LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: The Greyboy Allstars in Cambridge, MA (03.06.26)
A sold-out Friday night at The Sinclair is always a good sign for live music in the Boston area, and the March 6 performance by The Greyboy Allstars proved exactly why the veteran funk-jazz collective continues to draw devoted crowds decades into their career. With winter finally loosening its icy grip outside, the packed room of mostly middle-aged jazz and jam-scene devotees felt like the perfect crowd to celebrate the band’s deep groove and musicianship.
For longtime fans of saxophonist Karl Denson, the night was another reminder of just how versatile and entertaining he is onstage. Denson has been a fixture in the jam and funk world for decades, and many fans—including this reviewer—have likely seen him more often leading Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, a band he’s been touring with since around 2000. But Denson’s résumé stretches far beyond that: he has toured with giants like The Rolling Stones and the laid-back reggae-rock outfit Slightly Stoopid. Seeing him perform with the Greyboy Allstars means watching one of the genre’s most seasoned players in the band where much of his groove-driven reputation was forged.
Denson’s presence alone would be worth the ticket, but the beauty of the Greyboy Allstars is that every member truly earns the “allstar” title. Keyboardist Robert Walter is a powerhouse behind the Hammond B3, delivering thick layers of soulful organ that anchor the band’s sound. Walter himself has an extensive discography leading various funk-leaning projects, and his playing consistently drives the band’s improvisational energy.
Meanwhile, guitarist Elgin Park (also known for his work composing film scores) brings a different flavor to the group. Many younger fans might recognize his more recent work scoring the Pharrell Williams LEGO-styled biographical film Piece by Piece, a colorful and music-filled movie that works surprisingly well as a family watch. Onstage, though, Park’s role is pure groove architect—tight rhythm chops and fluid solos that help keep the band locked into their signature blend of funk, soul, and jazz.
The band opened the night with “What Happened to TV?” before quickly settling into their trademark instrumental pocket. Early highlights like “Steel Bender” and “Still Waiting” warmed up the room, with the latter standing out as one of the evening’s most memorable moments. “Still Waiting” has always been a catchy tune—fans might remember its hilarious Muppet-style music video—but live, it becomes a scorching groove vehicle, letting Denson shine as a singer as well.
Another standout came with the endlessly funky “V Neck Sweater,” a track that perfectly captures the Greyboy Allstars’ aesthetic: stylish, playful, and rhythmically irresistible. The Sinclair’s dance floor came alive during this one as Denson strutted across the stage with his signature rooster-like swagger, switching between instruments and egging the crowd on.
Denson remains a spectacle to watch. Though tenor sax has long been his main voice, he moves easily between different sized saxophones as well as the flute, each instrument adding its own color to the band’s sound. Whether blowing fiery lines on the tenor or floating melodic passages on flute, he never stops entertaining—equal parts virtuoso musician and charismatic frontman.
The band continued through a deep second set featuring tunes like “Slip the Grip,” “Fire Eater,” and the groove-heavy “Born Into Space,” each giving the musicians space to stretch out while keeping the rhythm section tight and danceable. By the time they closed with “Right On,” the room felt fully immersed in the band’s warm, vintage funk atmosphere.
An encore of “Jam Sandwich” wrapped up the night on a playful note, sending the packed crowd out into the mild early-March air with smiles and lingering grooves.
In the end, the show was exactly what fans hope for from the Greyboy Allstars: tight musicianship, deep funk rhythms, and a band full of players who could easily headline their own projects. With a lineup stacked with talent and a leader as consistently captivating as Karl Denson, it’s easy to recommend catching this band whenever they come through town—or better yet, checking out any of these musicians in whatever project they decide to tour with next.
Photos – The Greyboy Allstars at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA on March 6th:
