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John Proulx: Say It

By Dan Bilawsky
April 17, 2018
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This fourth date from John Proulx clearly marks a new chapter in his career. After delivering three albums on the now-defunct MAXJAZZ imprint, and after a hiatus from recording under his own name, this triple-threat vocalist-pianist-composer returns with his first independently-produced offering. The music spotlights a man who's grown more comfortable in his skin and lived more of what life has to offer.

With a band stacked with West Coast heavyweights, a playlist marked by eclectic material highlighting his myriad gifts, and a producer—in vocalist

Judy Wexler

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Judy Wexler—adept at shaping an album, Proulx has everything in its right place. Say It sets sail with a swinging "Gentle Rain" that immediately juxtaposes his cool school vocals against brighter backing. Whether delivering the lyrics, trading solos with drummer Joe LaBarbera, or running a unison line down with guitarist

Larry Koonse

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Larry Koonse, he seems to sit squarely in his wide comfort zone. The same goes on what immediately follows—a lightly funky and humorous stroll through Michael Franks' "Scatsville," a nostalgia-laced "The Summer Knows" emotionally augmented by

Alan Broadbent

piano
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Alan Broadbent's string arrangement, and a "Watch What Happens" with backbeat bonhomie.

The title track, anchored by a signature bass line and offering space to Koonse's guitar, is, like Proulx himself, a model of poise. Everything just sounds and feels natural. That ease of expression surfaces time and again—on the stop-time blues cruise through

Mose Allison

piano and vocals
1927 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Mose Allison's "I Don't Worry About A Thing," the sentimental journey across Broadbent's "The Last Goodbye," a meeting with guest vocalist

Melissa Manchester

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Melissa Manchester on their co-penned "Stained Glass," a cheerier-than-the-norm skip through

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington and

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn's "Something To Live For"—and it's central to the success of his work. Proulx is honest to the core—check out his album-closing take on

Joni Mitchell

vocals
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" for further proof. Ultimately, it's that genuine quality that sets this music apart.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Gentle Rain; Scatsville; The Summer Knows; Watch What Happens; Say It; I Don��t Worry About a Thing; The Last Goodbye; Stained Glass; Something to Live For; Both Sides Now.

Personnel

John Proulx

keyboards

John Proulx: piano, vocals; Chuck Berghofer: bass; Joe LaBarbera: drums; Larry Koonse: guitar; Bob Sheppard: tenor sax, soprano sax; Billy Hulting: auxiliary percussion; Melissa Manchester: vocals; The Gina Kronstadt Strings-Gina Kronstadt: violin; Susan Chatman: violin; Rodney Wurtz: viola; Stefanie Fife: cello.

Album information

Title: Say It | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: ArtistShare

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