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Karl Denson’s Funk Revolution: Tiny Universe, Lenny Kravitz, & The Stones Connection

Writer's picture: The GoochThe Gooch

Karl Denson, born on December 27, 1956, in Santa Ana, California, grew up in a musically rich environment in Orange County.



As the fifth of six children, he was exposed to a variety of music genres, especially Motown and soul, introduced by his older siblings.




His musical journey began in the fourth grade with the cello, but he switched to the saxophone in seventh grade after inheriting the instrument from his brother. By eighth grade, Denson had formed his first band, Just Funk, which blended influences from Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and Buddy Miles.





In the early 1980s, Denson's professional career took off when he worked as a session musician for Don Cornelius and "Soul Train."




His big break came in the late 1980s when he joined Lenny Kravitz's band, contributing saxophone and flute to Kravitz's first two albums and touring extensively. This experience significantly raised his profile in the music industry.





In 1994, Denson co-founded The Greyboy Allstars, a band that became a cornerstone of the acid jazz movement. As the saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist, he helped the group gain acclaim for their dynamic blend of jazz, funk, and soul.





Building on this success, Denson formed Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (KDTU) in 1998. The band quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy performances and eclectic sound, seamlessly fusing jazz, funk, and rock elements.





Over the years, KDTU has toured with notable acts such as The Allman Brothers, My Morning Jacket, D'Angelo, The Roots, Public Enemy, Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, and Parliament Funkadelic.





In 2014, Denson joined The Rolling Stones as a touring saxophonist, bringing his soulful sound to one of the world's most iconic rock bands.



Denson's original contributions to funk and the broader music scene include his innovative fusion of genres and his dynamic live performances.






His inspirations range from jazz legends to contemporary funk artists, and in turn, he has inspired a new generation of musicians with his versatility and passion.



Recorded Live Lost On Main, chico, ca January 31, 2025 by IPC - ShocatcherNorCali


As of the latest available information, the current lineup of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe features:

  • Karl Denson: Vocals, tenor sax, alto sax, flute

  • DJ Williams: Guitar

  • Chris Stillwell: Bass

  • David Veith: Keyboards

  • Chris Littlefield: Trumpet

  • Zak Najor: Drums

  • Seth Freeman: Slide and lap steel guitar





Tiny universe ensemble continues to captivate audiences with their high-energy performances and eclectic blend of jazz, funk, and rock. In 2025, KDTU is embarking on a Winter Tour, featuring dates across the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast, including a notable performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 24.





Throughout his career, Karl Denson has remained a dynamic and influential figure in the music world, continually pushing the boundaries of genre and performance.





For the most current information on tour dates and lineup details, please visit the official Karl Denson's Tiny Universe website. karldenson.com































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