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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)

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From the liner notes:

Solos
It's Christmas
Piano: Dena DeRose

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Alto Sax: Mike DoPazo

In A Christmas Mood
Bass: Chris Berger

I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Piano: Dena DeRose
Drums: Joe Strasser

Jingle Bells
Trombone: Philip Jones

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Piano: Mike Renzi

Run Rudolph Run
Alto Sax: Mike DoPazo

The Christmas Song
Piano Intro: John E. Dunkerley
Trombone: Philip Jones

Feliz Navidad
Guitar: Roberta Roberts

The Ferony Show Band
Trumpets: Wayne Castle, Michael Siless, Andy Harp, Jorge H. Lopez
Trombones: Eddie Bert, Ben Gerstein, Bill Cox
Bass Trombone: Philip Jones
Alto Sax: Jerry Mohen, Mike DoPazo
Tenor Sax: Dan Patiris, Carmen Leggio
Baritone Sax: Lance Dowdell
Piano: John E. Dunkerley
Bass: Nick Misch
Drums: Bob Meyer

Trio Musicians
It's Christmas
In A Christmas Mood
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Duet: Doug Ferony & Dena DeRose

Piano: Dena DeRose
Bass: Chris Berger
Drums: Joe Strasser

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Piano: Mike Renzi
Bass: Benjamin Brown
Drums: Grady Tate

Doug Ferony, with Special Guests Dena DeRose, Mike Renzi, and Grady Tate

It's Christmas

Artist link

Track List