Doug Ferony - You Will Be My Music (2011)

In his career, Doug Ferony has proven to be one of the more enjoyable and musical crooners of the 21st century. As was evident on his first eight CDs, he loves performing high-quality standards, has a warm voice, swings easily and enthusiastically and, while fond of the singing of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and other top-notch vocalists, has a sound of his own. You Will Be My Music showcases Doug’s singing while accompanied by an excellent and supportive big band arranged by Khadafy Khan, Clark Gault and Paul Swain. The repertoire is comprised of vintage songs along with a few more contemporary tunes that fit the singer’s style and musical interests quite comfortably. The opening “Fly Me To The Moon” utilizes a classic arrangement by Quincy Jones and features Doug swinging hard, making each note count.

The infectious “Do You Wanna Dance” is quite catchy while “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” is a bit obscure but well worth reviving. “You Will Be My Music” utilizes a string orchestra. Doug’s version is quite dramatic and heartfelt. “We’ve Only Just Begun,” one of the biggest hits for the Carpenters, is taken faster than usual and benefits from this infectious treatment. “Come Fly With Me” features Doug doing his own twist on the Frank Sinatra hit. An emotional “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” precedes Doug’s version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” a song identified with both Ray Charles and Count Basie. You Will Be My Music concludes with a pair of swingers. “Oh Look At Me Now,” easily pianist Joe Bushkin’s best known song, was a hit for Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s while Irving Berlin’s “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was a big seller for Les Brown. Doug Ferony’s versions sound unlike anyone else’s and make the two vintage songs sound fresh and lively. Enjoy swinging crooners who put a lot of heart into their singing? Then You Will Be My Music is for you. Scott Yanow, author of ten books including Swing, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76~ Editorial Reviews