From the new Christmas Album, Home For The Holidays
If Justin Young’s name and face ring a bell to southern Californians, you may have seen him during a recent guest appearance on the KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles. The Detroit bred, Los Angeles-based saxophonist burst on the jazz scene after an impressive win at the 2007 Capital Jazz New Artist Challenge in Columbia, Maryland. Since then Justin was asked to join Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Kim Waters and other jazz stars during the six-day Capital Jazz SuperCruise. The versatile 28-year old performer debuted onto the national circuit with his solo album On The Way. The album features collaborations with guitarists Paul Brown, Tim Bowman, and keyboardist Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra. Driven by strong national airplay for the tracks “JY Funky”, “New Day” “Sunny” and “LuvHandles”, On The Way debuted at #25 on the Smooth Indie Star Chart and #5 on the Smoothjazz.com Spincrease Chart. Justin, who began playing the sax professionally at age 16, performed around the Motor City while attending Michigan State University. He was a frequent headliner at Detroit casinos and performed the national anthem at Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. He also opened numerous local shows for contemporary jazz stars Norman Brown and Nick Colionne, as well as Earth, Wind & Fire and The Temptations. Justin was honored to open for Dave Koz in Detroit at his July, 2008 summer concert in Detroit. Justin also performed with guitarist Peter White in Sept, 2008.
