Jack Furlong has been called many things in his professional career, such as "The James Bond of Jazz," "The Comic Relief We Didn't Know We Needed," and "Late to Dinner."
Lauded for his cool melodic phrasing, attention to detail, and musical wit, Jack has quickly become one of the premiere jazz baritone saxophonists in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. His versatility has led him to play a role in many corners of the music business, whether as a performer and artist, leader and educator, or composer and arranger.
Jack began studying saxophone in fifth grade. Although primarily playing bari, he can be found with his soprano, alto, or tenor from time to time if his arrangement calls for a different timbre. After picking up flute and clarinet in college, Jack also finds himself in pit orchestras and big bands manning the bottom woodwind chair with a baritone sax, bass clarinet, and flute by his side.
Jack earned his Masters Degree in Music with a focus on Jazz Composing & Arranging from William Paterson University in 2010 where he studied with Jim McNeely. He has shared the stage with late legends such as Phil Woods, Peter Nero, and Mulgrew Miller. His albums have received critical acclaim; his arrangements have been published for public purchase; and his services are always in demand.
Jack leads his own ensembles, most notably his quartet (sometimes quintet) and his 10-to-12 piece jazz orchestra. He has been on faculty at both Lafayette College and Kutztown University. He is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects (HV CAMP), where he also serves as a musical director and instructor.
Among Jack's most cited musical influences are Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Count Basie, and John Coltrane. Jack's approach to his music and art has always been about the intrinsic value, symbolism, and personal meaning behind every note, chord, and rhythm. He has a soft spot in his heart for nostalgia in music which has drawn him to incorporate the programmatic music of television, movies, theater, and video games into his portfolio.
Outside of his musical day job, Jack has a plethora of other endeavors that take up his free time. A former Division I baseball player, Jack has also ensconced himself in athletics, most notably as a baseball umpire, a craft he has honed since 2007 at various levels. Among his career highlights is working the plate for a 2023 high school state tournament game that ended up being a perfect game for the home team's pitcher.
In addition, Jack owns his own cottage bakery, "Commotion In Motion Bakery," which he originally started to help a friend financially following a stroke. Jack also is an ordained minister, serving as a self-proclaimed "Unaffiliated Independent Catholic" offering certain sacraments and ministry.
However, out of all his charity work, Jack's most philanthropic endeavor is The OSIP Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit he started himself to provide assistance to abuse victims stemming from poor sportsmanship, such as sports officials who have been physically assaulted by parents. It was through OSIP that Jack authored his first book, "On Sportsmanship: A Critical Reader and Handbook," featuring a foreword from retired MLB umpire Dale Scott.
Jack's philanthropy has also led him to be a very popular emcee, hosting trivia nights and music bingo events at local restaurants and bars. If he's not on the bandstand, in a rehearsal, on the baseball diamond, in the kitchen baking, or even on the golf course, there's a good chance he's asking trivia questions or playing tunes as people laugh and enjoy a few beverages.
Lauded for his cool melodic phrasing, attention to detail, and musical wit, Jack has quickly become one of the premiere jazz baritone saxophonists in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. His versatility has led him to play a role in many corners of the music business, whether as a performer and artist, leader and educator, or composer and arranger.
Jack began studying saxophone in fifth grade. Although primarily playing bari, he can be found with his soprano, alto, or tenor from time to time if his arrangement calls for a different timbre. After picking up flute and clarinet in college, Jack also finds himself in pit orchestras and big bands manning the bottom woodwind chair with a baritone sax, bass clarinet, and flute by his side.
Jack earned his Masters Degree in Music with a focus on Jazz Composing & Arranging from William Paterson University in 2010 where he studied with Jim McNeely. He has shared the stage with late legends such as Phil Woods, Peter Nero, and Mulgrew Miller. His albums have received critical acclaim; his arrangements have been published for public purchase; and his services are always in demand.
Jack leads his own ensembles, most notably his quartet (sometimes quintet) and his 10-to-12 piece jazz orchestra. He has been on faculty at both Lafayette College and Kutztown University. He is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects (HV CAMP), where he also serves as a musical director and instructor.
Among Jack's most cited musical influences are Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Count Basie, and John Coltrane. Jack's approach to his music and art has always been about the intrinsic value, symbolism, and personal meaning behind every note, chord, and rhythm. He has a soft spot in his heart for nostalgia in music which has drawn him to incorporate the programmatic music of television, movies, theater, and video games into his portfolio.
Outside of his musical day job, Jack has a plethora of other endeavors that take up his free time. A former Division I baseball player, Jack has also ensconced himself in athletics, most notably as a baseball umpire, a craft he has honed since 2007 at various levels. Among his career highlights is working the plate for a 2023 high school state tournament game that ended up being a perfect game for the home team's pitcher.
In addition, Jack owns his own cottage bakery, "Commotion In Motion Bakery," which he originally started to help a friend financially following a stroke. Jack also is an ordained minister, serving as a self-proclaimed "Unaffiliated Independent Catholic" offering certain sacraments and ministry.
However, out of all his charity work, Jack's most philanthropic endeavor is The OSIP Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit he started himself to provide assistance to abuse victims stemming from poor sportsmanship, such as sports officials who have been physically assaulted by parents. It was through OSIP that Jack authored his first book, "On Sportsmanship: A Critical Reader and Handbook," featuring a foreword from retired MLB umpire Dale Scott.
Jack's philanthropy has also led him to be a very popular emcee, hosting trivia nights and music bingo events at local restaurants and bars. If he's not on the bandstand, in a rehearsal, on the baseball diamond, in the kitchen baking, or even on the golf course, there's a good chance he's asking trivia questions or playing tunes as people laugh and enjoy a few beverages.