John Proulx – singer, pianist, composer, recording artist – has the jazz scene buzzing.
Singer Val Geason will join John Proulx at the jazz festival.
Proulx’s piano playing has been called “hot and swinging” and his voice has been said to recall the “smooth, mellow sounds of a young Chet Baker.”
He will close out this year’s Blue Jay Jazz Festival on Aug. 24 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. He will be joined by Val Geason, a former Raylette who toured for years with Ray Charles. “MzVal,” as she is known, is described as “a golden-voiced southern siren” whose smoldering vocals bring to mind Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaugh and Nina Simone.
Proulx began his formal music education at the age of 3 on the Suzuki violin but quickly witched to classical piano lessons. His late grandfather, Clyde Proulx, was a jazz guitarist who introduced him to the world of jazz. Hooked on the freedom of improvisation, Proulx studied at Roosevelt University’s Chicago School of Performing Arts, receiving his bachelor’s degree in music. He moved to Los Angeles in 2001. He has since received his master’s degree in jazz vocal performance and serves as adjunct faculty at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Long Beach.
Proulx has composed songs for jazz artists Nancy Wilson, Mary Stallings, Melissa Manchester, Al Jarreau and Greg Walker. He composed the song “These Golden Years” with lyricist D. Channsin Berry for Nancy Wilson’s 2006 album Turned to Blue, which won the 2007 Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Doors will open on Aug. 24 at 4:00 p.m. with the music starting at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be available for purchase; no outside food or beverage will be allowed. This concert is outdoors so guests should be prepared for the chilly evening.
For tickets and more information on the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation, visit www.bluejayjazz.org.
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