Mr. Brown, Still Out of Town

James Brown died about one year ago, on Christmas day. Greyboy Allstars saxophonist/singer Karl Denson played with Brown five years ago -- 12/21/02 -- when Brown made a surprise appearance at Madison Square Garden with Denson and the Dave Matthews Band.

"The whole thing that you have to call him Mr. Brown or you will be hit by the firing squad is all true, it was the funniest thing. Dave Matthews got a little comfortable with him, called him James, and his guitar player kind of sidled up to him and just said, 'It's Mr. Brown.' "

Brown's financial legacy is still in turmoil, with two former estate trustees filing court papers earlier this month that accuse a judge of forcing them to resign with "improper judicial influence." Brown's six known children have accused trustees of mismanaging the estate, and others have come forward claiming to be Brown's progeny.

Local progeny -- Brown tribute band Supabad -- features Greyboy Allstars percussionist Steve Haney and members of Psydecar, Plan B, Wise Monkey Orchestra, and Revelations. Supabad's next show is tomorrow, December 21, at Winstons in O.B.