The jazz scene is abuzz about singer/pianist/composer John Proulx (pronounced "Prue"). His piano playing is hot and swinging, and his voice recalls the smooth, mellow sounds of a young Chet Baker. John's latest CD on MAXJAZZ, "Baker’s Dozen-Remembering Chet Baker” is a tribute to the late trumpet player and vocalist. It features legendary musicians Chuck Berghofer, Joe LaBarbera, and special guest, Dominick Farinacci on trumpet. John’s 2006 debut CD, “Moon and Sand”, has garnered national and international acclaim, and his fan base is quickly growing. In addition to his own trio, John has performed with the likes of Anita O'Day, Natalie Cole, and Marian McPartland.
John is also a Grammy-winning composer. Jazz legend, Nancy Wilson, recorded "These Golden Years", a song that John co-wrote with lyricist D. Channsin Berry, for her 2006 Grammy-winning CD, Turned to Blue. Jazz singer, Mary Stallings, also recorded "Stuck in a Dream", a tune John co-wrote with lyricist K. Lawrence Dunham, on her 2005 release, Remember Love.
John began his formal musical education at the age of 3 in Grand Rapids, MI on Suzuki violin, but quickly switched to classical piano lessons. His grandfather, Clyde Proulx, was a jazz guitarist who introduced him to the world of jazz. Hooked on the freedom of improvisation, his education took him to Chicago to study at Roosevelt University’s Chicago School of Performing Arts. 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 the city has to offer. Currently, John is back in LA after returning from a four-month engagement at the prestigious Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency hotel in Manhattan.
For more information, please visit http://www.johnproulx.com
D. Channsin Berry, a modern day Renaissance man, is a filmmaker, as well as a prolific songwriter, and painter. Mr. Berry's career has moved seamlessly through the movie and music industries. Mr. Berry started his career in New York radio at WBLS (FM) (under the leadership of mentor and friend Frankie Crocker). After spending 5 years in radio in the Bay Area. Mr. Berry moved to Los Angeles for a position in the Walt Disney Studios Feature Film Financing Division, where he honed his skills in the production and finance side of the business.
Mr. Berry, went on to expand his creative talents by writing and directing music videos for artists such as Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick to name a few. Mr.Berry also directed the PRAME Awards (Blacks in Advertising). Mr. Berry, then used his music talent to write songs for Pop/R&B Diva Chaka Khan, Jazz vocalist Mary Stallings, Prince/Rosie Gaines, and Jazz Legend Nancy Wilson (2006 Grammy Award Winning CD "Turned to Blue").
In between his music endeavors, he worked in television as an Executive Producer/Director and sometimes hosts for various shows such as BET's, NY/LA Entertainment magazine, All The People (talk show Fox-Bay Area), Shaq Jam (Hip Hop concert, Direct TV/Fox), Remixed (BET) and the Fox entertainment show "Poker Dome."
Mr.Berry, moved on to direct independent films and documentaries such as "A Different Shade of Love," "My Father's Music…Jazz" (Documentary PBS/Cable) and "The Black Line…" (A Profile of the Black Male...Parts 1, 2 and 3). And for American Master/PBS, Mr. Berry produced with John Antonelli the widely successful doc. film "Crossing Over"...The Sam Cooke Story. He is currently working on several Film and TV projects for Urban Winter Entertainment with business partner Mark Cohen. Mr. Berry is also the founder of the D.Channsin Berry Foundation (which raises money for LUPUS awareness).