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.