Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe 7/05/2004

Let me start by saying that if you have been on any of the Rocks Off Boat Cruises this summer, then you know what an incredible experience it is. Previously I’ve only been on their other boat, The Half Moon, which is great, but a bit on the small side and reminiscent of the ferry I used to take as a kid to get to Island Beach in Connecticut. But The Temptress is a whole different experience.

This thing is completely decked out - like a floating Studio 54. You can watch the show from the dance floor or you can make you way up the spiral staircase to the balcony to watch from above. A great setting for a party that brought back memories of many past JazzFest late night shows.

Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe opened the show with a new song called “Getting’ Down,” which was more a swing number, rather than the straight ahead funk that Denson is known for. But the funk was on the way and they followed up with “Soul Vibration.” One of the highlights of this first set was another new song called “Luxurious,” which combined elements of Prince with heavy metal funk energy. During “Fallin’” Karl brought out the flute and interposed parts of “Summertime” throughout the song. The first set ended strong with “New York City” featuring solos by Brian Jordan on guitar and Chris Littlefield on trumpet, followed by “Straus Mania.”

The audience took a much-needed breather and watched the sites of New York City from the Aloha Deck, before the band came back to the stage, obviously enjoying this unique experience. After launching into a monstrous “Goldmine” Karl said with a laugh from the stage, “L.A. has got something, but New York is THE city!” sending the audience into loud cheers.

A rocking set, they ended with the appropriate closer, “Satisfied,” and after getting off The Temptress, that was exactly how everyone felt.