--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I was about seventeen, I had a group…" description: "\"When I was about seventeen, I had a group called the Young Jazz Giants. We played all originals. When we would finish playing, people would be like, 'O..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/kamasi-washington-4976_best_when-i-was-about-seventeen-i-had-a-group_1814774.jpg" --- # When I was about seventeen, I had a group called the Young… ![“When I was about seventeen, I had a group called the Young Jazz Giants. We played all originals. When we would finish playing, people would be like, 'Oh my God, that was so nice, that was so great.' But Pops would never tell us we were the best. He would give it to us straight, like, 'You're out…” quote by Kamasi Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/kamasi-washington-4976_best_when-i-was-about-seventeen-i-had-a-group_1814774.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/kamasi-washington-4976_best_when-i-was-about-seventeen-i-had-a-group_1814774.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/kamasi-washington-4976_best_when-i-was-about-seventeen-i-had-a-group_1814774.jpg) > “When I was about seventeen, I had a group called the Young Jazz Giants. We played all originals. When we would finish playing, people would be like, 'Oh my God, that was so nice, that was so great.' But Pops would never tell us we were the best. He would give it to us straight, like, 'You're out of tune. You're dropping beats.'” [Kamasi Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamasi-washington/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Honest feedback, even when harsh, pushes artists to improve, rather than offering empty praise that stalls growth. **In simple terms:** Critical honesty fuels artistic growth. Key Takeaway Seek truthful critique. Themes music growth honesty mentorship Mood reflective motivational Type educational inspirational When to use this quote - rehearsals - recording sessions - live performances Key Concepts artistic development feedback loops self‑improvement Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance honesty with encouragement? - When is praise more helpful than critique? A Different Perspective Some may find blunt criticism discouraging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god/) [Jazz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jazz/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) ## Related quotes > [My own Brubeck Institute in California is turning out fantastic young jazz players, and I know great things will happen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-brubeck/my-own-brubeck-institute-in-california-is-turning-out-fantastic-young/) [Dave Brubeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-brubeck/) > [Scott Tixier is an exciting young jazz violinist and is making an international name for himself. I heard him in France and was immediately…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-miller/scott-tixier-is-an-exciting-young-jazz-violinist-and-is-making-an/) [Marcus Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-miller/) > [I was part of a hip-hop group called Fly Style. 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