Music Notebook: Karl Denson, after fall tour with Rolling Stones, back for Belly Up gig with Tiny Universe
Other San Diego concerts of note this week include rising teen jazz pianist Brenda Greggio and “”Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming” book event at Vinyl Junkies
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, with Mattson 2
Karl Denson has been living a double life for the past decade.
In 2014, the acclaimed San Diego jazz, funk and soul tenor saxophonist, flutist and band leader became a touring member of the Rolling Stones. Since then, he has performed with the Stones in stadiums and arenas across the world, including San Diego’s Petco Park.
Karl Denson has toured the world on and off for the past five years with the Rolling Stones and has led his jazzy funk-rock band, Tiny Universe, since 1998.
When not flying around the globe to play dates with the Stones on the legendary English band’s private jet, Denson has toured steadily — traveling in a van or a tour bus — with his own band, Tiny Universe. When his schedule permits, he also tours as a member of top San Diego jam band Slightly Stoopid.
For his 2022 winter tour, which opens here Saturday night at the Belly Up, Denson and Tiny Universe will perform “A Diesel Insane: The Music of David Bowie.”
The shape-shifting music legend was wry and contemplative in this in-depth conversation, in which he discussed his recent marriage to Iman, his then-new album, his early days, his love of jazz, and more
The veteran saxophonist never collaborated with Bowie, but did open for him at Dodger Stadium in 1990 when Denson was a member of Lenny Kravitz’s band. By coincidence, Kravitz recommended Denson to Mick Jagger for the Stones’ gig back in 2014.
9 p.m. Saturday. Belly Up, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $30 (advance), $33 (day of show), $53 (reserved loft seating); must be 21 or older to attend. (858) 481-8140; bellyup.com
Brenda Greggio and her Quartet
At just 17, rising pianist Brenda Greggio is already making her presence known through her performances with such leading San Diego jazz artists as Gilbert Castellanos and Leonard Patton.
The award-winning San Diego singer opened his live music dinner club to the public last July, after doing nearly a year of audience-free livestream concerts in the intimate venue
Accomplished beyond her years, Greggio is a senior at The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where she is majoring in jazz studies. She is also a student at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory and a member of the award-winning New Soil Ensemble.
Having already performed at two editions of the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival, she appears well on her way. For her Saturday concert at the all-ages Dizzy’s, she’ll be accompanied by three other teen dynamos Nick Caldwell, bassist John Murray bass and drummer Max Nguyen.
Also an avid skateboarder and surfer, he doesn’t have a website (yet), but has earned national awards for his mature musicianship
8 p.m. Saturday. Dizzy’s, Arias Hall (behind the Musician’s Association), 1717 Morena Blvd., Bay Park. $20. (858) 270-7467 dizzysjazz.com
“Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming”
Forbidden Beat would make an excellent name for a band.
It works equally well for the new book “Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming,” which will have a soft launch with a free discussion here Saturday in the driveway of Vinyl Junkies Record Shack.
The book’s editor, S.W. Lauden, will be on hand to discuss “Forbidden Beat,” which features contributions from such punk-rock legends as Mike Watt, Rat Scabies of The Damned and D.H. Peligro of the Dead Kennedys.
Lauden will be joined by music author Jim Rutland, whose new book, “My Damage, Do What You Want,” chronicles the pioneering indie record label SST.
2 p.m. Saturday. Vinyl Junkies Record Shack, 2235 Fern St., South Park. Free. (619) 794-2399. vinyljunkies.net.
COVID protocols: For policy details, visit each venue’s website.
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