visit John's website: www.johnproulx.com
John Proulx is a sought-after pianist, vocalist, recording artist, and composer in the Los Angeles area. Hailed as not only a first-rate pianist, but also sings like a young Chet Baker, John Proulx can be seen performing at various local venues including Spazio, Vibrato, and Charlie Os. John has recorded his first CD with legendary musicians Chuck Berghofer and Joe LaBarbera, under the Max Jazz record label. He has performed with many others including Anita ODay, Mark Murphy, and Rickie-Lee Jones. Bill Cunliffe, jazz pianist, summarizes Johns playing as showing, "great harmony, style and authenticity." He currently plays with both the Mike Barone, Randy Aldcroft, and Kim Richmond big bands, and loves learning from many of the local jazz greats.
John is also quickly establishing himself not only as a performer but also as a prolific composer. Mary Stallings recently recorded, "Stuck In a Dream With Me", a song co-written with lyricist K. Lawrence Dunham, on a Half Note album entitled, "Remember Love". This album features Geri Allen, piano and album producer; Wallace Roney, trumpet; Frank Wess and Vincent Herring, saxophones; Darryl Hall, bass; and Billy Hart, drums. John also co-wrote a song called "These Golden Years" with lyricist D. Channsin Berry, for Nancy Wilson's upcoming album, "Turned To Blue", due to be released in September 2006. John Proulxs own upcoming debut album, "Moon and Sand", produced by Tamir Hendelman, features another original tune entitled, "My Love For You". Johns compositions range in style from gospel and R & B, to classic jazz ballads and straight-ahead jazz.
John began his formal musical education at the age of 4 in Grand Rapids, MI on Suzuki violin, but quickly switched to classical piano lessons. His grandfather, a jazz guitarist, introduced him to the world of jazz and he has been hooked on the freedom of improvisation. His education took him to Chicago to study at Roosevelt Universitys Chicago School of Performing Arts. He studied with Eddie Baker and Frank Carruso on piano and Jennifer Shelton-Barnes on voice. After graduation, John became adjunct faculty in jazz vocal instruction at Roosevelt University as well as the Assistant Director of Roosevelts vocal jazz group, Rush Hour, with Jennifer Barnes. He quickly become well-known in the Chicago jazz scene, playing at many of the local jazz clubs, including the Jazz Showcase.
In 2001, John moved to Los Angeles to further his musical pursuits. He has emerged as a young talent on the Los Angeles jazz scene and loves the wide-range of opportunities that Los Angeles has to offer.