Like a Super Nova burning bright in the night sky comes Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Based out of San Diego, KDTU began its journey in 1998 after bandleader Karl Denson decided to change gears five years after he’d help create The Greyboy Allstars. GBA had proven themselves as the ultimate party band, spreading their “West Coast Boogaloo” style all over the world, making “Jazz” a dance term once again. Karl set out to take this formula to the next level by putting more emphasis on vocals and adding some funk, r&b and hip hop elements. It turned out to be a winning combination which set KDTU on the top of the heap in the touring world from 1999 through 2005. In 2005 Karl decided to get back to his roots and work in a smaller jazzier setting. During 2006 and 2007 Karl led KD3, a trio configuration featuring Sax, Organ and Drums. This led to the 2007 release of KD3’s “Lunar Orbit”, an album which was a great critical success. In 2008, Karl rejoined his former boss Lenny Kravitz and spent the year country hopping through Europe and North America. In 2009 Karl went back into the studio and conjured up what is being hailed as the most soulful KDTU adventure yet, “Brother’s Keeper” which was released Sept 15th, 2009.
Bio
MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Has sold over 250,000 records
- Has headlined and performed at most major festivals globally including the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, North Sea Jazz festival in Holland, Moscow Jazz Festival in Russia, East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Australia and the Montreux Jazz festival in Switzerland.
- US Festivals include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport jazz Festival, Saratoga Jazz Festival, Bumpershoot and Bonnaroo.
- Has toured the world with his bands The Greyboy Allstars and The Tiny Universe as well as performed as a member of Lenny Kravitz and Fred Wesley’s touring bands. Karl has also performed as a special guest with the Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers, Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker and others.
- Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe has shared the stage with acts as diverse as Jack Johnson, D’Angelo, James Brown, Dave Matthews band, The Allman Brothers, Keene and Maroon 5.
- Released three critically acclaimed albums with the Tiny Universe which featured special guests Michael Franti, The Greyboy Allstars, Roy Hargrove, Fred Wesley, Saul Williams, Lonnie Smith, Meshell N’degeochello and The Dap Kings.
- Released four critically acclaimed Jazz albums the last of which featured Jack Dejohnette and Dave Holland backing Karl up in a trio setting that received top reviews.