Track Listing

1. Dance Lesson, No. 2
2. Like, Like Dope
3. Rumpwinder
4. Flute Down
5. A. J. Bustah
6. Shorter Path, No. 1
7. Shorter Path, No. 2
8. I Want the Funk
9. Who Are You?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #178034 in Music
• Released on: 2001-05-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
Saxophonist Karl Denson may not have the name recognition enjoyed by new-jack jazzmen such as Charlie Hunter or Medeski, Martin & Wood, but that should change with Dance Lesson #2, his Blue Note debut. A versatile player, Denson played with Lenny Kravitz in the early '90s and helped found the acclaimed if short-lived Greyboy Allstars in the mid-'90s. He's also cut a handful of albums on small labels, the early ones more straight-ahead and the later ones more locked into the groove thing. Here, Denson's work on alto, tenor, and flute rides the dance-floor jazz groove with the melodic sense of Herbie Mann and the immaculate funk timing of Maceo Parker, who is undoubtedly an influence. An all-star cast of sidemen that includes Melvin Sparks, Charlie Hunter, Chris Wood, and DJ Logic urge Denson on by holding nothing back themselves. This set is also diverse--while some tunes delve deep into the groove, others verge on smooth jazz, making for a nicely paced, well-crafted album. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

rather tepid major label debut
As a long-time groove disciple and fan of the Greyboy Allstars, I couldn't help but snatch this album up at first sight. The band lineup added to my excitement -- combining veteran groovemeisters like Melvin Sparks (guitar) and Ron Levy (organ) with new cats like Chris Wood (bass) of Medeski, et al., Charlie Hunter (8-string guitar), and DJ Logic. I was also pleased that Denson decided to bring along a fellow Greyboy Allstar, drummer Zak Najor, to the "bigtime" (a very deserving inclusion).

I've given this album repeated listenings in a sincere effort to give it more than its fair shot, but haven't been able to overcome my initial feeling of disappointment. The album starts out promisingly with the tight funk groove of Dance Lesson #2. But from there it quickly subsides into an undifferentiated succession of flat mid-tempo jams that shuffle along in seemingly sleepwalk-like state. The songwriting is unoriginal, and the playing is uninspired, almost smug. Major labor debuts don't have to be like this (witness the new Soulive album, for example).

Don't get me wrong, everything GROOVES here -- hence, three stars. But, as someone familiar with the quality of Denson's work with the Greyboy Allstars and as a solo artist, I have to say this is pretty mediocre. It's a shame that Denson, for whatever reason, presents less than himself in his "big debut." Get his other stuff first, then check this out if you want more, but not necessarily better.

Where are you Herbie Mann?
As the title to this review says, Herbie, where are you. There is a heavy dose of Memphis Underground here (the boogaloo beat on Rumpwinder) and the haunting tribute to Walter Wunderlich's B3. But, the dance mix sound effects are out of place and ruin an otherwise delightful offering. Take away the noise, leave the funk and pick up two more stars from this reviewer.

I Love This CD
The title of the review says it all. Karl Denson is one the most talented saxophonists of this generation and some how is still far more obscure then he should be. Out of all of his discs this one is my all time fav, more so then his latest excellent disk "the bridge". You really get to hear him stretch out on this one. Also this was incredibly produced. This CD sonically, sounds incredible. Can't wait for his next release!!!!