Mandyck has developed one of the most remarkable and distinctive tenor saxophone sounds to be heard anywhere: big, warm, expressive and exciting. His melodic and improvisational style is a mix of pieces assimilated from his heroes (John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderly, Michael Brecker) and his original touches drawn from his own roots in the blues. Born and raised in New York, Mandyck settled in Seattle in the early '80's where he soon became a top player in clubs, concerts and recording studios. He's performed and recorded with jazz greats Mark Murphy, Billy Hart, Lawrence Marable, and Carter Jefferson and was awarded "Best NW Instrumentalist" in the 1999 Earshot Jazz Awards. Because of health issues,he was recently forced to surrender his saxophone and turn his attention to the guitar.