Karl Denson Appears On ‘Eric Krasno Plus One’ Podcast

This week’s episode of Osiris Media podcast Eric Krasno Plus One features an interview with Karl Denson of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and The Rolling Stones. Karl D. discusses his early days as a musician, performing and recording with Lenny Kravitz, the formation of The Greyboy Allstars, his appearances in the Coming To America films and much more with Kraz.

One of the first topics the pair discusses is life during the pandemic. Denson explains how he appreciates “mindfulness,” his practice of Tai-Chi and learning about Indian cooking. He’s also focused on guitar playing. “As a rhythm guitar player I can hold my own,” Karl says. Denson and Krasno then talk politics. Karl dives into the history of racism in America and shares personal experiences from his own life. “It’s just a bunch of hatred and I can’t really go there with those people,” Denson notes of former President Donald Trump’s supporters. “The fact that half the nation has all this hate, I don’t know how we build to some sort of peaceful [resolution],” Krasno adds.

Denson goes on to speak about his earliest musical experiences playing cello and transitioning to saxophone. “Once I realized what I wanted to do, I just practiced all day and wrote all I could,” Karl states. Denson talks his first influences and appearing on the legendary television show Soul Train. The multi-instrumentalist shares memories of meeting Lenny Kravitz and contributing to Let Love Rule. He also discusses working with Fred Wesley and how he scored the gig in Coming To America band Sexual Chocolate. Karl reveals he’s yet to see his appearance in the sequel, Coming 2 America, and recalls his experiences in the films.

The conversation moves on to Denson co-founding The Greyboy Allstars. “I’m very proud of what we did, in terms of what we brought to the world,” Karl says of The Greyboy Allstars. Karl and Eric then talk about the term “jam band” and their appreciation for the scene. Krasno recalls his first meeting with Denson and how Karl advised the guitarist that Lettuce should “stretch out.” The pair discuss their shared experiences including Karl D.’s participation in Soulive’s Bowlive residencies at Brooklyn Bowl.

Eventually, Eric asks Karl how he got the gig touring with The Rolling Stones. Denson explains Lenny Kravitz helped facilitate Karl joining The Stones. The multi-instrumentalist reveals how the group put together their setlists each night and the practice that precedes each tour. “They go deep into their catalog [during rehearsals], you get to hear all those random songs you never hear,” Denson explains. “Unfortunately, they don’t play enough of those on the road.”

Listen to Karl Denson’s appearance on Eric Krasno Plus One below:

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