Jack Prybylski

Artist Information

Biography

Jack grew up in a suburb of Buffalo, New York and first got his hands on a saxophone when he was in the third grade. The young student cut his teeth on Chicago and the hot soul bands of the day like Earth, Wind and Fire. His musical explorations led from soul to jazz and influential players like Tom Scott and David Sanborn. After graduating from State University of New York at Buffalo, Jack would make a name for himself by paying his dues on the East Coast club scene.

Over the years Jack has been fortunate enough to further study saxophone with renowned jazz players David Leibman, Tim Price, David Schaivone and, former Buffalo Philharmonic bass clarinetist/saxophonist Edward Yadzinski. As a recording artist, he has released seven albums with Buffalo-based eclectic jazz group Them Jazzbeards, including the soundtrack for the motion picture Shadow Creature. As a performer, Jack has shared the stage with many of the top names in contemporary jazz including Richard Elliott, David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, and Spyro Gyra, and has performed with the prestigious Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Jack is an nine-time recipient of the Buffalo Music Awards top saxophonist award

In 2001, Jack released his solo debut Soho Strut, which produced the Internet radio single "Mandalay Bay." Smoothjazz.com President Sandy Shore hailed the CD as "Filling in the cracks between modern jazz and Smooth Jazz... Soho Strut is packed full with great compositions, sophisticated arrangements, creative improvisation, and stellar musicianship."

Window Shopping, released in early 2006, employed the talents of acclaimed contemporary jazz guitarist and producer Ken Navarro. A mutual friend was responsible for the creative pairing when she suggested Ken contact Jack for some ideas on Internet radio resources. A longtime admirer of Ken's work, Jack was thrilled. The two had a real connection right away, and as Jack was beginning preliminary work on Window Shopping, he asked if Ken might be interested in contributing a song or making an appearance on the album. Ken was more than interested, and in addition to producing the CD, he provided all the guitar tracks as well as an original composition entitled "Bright Spot." "It was great working with Ken on this project and drawing on his experience not only as a musician and producer, but also as a label owner and an icon in this genre for years," says Jack.

An unpredicted firestorm of accolades followed the release of Window Shopping. A 2006 top ten with Smooth Jazz News, Window Shopping would also find itself favorite on several other year-end lists and reviewers.

"I'm very flattered by being included in these lists and owe a lot of thanks to my fans," said Jack. "Window Shopping has opened up so many doors for me. The band and I are really psyched about 2008 and look forward to reaching out to an even larger audience."

What the critics are saying about Window Shopping:

““Jack’s instantly appealing music and strong sound make
WINDOW SHOPPING one of the best independent releases of the year.”
~Smooth Jazz News

“WINDOW SHOPPING proves that Prybylski, who grew up near Buffalo
is one of Western New York’s top instrumentalists.”
~ JAZZIZ Magazine

“WINDOW SHOPPING is so much more than browsing through some
great music, it’s actually one of the most refreshing, stylish and
urbane new CDs we’ve heard this year.”
~Smoothjazz.com

“Overall, WINDOW SHOPPING will give you a terrific window into who
Jack Prybylski is and the talent hidden in Buffalo, NY. So the next time
you are in a record store, make sure you go Window Shopping.”
~Smoothviews.com

Jack Prybylski, continues with “WINDOW SHOPPING” where he left off
from his first solo album, “SOHO STRUT” featuring sophisticated arrangements,
creative improvisation and stellar musicianship.”
~Contemporaryjazz.com

Jack is currently endorsed by Yamaha saxophones, AMT microphones, Theo Wanne mouthpieces and Saxrax saxophone stands. As an endorsee and clinician, he has performed clinics and concerts throughout the United States as well as Mexico and countries of the Pacific Rim.

Instrumentation

Jack Prybylski: soprano,alto, tenor saxophones, vocals
Kenny Hawkins: guitars, vocals
Nelson Starr: keyboards, vocals
Rodney Appleby: bass, vocals
Reggie Evans: drums, vocals

Discography

Window Shopping: 2006
Radio Airplay Singles: Bright Spot, Window Shopping
Soho Strut: 2002
Radio Airplay Singles: Mandalay Bay

Official Website

http://www.jackprybylski.com

Links

• Jack Prybylski's MySpace Page

Audio

• Bright Spot
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• Window Shopping
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• Do Ya Think I'm Sexy
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• Out Of The Box
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• Hoodoo
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Window Shopping: Smooth Jazz News [+ Show ]
  

  Veteran Buffalo-based saxman Jack Prybylski's name may be hard to spell and pronounce, but his warm,...Veteran Buffalo-based saxman Jack Prybylski's name may be hard to spell and pronounce, but his warm, inviting tones and playful, in-the-pocket grooves go down easy.
  
  Although he's a new name to most smooth jazz listeners, Prybylski is something of as local legend in his hometown, having recorded seven albums with the eclectic jazz group Them Jazzbeards and sharing stages with everyone from Richard Elliott and the Rippingtons to David Sanborn and that other Buffalo band, Spyro Gyra. Musically and geographically, the Spyro Gyra connection makes perfect sense, as Prybylski's versatility on soprano, alto and tenor-and his ability to move quickly from sweet and breezy to harder edged and funky-compares favorably to the masterful Jay Beckenstein.
  
  Prybylski has also formed a great partnership here with guitarist/producer Ken Navarro, who has a great eye for sax talent, having launched Eric Darius' career by producing Night On The Town. Navarro plays electric or acoustic guitar and/or creates loops on every track, beginning with the in-your-face, ragingly soulful opening jam, “Night Flyer.” Wild cuts like that and a bouncy, retro-cool cover of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” are beautifully balanced by more restrained and emotionaslly compelling, R&B-influenced gems like the gospel-blues inflected title track and moody, bedroom eyes-filled “3 Cats.”
  
  While Navarro takes more prominent roles with short solo sections on the swaying, mid-tempo “Bright Spot” and some feisty flamenco-flavored harmonies on the sweeping, tropical-flavored “Santa Faustina,” he lets Prybylski stay on center stage where he belongs.
  
  The saxman clearly isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but his instantly appealing music and strong sound make Window Shopping one of the best independent releases of the year.
  
  

• Window Shopping: SmoothViews.com [+ Show ]
  

  In his second CD offering, Upstate NY native Jack Prybylski teamed up with veteran guitarist Ken Nav...In his second CD offering, Upstate NY native Jack Prybylski teamed up with veteran guitarist Ken Navarro to give listeners a funky CD that is sure to please. With a terrific mix of smooth jazz and improvisation, this CD will definitely put Jack in the spotlight.
  
  The opening song, “Night Flyer,” written by Dave Kayne features Jack on alto sax. His sound is powerful and he really gets you into the groove. He lets it fly on this one to really kick things up. Ken Navarro has an amazing electric guitar solo in the middle. Once into this track there is no way you can stop listening to the rest of the CD.
  
  The second track, and my personal favorite, is “Bright Spot,” again featuring Ken Navarro. Ken’s acoustic guitar plays nicely off of Jack’s tenor sax. The melody is pure fun and infectious. It’s definitely radio friendly with the gentle give and take between the two players. The title track, “Window Shopping” shows Jack’s versatility on all three saxes – soprano, alto and tenor. The mood of the song is an easy-breezy one with great sax lines and terrific keyboard work provided by Jay Rowe. “3 Cats” is up next with a lot of great sax improvisation even in its melodic structure. This song makes you think of an old club with a few guys jamming into the wee hours.
  
  Ready to dance? Then crank up “Santa Faustina” for some Latin-infused music designed to get you going. Ken Navarro is amazing on the acoustic guitar and Jack’s sax grooves on the tenor immediately take you on a journey. You feel transported to another world. Drums provided by Reggie Evans and percussion by Kevin Prince add to the samba feel of this fast-paced song. “I Need You” is a beautiful song. It is romantic, sensual, and heartfelt. The smooth tenor sax draws you in with every note and has you swaying and swooning. Jack gives an impressive cover of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish.” This song is done exceptionally well and doesn’t at all feel like the typical covers you might hear. Jack makes it his own with his wonderful alto sound, background vocals of J.J. Moscato, and a terrific horn section (tenor sax – Jim Runtola, trumpet – Rick Keller, and trombone – Jeff Marsha). The song is funky and fun, and takes you back to the 70s.
  
  “Don’t Say No” is a vocal tune featuring J.J. Moscato. He has a very silky voice which pairs nicely with the soprano sax of Jack. It’s a gentle flowing song. The final track is “Space Lion” from the animated series “Cowboy Bebop.” Jack is featured on the tenor sax and gives it a haunting feel to the backdrop of a gentle piano. African vocals and music laced into the song takes you on a trip across the world.
  
  Overall, Window Shopping will give you a terrific window into who Jack Prybylski is and the talent hidden in Buffalo, NY. So the next time you are in a record store, make sure you go Window Shopping.

• Window Shopping: Contemporary Jazz.com [+ Show ]
  

  Buffalo NY, native Jack Prybylski has just released his Second CD featuring again his music mix betw...Buffalo NY, native Jack Prybylski has just released his Second CD featuring again his music mix between Modern and Smooth Jazz. Fans of Spyro Gyra, David Sanborn and Boney James will be inclined to appreciate Prybylski's music.
  
  Window Shopping sparkles with both new compositions by Prybylski, inspired treatments on covers and other pleasant surprises. "Bright Spot" written by acclaimed guitarist and album producer Ken Navarro, features excellent playing and interchange between Navarro's guitar and Prybylski's tenor saxophone.
  
  The album starts off with a nice groove on the soulful "Night Flyer" written by Dave Kayne, one of two compositions by Kayne which allows Prybylski to stretch on his Alto Sax. This seques into the aforementioned "Bright Spot" and than the title track by Prybylski "Window Shopping." Throughout the song Prybylski is featured on soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, all of which showcase his talent. Jay Rowe plays beautiful keyboards underneath the sax parts and Navarro provides excellent acoustic guitar runs throughout this fully realized song.
  
  "Santa Faustina" another Prybylski original, switches gears with its Latin flavor into a throughly enjoyable tune. Prybylski's tenor sax, Navarro's acoustic guitar blend nicely with the drumming of Reggie Evans and percussionist Kevin Price. Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" brings back a more urban feel, in this nicely rendered version which will make you want to get up and dance. Once again some nicely played keyboards by Jay Rowe to counter Prybylski's, alto sax.
  
  "Don't Say No" written by Grammy nominated Travis Milner is next with vocals by J.J. Moscato returning back into a smooth jazz groove and exquisite tenor sax playing again by Prybylski. The cd closes with "Space Lion" from the Japanese animated series "Cowboy Bebop." This is a very sensuous treatment featuring African samples from "Heart Of Africa." A beautiful song to close out this thoroughly diverse and entertaining collection.
  
  Jack Prybylski, continues with "Window Shopping" where he left off from his first solo album, "Soho Strut" featuring sophisticated arrangements, creative improvisation and stellar musicianship.

• Window Shopping: Smooth Jazz.com [+ Show ]
  

  Saxman Jack Prybylski ("purr-bill-ski") is one of Smoothjazz.com's early discoveries. We knew th...Saxman Jack Prybylski ("purr-bill-ski") is one of Smoothjazz.com's early discoveries.
  
  We knew that Jack had that certain something when we first heard him play on his 2001 solo release, SOHO STRUT. The talented Western New Yorker is a seven-time recipient of the Buffalo Music Awards Top Saxophonist Award! Buffalo takes their music very seriously, so this is indeed a prestigious honor.
  
  He has released seven albums with the well known Buffalo-based band, Them Jazzbeards, and has shared the spotlight with Smooth Jazzers Richard Elliot, David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, and fellow-Buffalo residents, Spyro Gyra.
  
  Jack is back for business with his brand new CD, WINDOW SHOPPING, produced by Smooth Jazz guitarist and producer, Ken Navarro. Ken is featured on two tracks on the CD; his sound is unmistakable: Crisp and soulful. Same goes for Jack P. with his sophisticated soulful tone, he's not just another Smooth Jazz saxophonist, he offers a classic character to his playing...
  
  WINDOW SHOPPING showcases this fact on fresh, new compositions including the infectious title track (featuring Jay Rowe on keys), the Latin spiced, "Santa Faustina" (featuring Navarro on acoustic guitar), the extremely tasty, "I Need You," and the smooth vocal, "Don't Say No," (featuring J.J. Moscato on vocals).
  
  WINDOW SHOPPING is so much more than browsing through some great music, it's actually one of the most refreshing, stylish and urbane new CDs we've heard this year.

Setlist

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