by Rob Wheary
COAL TOWNSHIP - Jason Laczkoski's talent with the saxophone and his love of performing music wasn't born at an early age through some inherent, internal genetic trait.
No, he says, it came about through "sheer, dumb luck."
A self-described latecomer to the world of classical saxophone, Laczkoski, 28, of Coal Township, spent the last two years recording and readying his first CD, "Come Down Heavy!," featuring his renditions of works by American contemporary composers. The CD was released in November and his music has been described as "vibrant, energized and sensitive."
"It's been amazing to put it all together," Laczkoski said. "There aren't a lot of classical saxophone music CDs out there, so I hope people will give it a listen and enjoy it.
'Just came to me'
While many musicians start learning and playing music at an early age, Laczkoski's foray into performances came as a freshman at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.
"I was about 15 and a girl was just nagging me to join band," Laczkoski said. "I didn't play an instrument, didn't even know how to read music, so I walked up to the band director at the time and said 'I want to join the band.' The director asked me what instrument, and I just randomly said 'saxophone.'"
After a year of learning the instrument, Laczkoski decided this was what he wanted to do with his life.
"I don't know what made me say it. The music that I play is the unknown side of the saxophone, so I wasn't exposed to it. Just came to me that one day, " he said.
He was developing a new appreciation for music.
"As I matured, I saw the beauty of being a musician and an artist. The great thing is that artists get to explore the beauty of this world and see things that other people may not notice. Being in touch with that side just kept sparking my interest, and still does today, as I hope to understand what beauty is and make beautiful music," he said.
Grant funds CD
After studying at Mansfield University and the University of Iowa, Laczkoski was awarded a grant in January 2010 to record a professional CD. With accompaniment from his girlfriend, Anna Draper, on violin and Joshua Russell on piano, and recording sessions at Illinois State University, "Come Down Heavy!" was produced.
"One of the pieces on the CD, 'Come Down Heavy,' was written by University of Michigan composer Evan Chambers and is based on American folk songs and John Henry and the American railroad," Laczkoski said. "I just thought it was a memorable title and everyone who hears it wants to know what it's all about."
The five-track CD also features compositions written by Sy Brandon, Judith Shatin and the early 20th century French folk song composer and arranger Joseph Canteloube.
It was Chambers who gave the young saxophonist the "vibrant" compliment.
"It was a relief to hear that, " he said. "When I first started the project it was something that I was excited to do, and as it got closer to the release date, it hit me that this is a permanent snapshot of where my playing is at this moment in time, and everyone is going to get to hear it. When Evan liked it, it was relief, there's no other way to describe it."
Other reviewers have echoed that sentiment, describing Laczkoski as a "master of his instrument" and "one of this country's best up-and-coming saxophonists." Also, he was recently awarded a Performing Artist sponsorship by Yamaha Saxophone.
More to accomplish
While his career is flourishing, it's time for Laczkoski to cross off a few things on his career list, which he made in college.
"I've made a CD, became a Yahama Performing Artist and performed with my mentor in concert," he said. "I still want to get a full-time teaching position at a major university and perform at a New York City concert hall."
Another life goal will come true in a few weeks as Laczkoski and Draper are preparing for the birth of their first baby. Also, he's performing with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and planning the first Lycoming College Saxophone Day in late March.
He announced in late-January that more composers are developing work for him to perform.
"It's all been unreal, with the CD and all the teaching," he said, "that I am a professional musician now."