Karl Denson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karl Denson
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Denson performing in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 27, 1956 |
| Origin | San Diego, California |
| Genres | Jazz, funk, jam band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer |
| Instruments | Saxophone, flute, vocals |
| Associated acts | The Greyboy Allstars, Lenny Kravitz, The Rolling Stones, ... Chocolate, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe |
Karl Denson (born December 27, 1956) is an American musician famous for playing the saxophone and flute. He is also a talented singer. Denson is known for his exciting performances in funk and jazz music. Funk is a style of music with a strong, danceable rhythm, while jazz often features improvisation, where musicians create music on the spot.
He is a very busy musician who plays in several groups. Denson tours with the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones and also leads his own band, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. He is also a founding member of another group called The Greyboy Allstars.
Throughout his career, Denson has worked with many famous artists. He was a member of Lenny Kravitz's band and has recorded music with bands like Slightly Stoopid and Switchfoot.
Contents
Musical Career
Karl Denson has had a long and successful career, playing with some of the biggest names in music and leading his own popular bands.
Working with Famous Artists
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Denson joined Lenny Kravitz's band. He played saxophone on hit albums like Let Love Rule and Mama Said. This experience helped make him well-known in the music world.
Since 2014, Denson has been the touring saxophonist for The Rolling Stones, one of the most famous rock bands in history. He plays the saxophone solos originally performed by the band's late saxophonist, Bobby Keys.
His Bands
Besides playing with other artists, Karl Denson leads his own music projects.
The Greyboy Allstars
In the 1990s, Denson co-founded a band called The Greyboy Allstars. This group is known for playing a type of jazz-funk music. They have released several albums and still perform together.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
Denson also has his own band called Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, often called KDTU. This band is famous for its high-energy live shows that mix funk, jazz, and rock. The members of the band are:
- Karl Denson (saxophone, flute, vocals)
- Ricio Fruge (trumpet)
- Ricky Giordano (guitar)
- Rashon Murph (keyboards)
- Parker McAllister (bass)
- Alfred Jordan (drums)
- Danielle Barker (vocals)
Movie Appearances
You might have seen Karl Denson on the big screen! He appeared in the 1988 movie Coming to America and its 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America. In the movies, he plays the saxophonist for the fictional band called ... Chocolate.
Selected Music Releases
Karl Denson has released many albums, both as a solo artist and with his bands. Here are a few of them:
- Blackened Red Snapper (1992) - Solo album
- West Coast Boogaloo (1994) - With The Greyboy Allstars
- The Bridge (2002) - With Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
- Brother's Keeper (2009) - With Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
- New Ammo (2014) - With Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
- Gnomes and Badgers (2019) - With Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
- Como De Allstars (2020) - With The Greyboy Allstars
External links
- Karl Denson website
- Karl Denson Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2017)
