Search - Doug Ferony :: It's Christmas

Doug Ferony is master of the easy listening jazz idiom. His 2002 release, It's Christmas is probably better evaluated by Carol Swanson, because she has a strong affinity for Tony Bennett style crooning and trio jazz. But the poor devil sent his music to my address, so I will stumble through this review as best I can and get this title in the mail to Carol, pronto!



The first thing I notice is Ferony's honey-smooth voice. His vocalizations and black-on-black ensemble make him the natural heir to the crooners. A generation or two removed from the Rat Pack, his jazzy, dimly-lit lounge style is, to my ears, retro, chick-friendly pop that reminds me of the intimacy of piano room arrangements on the old Dean Martin show. Next, I notice the brilliantly-authentic arrangements, particularly the mood-setting bass line, which ties the instrumentals together, and which is handled at various points by Nick Misch and by Chris Berger.



I particularly enjoyed silly swing arrangement and lyrical liberties taken on Run Rudolph Run. The vocal duet with Dena DeRose on I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm was another highlight.



Doug Ferony is exactly the silky-smooth Italian vocalist I want to accompany the occasional white tablecloth Caesar salad, baked zitti and white wine.



--Richard Banks

(Reviewed in 2007)