Track Listing

1. How Fine Is That
2. Because Of Her Beauty
3. The Answer
4. Bunny Playa
5. Freedom
6. Check Out Your Mind
7. Satisfied
8. The Bridge
9. Groove On
10. Rise And Shine
11. Elephants

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #103718 in Music
• Released on: 2002-08-20
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Saxophonist Karl Denson makes no bones about the fact that he plays a funky jazz tailor-made for people to get their groove on--and never more so than on The Bridge, an album that strays far from his jazz roots. Already known for his love affair with funk, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Greyboy Allstars, Denson adds some other interesting nonjazz wrinkles. A strong Afro-beat influence manifests itself in some slamming horn charts and percolating rhythms, particularly on "Elephants" and "Because of Her Beauty." Denson gets soulful on Curtis Mayfield's "Check Out Your Mind," doing a passable job with the vocals (several tunes here feature Denson singing) and embellishing it with sitar and surreal psychedelic production touches. The album also benefits from a hot production job from Erik Newsome, who captures the nearly rock & roll energy and intensity of the KDTU live experience. This is definitely one for the fans who like it when Denson does his high-energy groove thing. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

The Answer to your question is I never get enough
I have to be careful how often I play this album, because it hurts too much when it stops.
These guys are really good, the vibe fills you whether you know it or not. And when it stops... you become hollow inside, with cat-tongue scratches assaulting the pleasure centers of your brain. It's a painful Jones, but it's worth it. The answer to your question is I never get enough. Seriously, these guys have a great sound. Tranquil, yet insidiously agitating.

If I had to think of a criticism, I would say it's a touch too brassy. But since Karl Denson is a sax man, I think it just comes with the territory. I would like to hear a little more of the guitar and keys, and tune down the brass just a touch, but that's just me.

Trust me. Have I ever let you down?

Funk and Storm
"The Bridge" by Karl Denson's Tiny Universe crackles with energy and verve, meshing funk, jazz, and rock and infusing the mix with a rousing array of instruments, beats, and effects. If, for a moment, Mr. Denson's saxophone seems almost like something from a triple-z jazz (the light stuff) session, don't worry, for in the next instance he is chasing down a Sonny Rollins or Coltrane riff with abandon.

The excellent, tasty funk guitar from Brian Jordan demands attention without resorting to gimmicks; the bass lines from Ron Johnson center the songs; David Veith knows his way around keyboards, especially the organ; and the percussion and drums unit of Zak Najor and Mike Dillion propel these songs along.

The horns, however, are the front and center attraction, and Chris Littlefield's trumpet is a nice counterpoint to Mr. Denson's sax and flute. Guest players augment the core lineup on every track, offering density and depth. At times, I think I hear echoes of Gil Scott-Heron here.

(Really, the person who uses the moniker Bostonears has already sized up this CD so well, I refer you to this review).

One weak spot are some of the lyrics, which can be preachy at times. For example, it's not exactly clear what is meant by "But what is freedom . . . when it comes at a cost?" After all, we must all pay the price of freedom. But rather than take issue with some of the lyrics and innuendos, I leave that for the individual listener. I find I can still enjoy the music without buying into any sort of social message.

Live???..more like A-live!!!
After purchasing "The Bridge" while listening to "How Fine Is That"(The cut was still playing!!) I actually stopped traffic when I saw a flyer announcing they were going to be in my home town of Ann Arbor, Mi.
After pulling a few strings so I could take off work I HAD to see them live. Needless to say I'm a member of the legions of fans that'll follow them wherever they play!
I grew up listening to Tower of Power, Sly & The Family Stone, War, Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few..and have seen them in concert...let me tell those who haven't seen Karl..they're right there in the pocket..one of the most energetic live performances I've seen in YEARS!! Two days later I'm still hoarse from cheering, yelling and partying..these guys aren't live...they're A-live!!!!