Dance Lesson #2
Saxophonist Karl Denson may not have the name recognition enjoyed by new-jack jazzmen such asCharlie HunterorMedeski, Martin & Wood, but that should change withDance Lesson #2, his Blue Note debut. A versatile player, Denson played withLenny Kravitzin the early '90s and helped found the acclaimed if short-livedGreyboy Allstarsin the mid-'90s. He's also cut a handful of albums on small labels, the early ones more straight-ahead and the later ones more locked into the groove thing. Here, Denson's work on alto, tenor, and flute rides the dance-floor jazz groove with the melodic sense ofHerbie Mannand the immaculate funk timing ofMaceo Parker, who is undoubtedly an influence. An all-star cast of sidemen that includesMelvin Sparks,Charlie Hunter, Chris Wood, and DJ Logic urge Denson on by holding nothing back themselves. This set is also diverse--while some tunes delve deep into the groove, others verge on smooth jazz, making for a nicely paced, well-crafted album.--Tad Hendrickson