With his third CD, vocalist/pianist
John Proulx broadens his musical palette to include more contemporary pop and originals to complement favorite standards. Accompanied once more by veterans Chuck Berghofer on bass and drummer Joe La Barbera, along with several guests on selected tracks,
Proulx's light but warm voice and intimate piano make the most of the music. He's an accomplished interpreter of standards, opening with a brisk treatment of
Irving Berlin's "The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me)" and a decidedly different bossa nova setting of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love."
Bill Cunliffe sits in on piano as
Proulx's sole accompanist for the bittersweet ballad "In the Days of Our Love," a touching composition by
Marian McPartland with lyrics by
Peggy Lee that deserves to be performed with more regularity.
Proulx scats in unison with trumpeter Ron Stout in a delightful take of
Cannonball Adderley's rarely heard "Wabash." The difference between
Proulx and many younger jazz artists who try a similar path is that he has a gift for finding new approaches to pop material, while also choosing songs that have strong melodies. A perfect example is "Sing," turned into a midtempo ballad with a bossa nova undercurrent, with understated solos by acoustic guitarist
Larry Koonse,
Proulx, and Berghofer. His loping rendition of
Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" features a harmony vocal by
Sara Gazarek and Jeremy Boersma's warm arco cello. The leader also uncovers a gem in
Billy Joel's "And So It Goes," an excellent showcase for
Bob Sheppard's soprano sax.
Proulx contributed several originals, including the playful bop vehicle "Jogger Chronicles," featuring
Sheppard on tenor sax and the leader's hip piano, while "Before We Say Goodnight" is another engaging bossa nova, with
Sheppard adding a nice touch on flute.
John Proulx's broad musical palette and ability to build upon the strengths of each song separate him from the pack of jazz artists of his generation. ~ Ken Dryden