Karl Denson's Tiny Universe & Juno What?! 2.22.13
Boulder Theater
Boulder, CO
Words & Photos By Kevin Hahn
Juno What?!, a Motet side project featuring drummer Dave Watts, keyboardist/talk-box extraordinaire Joey Porter and keyboardist Steve Watkins, opened the Boulder Theater show with a BANG. This electro-funk dance party of a band is not a show you want to miss, as my feet did not stop moving for the entirety of their hour-long set. The crowd was grooving, band was jamming and the energy in the room kept growing and growing with each funky cut Juno What?! threw down. I have really taken a liking to this band, as they seem to improve both their music and wardrobe each time I see them. With their usual matching white tracksuits hanging somewhere in the back the Juno What?! gentlemen were the perfect fit for an opening act as their funky grooves and toe-tapping beats got the party to a rocking start with the packed Boulder Theater dance floor being the place to be. But would the Motet members steal the thunder from the main act and run away with the first place of funk trophy?
I will give it to Joey Porter and his buddies, they made a great attempt at trying to steal the spotlight from Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, but on this night no one could match the fortitude and crisp sounds of Denson’s saxophone. Flanked by talented musicians on his right and left, Karl D. has a true knack for continuing a funk party if one has already begun. This night was no disappointment as the “Tiny Universe” was on a full face-melting mission. With covers such as “Seven Nation Army” and “Hey Jude” not only did Denson reach all age groups attending the show, but the musical force which they were playing with could be felt anywhere in the theater. Juno What’s Joey Porter sat in for the funkified “Seven Nation Army” and his keyboard solo was one of my personal highlights. Denson’s guitar player DJ Williams and trumpeter Chris Littlefield were absolutely shredding on their respective instruments, which gave a nice even feeling to the band. But Denson was the star of the show nonetheless and his skills were eminent as soon as his lips were touching the sax.
Kevin's Photo Gallery
www.karldenson.us
www.junowhat.net
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