Karl Denson is a lifer, a jazz saxophonist and session guy (Lenny Kravitz, Rolling Stones, many more) whose credits go back to the 1980s. With the Greyboy Allstars and his own KD’s Tiny Universe, Denson figured out how to score a jam band audience and, more importantly, a jam band audience’s loyalty. (Recall his vibrant appearances at the 2002 and 2003 ACL Fests, when C3 was mixing roots, jam, and indie rock acts.) Which means that Denson, now 68, and his crew can still deliver a potent mix of soul-jazz textures and funky solos. With LeTrainiump, whose slick R&B has a 1980s throwback vibe, and Honey Made. – Joe Gross