Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

There’s a danger to immediately writing off every group known for a funky party-time vibe—especially one like Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Denson’s sax- and flute-playing make those sounds his own, even if he’s not reinventing them. The same goes for his songwriting: The two-part title track of his 2009 album, Brother’s Keeper, first makes its mark via little immediate parts like its classically slick bass hook, giving Denson and his bandmates melodic muscle memory to build on when it’s time to trade solos and licks.

Updated 02/09/2011