Young Jazz Giants

Jazz | Aug 2004

Reviews

Craig Matsumoto
Reviewed 2004-10-17
Very much in the '60s late-bop/modal tradition, with Coltrane influences everywhere ... not at all like the urban hip-hop image projected on the cover. These guys have great taste and great chops, and they flash some nice variety between faithful acoustic bop (1,3) and a more modern sound (5,6).

The star is Kamasi Washington, who tears it up on sax (even on the slow ones). Cameron Graves on piano anchors the sound, spinning that fast yet warm/comforting jazzy sound.

1- Midtempo intro and a fast-paced stretch of solos.
2- Quick-paced, a soft feel. Bass solo quotes Coltrane's "Syeeda's Song Flute."
3- Mid/slow, big and stormy. Very Coltrane-esque.
4- Soft ballad
5- Electric piano, electric bass! Mid/fast and nicely cooking, laid-back
6- Sunny mellow funk, again with electric piano/bass.
7- Spoken-word that's at once eloquent and full of dopey double-entendres (and packed with jazz-history references). FCC-safe, I think. Music is gently crashing and very pretty.
8- Coltrane's "Giant Steps," a fast and expert rendition including some amazing, showy sax. Mellow piano intro.

Recent airplay

Yenne
Mind PalaceJan 28, 2026
Giant Steps
No Cover, No MinimumApr 06, 2012
Spider Walk
Music CasseroleOct 02, 2010
Giant Steps
No Cover, No MinimumNov 14, 2008
Spider Walk
The Dog and Pony ShowDec 08, 2004

Charting

2004-10-18 — 2004-12-20 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Dec 12 2
Dec 5 1
Nov 21 1
Nov 14 2
Nov 7 1
Oct 31 1
Oct 24 5

Track listing

1. Yenne
2. Family
3. Tears of Sorrow and Rage
4. Song for Billy
5. Spider Walk
6. Stephen's Song
7. Yjg
8. Giant Steps