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John Proulx@Vibrato’s 03.16.11
By George W. Harris

At the upscale and snazzy club Vibrato, John Proulx showed his talents
as a triple threat. Teamed with the reliable Pat Senatore/b and Ryan
Doyle, Proulx displayed piano style and chops on tunes like “Fran
Dance” that are the epitome of small group swing, going back all the
way to the Nat Cole Trio. His vocals, a charming blend of modern indie
and Chet Baker, ooze like tapioca on “Beautiful Love” and “Frim Fram
Sauce.” In fact, his delivery is so impressive that family members of
composer Jimmy McHugh stopped by to appreciate Proulx’s guileless
delivery on JVH standards like “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and
“I Found Out About Love.”

Showing his growth as an artist, Proulx and company brought forth a
handful of Great American Songbook-like originals like “Proulx’s Blues”
and “Stuck In A Dream With Me” that displayed impressive prowess and
undeniable swing. With a set like this, you’ve got to wonder why he’s
not picking up Grammy’s left and right. He’s got the stuff, as he
showed on this classy night.