THE GREYBOY ALLSTARS

Karl Denson (Saxophones, Flute & Percussion)
Elgin Park  (Guitar)
Zak Najor  (Drums & Percussion) 
Chris Stillwell  (Bass)
Robert Walter (Keyboards)

The Greyboy Allstars are back on the scene with their newest release, ‘LIVE’ (Relaxed Records) and national tour dates this Spring. The new album captures the Ultimate Groove band at their absolute best during the height of their sold-out 1998 tour. The album is their third independently produced effort, a follow up to their first two critically acclaimed records ‘West Coast Boogaloo’ and most recently ‘A Town Called Earth’. ‘LIVE’ showcases the band’s distinctive brand of dense, danceable jazz grooves flavored with scorching saxophone improvisations. Critics from Jazz Times to Thrasher have raved about the band and Billboard’s Doug Reece noted that "the quintet…has discovered an audience niche perfectly suited to it’s hypnotic, heavy-on-the-funk jazz blend."

The band was formed in 1993 by Dj Greyboy who brought on board Karl Denson (saxophone, flute, vocals) and Zak Najor (drums)(saxophone, flute, vocals) and Zak Najor (drums). Denson was the featured saxophonist in Lenny Kravitz’s band for four years and has won rave reviews for his five solo recordings on Minor Music, the latest of which (‘Chunky Pecan Pie’) pairs him with Miles Davis alumni Jack Dejohnette and Dave Holland. Writer Neil Tesser declared in Jazz Times, "Denson deserves more of the attention focused on other young lions… This is a tenor guy, pure and simple – and an excellent one at that."
Says Denson of The Greyboy Allstars’ musical style, "It’s definitely not straight-ahead, traditional jazz." The varied influences of the band’s five members come together on ‘LIVE’ for a blend of 70’s inspired funk, jazz and boogaloo, infused with a smooth West Coast groove. But, says Denson, "We’re a boogaloo band more than anything else. I think the whole boogaloo thing is really obscure to most people. None of the other so-called acid jazz bands have picked up on it."From the blistering funk of "Toys R Us" to the 12 minute boogaloo inspired improv "Happy Friends", each song on ‘LIVE’ reflects the band’s interest in musical variety and serious song writing. 

Audiences at The Greyboy Allstars’ sold-out shows (including San Francisco’s Fillmore, New York’s Irving Plaza and Chicago’s Metro) are extremely diverse, ranging from forty-something jazz heads to indie rockers to the young hippie crowd. ESPN and MTV have both recently sampled the band’s music. The band has also just been on the cover of Pollstar. Vinnie Esparza of the Gavin Report wrote, "This quintet has come to be recognized as one of the most solid soul-jazz ensembles around…Don’t be surprised if your indie rock ass starts moving in ways you never dreamed imaginable."