The Young Lions personify the resurgence of U Street as the focal point of D.C.'s jazz scene. The original version of the group, formed in 1996, was a collaboration mainly of students attending Howard University. Over the past decade, the group has undergone various lineup changes and eventually settled on the genre-bending trio that heats up U Street's clubs on a weekly basis. Though firmly rooted in tradition, the adventurous group explores and improvises in a variety of contemporary styles ranging from experimental to hip-hop.

The group's pianist, Allyn Johnson, a D.C. native and 1997 graduate of UDC, is one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the area. He has worked with some of the greats, including Buck Hill, Andrew White, Bobby Watson, Keter Betts, Christian McBride and Stanley Turrentine. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Johnson took over the jazz program at UDC after the 2004 passing of legendary educator Calvin Jones. Bassist Kris Funn is a jazz veteran despite his young age. He has music running through his veins as his father is Charles Funn, the respected and long time director of the jazz band at Dunbar High School. Quincy Phillips has been playing drums since the age of four and brings an earthiness and strong sense of groove to his playing.

The Young Lions released a CD entitled Ibrahim's Dream that was recorded live during one of their many gigs at U Street's Cafe Nema. The evening's performance was entirely improvised, with no prepared material and the jams range from funk workouts to up-tempo swingers. Every tune has a fire to it, but the band has no need for bombast to get its point across. In short, the record is a fine document of the one of the city's most exciting jazz groups.

Visit the band online: www.myspace.com/theylions

See them next: The band generally plays every Thursday at Cafe Nema and every Friday at Bohemian Caverns.

By their album: Available at CDBaby and on ITunes

Questions for Quincy Phillips:

Why did you elect to call yourself The Young Lions instead of the more standard, "[Insert Bandmember Name Here]" Trio?

The name The Young Lions was real hip because it instantly told the story of young musicians trying to assert there sound and voice in the music.

Your group is symbolic of U Street's resurgence as the center of D.C.'s jazz scene. Do you see the local jazz community growing? If so, where is the interesting music happening?

YES! The jazz scene is definitely growing. There are so many great musicians here in D.C., the best thing I can tell you is on any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from 9pm-1am, just walk up and down U Street and you will hear and meet some of the best in the city.

What are your goals for the future of the group and what steps, if any,are you taking to get recognition outside of the D.C. area?

We have eyes set on playing overseas and all across the United States. We are talking with some people now to make it happen. We haven't done any touring yet, but I'm sure it's coming.

How did the CD come about?

Well, I have a hard disc recorder and I said to the cats, "let's make a CD." So that's what we did. Everyone brought some equipment and we made our first CD called Ibrahim's Dream, named after one of the owners of Cafe Nema.

How much of a focus do you put on original material and who does the composing?

I wouldn't call it a real focus, but if someone has a tune, they just bring it in. Sometimes Allyn may bring some, or i'll have one , or Kris will start a bass line. Its funny, because the first
CD was all composed on the spot. We just follow each other.

Last September, the legendary Herbie Hancock sat in with the group. Is he as cool as we think he is?

He's a real master, truly one of the greats. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when he came through Nema. It was just a wonderful experience to play with one of the masters.

Is there anything else about the group that you would like our readers to know?

Just do what you love, and it will work out.

Image taken from The Young Lions' MySpace page