A big bang has taken place in Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Within a year, the band switched management, hired a new drummer and added several new songs to their repertoire. Nashville-based Q Prime management takes over, while drummer John Staten fills Zak Najor’s shoes in the lineup.
After clearing their tour schedule for much of the year, changes are taking hold and the Universe is dotting the U.S. with sporadic dates through the summer, working out new material and regaining their chops. “We’re re-booting the system this year, taking it slow,” band-leader Karl Denson said.
The band sold out its RocksOff gig aboard the Tempress, which set sail from the pier at 41st street and the West Side Highway Thursday August 5. The changes were evident as the band showcased new songs for the New York audience and acquainted them with Staten’s drumming.
Under a seven-foot ceiling on a makeshift stage usually relegated for nostalgia acts, Denson and company brought their sights to the 20 or so crowded around the stage and sweet sounds to the 300 plus on the double-decker cruiser.
Highly irregular for a touring band of their stature, KDTU made due with a backstage area that doubles as the ship’s kitchen. The musicians took their setting in stride and with good humor. After the show, the band invited an old friend, Nina to the kitchen and marveled at the survival of a pair of her flower be-speckled strappy high-heeled shoes that Denson admired. The saxophonist spritely called the attention of everyone in the room to the lovely pumps.
John Staten remained in the background, laughing, his tee shirt streaked with long bands of sweat, an indication of the drummer’s considerable efforts throughout the night. Staten’s backbeat brings a soulful flavor to the mix, and is markedly different than Najor’s relentless rock drumming. Staten, who previously toured with Carlos Washington & Giant People, says he brings a bit of gospel to the Universe’ brand of funk and soul. “I’m the new energy,” said Staten.
He says the band is enjoying working and re-working new material, the open-ended schedule allowing time for careful evaluation of new tunes, like “Getting Down” and “Luxurious.” Marquis performances during the RocksOff sets, the songs were met with generous applause and frenetic ass shaking.
The infrequency of touring and an unhurried pace is unique for Denson, who estimates his Tiny Universe band has been on the road for a total less than four weeks in 2004, a slight schedule for the saxophonist, who is known for breakneck touring and an unbending work ethic. But the band is more focused on new material, spurred on by the retooled lineup and new management. “We’re doing a lot of writing for the next record, taking our time,” Denson said.
The band will wait until a harmonious convergence occurs between music and lyrics and records won’t be made until they feel each composition is done. “We need everything to soak in,” said Denson. “Right now we are marinating in our own creative juices.”
And while time off writing and enjoying family life has been agreeable to Denson and his bandmates, the front man has big plans for the Tiny Universe. “At this point we are learning how to produce ourselves and I’m also building a new studio,” said Denson
But for Denson, “Taking it easy,” apparently includes prolific touring and recording outside the Universe. It is just one of Denson’s ventures among many, his recent teaming with Brett Sanders and Scott Throsen as the Karl Denson Trio adds to his diverse body of work. “I do as much as I can to challenge myself,” said Denson.
The trio’s concentration on straight jazz brings Denson back to his playing with Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland in the early ’90s. In addition, he plays with the soul-funk pioneers the Greyboy Allstars, which reunited in 2002. (Additionally, Denson hints at an upcoming album with bassist Chris Wood.)
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is a touring band if there ever was one — their songs evolve with each performance, and concertgoers are now able to catch the vibe and take it home after the show. Vibe Alive works with the band, selling instant live recordings of each concert to the audience minutes after the last note of the encore flattens. Plans to archive shows and electronically distribute recordings via the internet are in the works.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe will cap off the summer at Hippy Hill Hoodang festival on August 27 in Bean Blossom, Indiana and will hit the Southeast for a three-week jaunt in September.
