John Proulx - Moon and Sand (2006) CDRip

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.