Nashaz

Nashaz is an expression of Brian Prunka’s lifelong devotion to both Arabic music and jazz. Dubbed “one of New York’s most eclectic, interesting oudists” (NY Music Daily), his oud playing, improvisations and compositions find common threads and natural sympathies between the disparate traditions of jazz and the maqam music of the middle east and North Africa, resulting in an organic new sound: melodic and spirited, ranging from wistful contemplation to kinetic intensity. Oud Player, Guitarist and Composer Brian Prunka is based in Brooklyn, NYC. He leads the bands Nashaz, Sharq Attack, and the Bil Afrah Project as well as being a partner at Brooklyn Maqam, an organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Arabic music in New York. In addition, he has performed frequently with Zikrayat, the New York Arabic Orchestra, Simon Shaheen, and Matt Darriau, among others.