The Bridge

Karl Denson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 20, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Relaxed Records
• ASIN: B00006EXEH
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,492 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #25 in Music > Rock > Jam Bands > Funk Jam Bands
  • #53 in Music > Jazz > Jazz Jam Bands

Track Listings

1. How Fine Is That

2. Because of Her Beauty

3. The Answer

4. Bunny Playa

5. Freedom

6. Check out Your Mind

7. Satisfied

8. The Bridge

9. Groove On

10. Rise and Shine

11. Elephants

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Answer to your question is I never get enough, May 29, 2005

By 

My Uncle Stu (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

I have to be careful how often I play this album, because it hurts too much when it stops.
These guys are really good, the vibe fills you whether you know it or not. And when it stops... you become hollow inside, with cat-tongue scratches assaulting the pleasure centers of your brain. It's a painful Jones, but it's worth it. The answer to your question is I never get enough. Seriously, these guys have a great sound. Tranquil, yet insidiously agitating.

If I had to think of a criticism, I would say it's a touch too brassy. But since Karl Denson is a sax man, I think it just comes with the territory. I would like to hear a little more of the guitar and keys, and tune down the brass just a touch, but that's just me.

Trust me. Have I ever let you down?

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Funk and Storm, February 14, 2003

By 

loce_the_wizard "loce_the_wizard" (Lilburn, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

"The Bridge" by Karl Denson's Tiny Universe crackles with energy and verve, meshing funk, jazz, and rock and infusing the mix with a rousing array of instruments, beats, and effects. If, for a moment, Mr. Denson's saxophone seems almost like something from a triple-z jazz (the light stuff) session, don't worry, for in the next instance he is chasing down a Sonny Rollins or Coltrane riff with abandon.

The excellent, tasty funk guitar from Brian Jordan demands attention without resorting to gimmicks; the bass lines from Ron Johnson center the songs; David Veith knows his way around keyboards, especially the organ; and the percussion and drums unit of Zak Najor and Mike Dillion propel these songs along.

The horns, however, are the front and center attraction, and Chris Littlefield's trumpet is a nice counterpoint to Mr. Denson's sax and flute. Guest players augment the core lineup on every track, offering density and depth. At times, I think I hear echoes of Gil Scott-Heron here.

(Really, the person who uses the moniker Bostonears has already sized up this CD so well, I refer you to this review).

One weak spot are some of the lyrics, which can be preachy at times. For example, it's not exactly clear what is meant by "But what is freedom . . . when it comes at a cost?" After all, we must all pay the price of freedom. But rather than take issue with some of the lyrics and innuendos, I leave that for the individual listener. I find I can still enjoy the music without buying into any sort of social message.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FUNK-JAZZ-GROOVE-INCREDIBLE!!, August 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

I can not stop listening to this cd. The tunes are so grooving and the recording so impeccable that I have been forced by the mothership to write a review on amazon.com. The Tiny Universe may be the best funk machine traveling the planet right now, and Karl Denson is confidently at the controls. The tunes on this cd are infectious groove laden slices of neo-funk that drip and ooze Karl's signature songwriting and horn lines. Every musician on this cd is given room to stretch out and express themselves. Thought provoking, feet moving solos abound. And did I mention groove? Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, Rock & World Beat all are woven together to create an organic bubbling stew. I can not recommend this cd highly enough.