Jazz / Contemporary Jazz, Mainstream Jazz, Standards
John Proulx - Arranger, Liner Notes, Piano, Vocals
Chuck Berghofer Bass
Jimmy Katz Photography
Joe La Barbera Drums
Katsuhiko Naito Mastering, Mixing
Paul Tavenner Engineer
Pressley Jacobs Design, Art Direction
Tamir Hendelman Arranger, Piano, Producer
Pianist and singer John Proulx makes his recording debut as a leader with Moon and Sand, a trio date with veterans Chuck Berghofer (bass) and Joe La Barbera (drums), that focuses primarily on favorite standards. Proulx has a light but swinging vocal style, never overdoing it, while his piano playing is equally effective. He adds a bossa nova undercurrent in the enticing "Moon and Sand," shows a playful touch in "Alice in Wonderland," and showcases Berghofer prominently in the delicious duet of Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' Til You Hear from Me," in which the piano is omitted entirely. "I Can't Make You Love Me" is a country-like piece best known by Bonnie Raitt's landmark recording of it, but Proulx turns this bittersweet ballad into a loping, touching jazz vehicle for solo piano and voice. Proulx's two originals are collaborations with lyricist K. Lawrence Dunham, with producer Tamir Hendelman taking over the piano for the touching ballad "My Love for You" and the leader back on hand for the lush, sentimental "Stuck in a Dream with Me."John Proulx demonstrates a lot of potential on this initial release, so he will be one to watch. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Moon And Sand captivates the listener with the opener: I've Never Been In Love Before by Frank Loesser. Proulx displays his wares on voice and piano with a fresh arrangement that sets the pace for what follows. The title track, Moon And Sand, showcases Proulx's warm voice. The pace slows with a lovely rendition of the song Alice In Wonderland by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard. The first of two originals, My Love For You, is a lush ballad with a beautiful melody. Featured on the piano is Tamir Hendelmen, who also co-produced the release with Proulx. The Duke Ellington/Bob Russell composition, Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me, follows with a nice intro by Proulx on vocals and Berghofer on bass. The pace quickens with an Afro-Cuban-infused arrangement of the standard What A Difference A Day Makes by Stanley Adams and Maria Grever. The second original, Stuck In A Dream With Me, features inventive lyrics by K. Lawrence Dunham, who also contributed lyrics to My ! Love For You. Proulx's impressive voice stands out on this enchanting ballad. The line-up continues with high energy on There Is No Greater Love by Marty Symes and Isham Jones. The group shows energy on this track, which culminates with a fine solo by LaBarbera. I Should Care by Cahn, Stordahl and Weston follows and features swinging solos by Proulx and Berghofer. Cole Porter's So In Love is a tender arrangement showcasing great harmony by the group. Proulx's scatting opens the Brooks Bowman composition East of The Sun. The brilliant unison interplay of the group is exhibited on the Cole Porter classic You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To. The session comes to a close with a lovely rendition of I Can't Make You Love Me by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin. |
