Prins moved to New York City in 1993, he became a part of the contemporary jazz scene, to include vocalist Judy Niemack, who would later become his wife.

Prins has performed live and recorded with Toots Thielemans, Randy Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Gary Foster, Fred Hersch, Billy Hart, Tim Hagans, Lew Tabackin, Lee Konitz, Mal Waldron, Theo Bleckmann, Kenny Wheeler, Gary Bartz, Victor Lewis, Cameron Brown, Jay Clayton, Jay Anderson, Ray Drummond, Adam Nussbaum, Kelvin Sholar, Kirk Nurock, Jiggs Whigham, Jim McNeely, Walter Norris, Stephen Scott, Quincy Jones, Ivan Lins, Patti Austin, and Kirk Lightsey.

El Gaucho (Challenge, 2012) was recorded in New York City, with his NYC trio: Joris Teepe (bass) and Victor Lewis (drums) and tenor saxophonist Rich Perry as guest on specific tracks.

Blue Note Mode (GAM, 2024) was recorded at the iconic Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, with his NYC All Stars band: Danny Grisset (piano), Jay Anderson (bass) and E.J.

This list includes his own quintet, Toots Thielemans, Judy Niemack, Kenny Werner, Michel Herr and Jack van Poll.

Other compositions of Prins: Central Park is recorded and performed by his trio, Ulli Jünemann's quartet; Music Calls Me by Judy Niemack (with her original English lyrics); Sommar by Lisa Werlinder.

Being a sound engineer, Prins has produced and arranged Mary Kay's CD, Make Someone Happy, featuring Toots Thielemans.

In early 1999, the French-speaking Belgian television (RTBF) produced a special documentary feature about his international career, both as a musician and educator: Brussels - Berlin – New York - Jeanfrançois Prins.