously. That is not to say that Prince’s impact as a musician and atypical sex symbol wasn’t already deeply influential. Take funk saxophonist and bandleader Karl Denson.

Last night, Slightly Stoopid returned to Tamalpais Research Institute (TRI Studios) for a live performance and webcast featuring special guests including legendary Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Rolling Stones), Angelo Moore (Fishbone, Dr. Madd Vibe), Marlon Asher (Ganja Farmer), and Roger Rivas (Aggrolites).

Long time funk and fusion Saxophonist Karl Denson brought his unique troupe to the Ogden Theater in Denver, CO. Supported by Denver locals and Afrofunk specialists Atomga, this was a distinctive and diverse night of music.

Another year of Outside Lands flew by this weekend, and like it does every year, went out with its crown held high. Despite temperatures in the 50s and the festival’s pricey location in the heart of $an Francisco, droves of music lovers flocked to Golden Gate Park for the 8^th year in a row to dance the cold gray away. With a top notch lineup for music, food, beer, and wine, it’s hard to imagine a single fan went home unsatisfied.

On this last day of February, with snow and slush everywhere, the great Karl Denson, brings his Tiny Universe including Vokab Kompany and Roosevelt Collier along for two great sets of diverse music to the Boulder Theater. It was only a month ago that I reviewed the Greyboy Allstars after Denson returned from the Rolling Stones Australia tour.

It was another fun filled weekend of music in Denver, but I chose to be at the funkiest concert in town. This was the second night of this bill, and there were virtually no openers in this show. All three of these musical acts are headliners, which made this show a no brainer for me. I knew this show would be great because I have seen all of these bands several times, but never before like this. This was the best that I have seen all three of these acts perform. There was music at all times even between sets. I love the idea of a constant dance party without a lot of standing around.

James Brown, dubbed the hardest workingman in show business, is long gone. If anyone were to carry the torch in the contemporary touring scene Karl Denson would be a chief contender.