Karl Denson celebrates his 62nd birthday today. The versatile saxophonist/flutist/vocalist/bandleader/sideman has chartered a successful career with a resume that includes co-founding , leading Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and since 2014 touring as a member of The Rolling Stones. Karl D has also played alongside a host of other acts and for his birthday today, the focus is on his performing the music of the Grateful Dead with members of the legendary band.
Denson and Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh have shared the stage together several times in recent years, often at the latter’s Terrapin Crossroads venue in San Rafael, California. Denson made his debut with Phil Lesh & Friends at TXR in 2016 and has performed with the evolving ensemble several times since. Karl has also guested with Lesh and The Terrapin Family Band and been joined by Phil during KDTU performances. Check out a few of those instances below:
Shakedown Street – Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Phil Lesh
September 4, 2016 – Terrapin Crossroads – Captured by sgibson818
Here Comes Sunshine – Phil Lesh & Friends
May 27, 2017 – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – Captured by Sean Roche
Sugar Magnolia – Phil Lesh & Friends
November 16, 2017 – Riviera Theatre, Chicago – Captured by nunupics.com
Estimated Prophet – Phil Lesh & Friends
January 30, 2018 – Terrapin Crossroads – Captured by beercan640
Bird Song – Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band
July 20, 2018 – Peach Festival, Scranton, PA – Captured by Sean Roche
Back in April 2016, Denson performed with Slightly Stoopid at Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir‘s TRI Studios in San Rafael. Weir also performed during the livestreamed session that featured a rendition of “Franklin’s Tower” Watch officially shared video of Bobby, Karl and the Slightly Stoopid guys performing “Franklin’s”:
