Who: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

When: 10-9-2004

Where: Davey's Uptown

I was surprised that Karl would be playing a venue as small as Davey's Uptown, but the show seemed to be under-advertised and Karl rarely if ever hits Kansas City. The lack of crowd did not slow the band down at all. If there is one constant with the eclectic Denson, it is that his energy is infectious and never lacking. Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe wasted no time on Saturday night. Right out of the gate they hit the horn drenched funk groove hard and did not let up until nearly three in the morning.

Karl started the show by talking about how he has been a Chiefs fan since the 3rd grade and proudly displayed his new Chiefs arrowhead hat. There was no doubt that the band can lay down some of the most danceable grooves out there, and they did that prodigiously in the first set. From a psychedelic cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Check Out Your Mind" to a very extended version of "The Bridge" the title track from the latest album from this incarnation of the Tiny Universe. Grooves were thick, and each individual in the band got to show their prowess.

However, I was very surprised to see the hard-core funk grooves eased slightly aside for a more jazzy and chill feel in the second set. It seemed that Karl was taking this opportunity with a very intimate crowd and venue to expand a little bit. I saw KDTU last Halloween at the House of Blues in Chicago and it was groovetacular from beginning to end, but the place was packed to the gills with crazily dressed masses. It was great to see a slight change of pace and to really experience the chops the individuals in the band have. Brian Jordan, the guitar player could easily find a home in a rock-fusion band, a smooth jazz groove band, or a straight ahead rock group. He brought out all of those styles in this fantastic evening of music. I hope that Karl and co. were not turned off by the small turnout, and give us another chance to get down in the future.

by Nick Scott