Karl Denson wants you to dance to his music. That's why the former
Greyboy Allstars frontman named his first solo album
Dance Lesson #2. The disc is a collection of funky,
soul-driven tracks highlighted by
Denson's fiery extended saxophone solos. Like a true student of
jazz,
Denson is always experimenting with new collaborations. Instead of enlisting his touring
Tiny Universe band, he pulled together a lineup of musical heavyweights including
Medeski, Martin & Wood bassist
Chris Wood, turntable specialist
DJ Logic, legendary organists
Leon Spencer Jr. and
Ron Levy, awe-inspiring guitarists
Melvin Sparks and
Charlie Hunter, ex-
Greyboy Allstars drummer
Zak Najor, and
Los Cubanos Postizos percussionist
E.J. Rodriguez. The album is a
jazz hybrid that flows from the straight-ahead beauty of
"A.J. Bustah" to the up-tempo title track, which is invigorated by
DJ Logic's scratching and the contrast between
Denson's marching flute and wailing sax.
"A Shorter Path #1" is a sweet tune that provides the theme for
"A Shorter Path #2," a stretched-out
smooth jazz exploration of
"Path #1." Throughout the album,
Denson's dance-inducing, driving groove infuses each inventive track with contagious energy. ~ Carrie Nieman
