Bassist Luther Hughes, vocalist/pianist John Proulx, and guitarist Barry Zweig as a group have performed the music of Nat King Cole since 2007. This group assembled by Luther Hughes, is modeled after the drummerless line-up of the 40’s & 50’s King Cole Trio. Bassist Luther Hughes studied at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and Long Beach City College. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Long Beach State. Luther’s credits include leading the Cannonball/Coltrane Project, produced and recorded 4 albums as a group, and created the music publishing company Primrose Lane Music founded in 2004. Hughes has produced 10 albums, appeared on 33 recordings with jazz artists like Ron Eschete, Charlie Shoemake, Dave Pike, and Dewey Erney. Luther currently teaches at Cal State Fullerton, and Saddleback College, and has taught at Cal State Long Beach, Golden West College, Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Rio Hondo College, Fullerton College, Vanguard University, and was the Southern California Director for Bruce Forman’s Jazz Masters Workshop. Hughes has performed or recorded with 100’s of jazz greats, and over a dozen pop, rock, and country greats. Luther was a long time bassist with the Gene Harris Quartet appearing on 23 recordings over a span of 30 years. Hughes has performed with 9 different jazz big bands, and has recorded and performed on over a dozen stage, film, and TV scores. Luther has played on the soundtracks of “Star Trek”, “Deep Space Nine”, and “Boston Legal”. Hughes has studied with teachers of the Boston Pops, the London & Chicago Symphonies, the LA Chamber Orchestra, and cellists from LA studios, Cal State Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. Luther has performed in over a dozen major jazz festivals, cruises, and party’s in the U.S. and around the world, and has hosted jazz radio broadcasts on 88.1 FM in Long Beach.

Pianist, vocalist, and composer John Proulx is highly regarded by his jazz peers as a talented musician who brings a new, fresh energy to jazz standards. John has strong musicianship, singing and playing the melody and lyric of a song with great intonation, mellow swing, and a soothing vibrato. Proulx is a reminder of Chet Baker, singing and playing beautifully with imagination, and a natural talent that is a joy to hear. John performs in a hot and swinging style with a cool smoothness. Proulx has made 4 recordings as a leader, garnering national and international claim. John has recorded or performed with dozens of jazz greats, and is a Grammy winning composer for Nancy Wilson’s CD “Turned to Blue”. Proulx’s compositions have been recorded by Mary Stallings, Deana Martin, Melissa Manchester, and Al Jarreau. John began playing the violin at the age of 3, and then switched to classical piano. Proulx’s grandfather was Clyde Proulx, a jazz guitarist, who played with Clyde McCoy’s Big Band, and introduced him to jazz. John became hooked on the freedom of improvisation, and studied at Roosevelt University’s Chicago School of Performing Arts. Proulx is one of LA’s great talents performing on the jazz scene for the past 15 years.

Guitarist Barry Zweig is a skilled accompanist and soloist, and one of LA’s most respected jazz musicians. Barry began playing the Ukelele at the age of 8, and also played the violin until he was 18. At the age of 15 he heard jazz great Dave Pell’s song “Mountain Greenery” that had both jazz and classical elements, and said, “I could do that”, and purchased his first guitar for $10.00. Serving in the Army Barry studied with legendary guitarist Jimmy Smith, and once reentering civilian life joined Buddy Rich’s band. He played on 2 of Buddy Rich’s albums’, one with Sammy Davis Jr. who liked Barry’s playing and hired him. His tour with Sammy Davis Jr. lasted over a year. Since the 60’s Barry has played or recorded with dozens of vocalists, and jazz greats. Zweig was the guitarist for 6 years on Dinah Shore’s TV Show. Barry has taught at UCLA, USC, and University of Texas El Paso. He currently teaches at his private North Hollywood studio. Barry’s mellow style brings out the substance and lyrical beauty of a song making every tune a delight. He is a master that tells the listener the joy he feels telling a story without words. Barry has played on over 30 recordings in his career since the mid 60’s.