Brilliant sax playing by Buffalo native Jack Prybylski
CD REVIEW
by SUSAN LOZINAK Special to The Bee

Jack Prybylski has been on the Buffalo music scene for years, first picking up the saxophone in the third grade. He is one of Western New York's finest jazz instrumentalists, as well as being a seven time winner of the Buffalo Music Awards top saxophonist award. His first solo venture, "Soho Strut," garnered him critical acclaim.

"Window Shopping" is the second and long-awaited new release from this gifted saxophonist. For this project, Prybylski hooks up with veteran guitarist and producer Ken Navarro, creating a remarkable team. In addition to producing "Window Shopping," Navarro plays fantastic electric and acoustic guitar throughout.

"Window Shopping" opens with "Night Flyer," where Prybylski's passion and notable talent on the alto sax is in your face apparent. This track features Navarro on electric guitar and instantly you know that you're in for something rare and wonderful. Navarro's acoustic guitar shines on "Bright Spot," which beautifully compliments Prybylski's fluid tenor sax. It doesn't take long to realize why Prybylski has been awarded The Buffalo Music Awards top honors for saxophone so many times.

On the title track, Prybylski dazzles on the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones. Jay Rowe accompanying on keyboards helps set the tone to create a cool yet rich atmosphere. Think of a nice crisp day strolling down your favorite street, people watching and perhaps doing a little window shopping along the way. According to Prybylski, this is what gave him the inspiration for the title of this CD.

"3 Cats" pairs Prybylski on alto sax with Navarro on electric guitar for some silky smooth riffs, but with enough drive to keep the rhythm up. Changing the atmosphere and switching up the heat is the excellent Latin-infused "Santa Faustina." Prybylski's sax will beguile and captivate with its exotic and sultry quality. Switching moods, "I Need You" slows it down with soft, romantic notes and again superbly reveals Prybylski's gift on the tenor sax. Next, get ready to be wowed with some funk on "I Wish." Prybylski's amazing cover of this Stevie Wonder classic is brilliant. The horns on this track are simply outstanding. If a little romance is what you want, J.J. Moscato lends his silky smooth vocals to the ballad "Don't Say No." When paired with Prybylski's fine soprano sax this will soothe the soul. "Window Shopping" finishes with "Space Lion," a song from the Japanese anime series "Cowboy Bebop," where Prybylski's tenor sax is haunting and deep, lending itself so well against the African vocal samples here.

Prybylski's "Window Shopping" is a must-have CD, highlighted by some of the hottest, most sophisticated sax playing on the scene today.

Check out Jack Prybylski's Web site at www.jack prybylski.com for upcoming show information and news or to purchase a copy of "Window Shopping" and "Soho Strut."

Susan Lozinak, a freelance writer residing in Clarence Center, writes reviews for "Jazz Review." Log onto www.jazzreview.com to read Lozinak's other reviews.