Doug Ferony

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.
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You Will Be My Music showcases Dougs 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 singers style and musical interests quite comfortably.
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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.
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You Will Be My Music utilizes a string orchestra. Dougs version is quite dramatic and heartfelt. Weve 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.
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An emotional How Do You Keep The Music Playing precedes Dougs version of I Cant 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 Bushkins best known song, was a hit for Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s while Irving Berlins Ive Got My Love To Keep Me Warm was a big seller for Les Brown. Doug Feronys versions sound unlike anyone elses and make the two vintage songs sound fresh and lively.
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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 191

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 Dougs 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 singers 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. Dougs version is quite dramatic and heartfelt. Weve 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 Dougs version of I Cant 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 Bushkins best known song, was a hit for Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s while Irving Berlins Ive Got My Love To Keep Me Warm was a big seller for Les Brown. Doug Feronys versions sound unlike anyone elses and make the two vintage songs sound fresh and lively.
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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 191

Vocalist Doug Ferony could easily be dismissed as a Rat Pack wannabe. This disc has him going through some classic Blue Eyes tunes like “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Come Fly With Me” that have a similar Sinatra-esque swagger. So what? His high baritone has got an enthusiasm and ferver that is infectious. Along with an Armani sharp band, Ferony delivers polished and original takes of “Do You Wanna Dance” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” giving an extra sock in the jaw to each tune. Can’t help but like the moxie of this guy. - Jazz Weekly - George W. Harris

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are gone...They are not coming back.

That's o.k. because when you have real talent like Doug Ferony then that classic swing and splash of sophistication that was vocal jazz forty years ago plus - is still here and still working!

I hate the label of "crooner" - I can deal with throw back better but here is the bottom line. Ferony is his own man and an artist doing his own thing that just happens to fall in the Sinatra, Martin and Tony Bennett category but with the unusual twist that Ferony has chops galore. Doug Ferony is pure entertainment, fun and a stylistic journey to the glory days of vocal jazz when there was no social media, no music video and nothing but style...That is Doug Ferony!

The set list here is classic and made up of such standards as "Fly Me To The Moon" and "Come Fly With Me." Far from a tribute act, Ferony has chops galore and what lets the release work so well would be spot on arrangements that only serve to push Ferony out front but without ever going to the self indulgent edge that so many "crooners" seem to want to hit. Today we have some vocalists that work in relatively the same genre but with different results. There is no overt commerialism with Ferony, his vocal prowess speaks for itself. Normally I would not give this type of release a second look and that would be my stupidity and the listener's loss. While there are a couple of more contemporary tunes that may or may not have been totally necessary in an effort to push this release, there are literally no missed steps here.

The tunes hold up well and normally with full orchestra. Ferony has prodigious vocal chops - the dude can sing the phone book and the release is pure entertainment and it's very best.

Making old school new cool is tough. Doug Ferony makes it look and more importantly sound so easy!

Tracks: Fly Me To The Moon; Do You Wanna Dance; I Love You More Today Then Yesterday; You Will Be My Music; We've Only Just Begun; Come Fly With Me; How Do You Keep The Music Playing; I Can't Stop Loving You; Oh Look At Me Now; I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.

www.dougferony.com - Brent Black - Critical Jazz

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 Dougs 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 singers 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. Dougs version is quite dramatic and heartfelt. Weve 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 Dougs version of I Cant 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 Bushkins best known song, was a hit for Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s while Irving Berlins Ive Got My Love To Keep Me Warm was a big seller for Les Brown. Doug Feronys versions sound unlike anyone elses 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 191

FEB. 12 CONCERT: Nationally known singer Doug Ferony and six-piece band to perform legend's classics at Opera House
By CHRIS BROCK
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2011
ARTICLE OPTIONS

The smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra will raise money for the scholarship fund of the Rotary Club of Clayton on Feb. 12.

Peekskill native Doug Ferony has been performing for more than 20 years and has several CDs. He'll bring his six-piece band to the Clayton Opera House for the foundation benefit. Among venues he's performed at are the Russian Tea Room in New York City, Rivers Edge Supper Club in New York City, Horton Plaza in San Diego and the River Club in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ferony also has produced and performed with several recording artists such as Al Martino, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Dena DeRose, Joey Adams, Martha & the Vandellas, the Tokens and comedian Joseph Anthony.

Among the Sinatra songs to be featured by Mr. Ferony will be "My Way," "Night and Day," "Strangers in the Night," "That's Life" and "The Lady is a Tramp."

Mr. Ferony moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s where he studied voice with Howard Austin and started gigging. He also went to acting school and began working in films.

He's had small roles in the movies "Goodfellas," "Back to School," Spider-Man 2," "Mr. Deeds" and "The Brave One" and the television shows "Law & Order" and "The Sopranos."

Mr. Ferony spent much of the 1990s in New York City and fondly recalls performing three nights a week with a trio at the World Trade Center in 1995 and '96, singing regularly at the Supper Club with his big band and with a piano duo at Tavern on the Green.

His latest CD is "I Ain't Got You." The album, which he recorded with a swing band, includes a rendition of the 1950s song "Love Potion Number 9" by the Clovers and a cover of Bobby Darin's hit "Beyond the Sea." - Watertown Daily Times

Did you see the guy in ''Goodfellas'' who played the head waiter at the Copa Cabana -- the one who seated the gangsters? Or the guy who ran after a thief in ''Spider-Man 2?'' That was Doug Ferony, a Peekskill native who is also carving out a career as a singer of standards. He also writes songs and performed one of them, ''I'm in Love With a Girl,'' in a movie called ''Mr. Vincent.''

Mr. Ferony, 46, said he had spent ''the last few years regrouping'' after his wife died of a brain tumor in 1998. He is back in Peekskill after living in California, and is continuing with his music while rearing two children, ages 12 and 9, as a single dad. One of his ventures is a new half-hour variety show that can be seen Thursday nights at 7 on Cablevision Channels 15 and 98. Mr. Ferony is the host, modeling his program after ''The Dean Martin Show.''

''I was a big fan of his as a kid,'' Mr. Ferony said. He sings on the program, which will also feature guest performers. - New York Times

When I describe Doug Ferony, several adjectives come to mind ~ giving, gifted, sincere, loving and yes, quite romantic. This recording is smooth and delicious from beginning to end !

Listen closely to the title song, "Time After Time". Doug interprets it with grace and style. It sets the mood for an enjoyable music experience. As a consummate profesional, Doug takes "Wee Small Hours" to a level that forces you to look at a sad side of love ~ with a slowly developing smile. You will experience an added dimension with Doug's rendering of "But Beautiful" and "You got to my Head".

Doug Ferony is ready to take his place among the top male vocalistswho sing American Popular Standards. Don't take my word for it ~ find out for yourself ! Enjoy "Angel Eyes", "A Smokey Bar Song" for those who have to deal with love in it's empty state.

My wife, Anne, and I have had the privilege of seeing Doug perform. "That's All" ~ the song we chose for our wedding. Now, you too, can enjoy this very special classic and perhaps make it your own.

For those who remember the late Billie Holliday, you will be delighted to know that Doug gives this great American Standard "Good Morning Heartache" the rich vocal pegs it deserves.

The musicianship in this recording is first rate. The piano renderings of Dena DeRose adds the color to make this effort lush. Doug's writing talents are displayed with an original composition, "I Love You So", which tells a wonderful story of growing and evolving love.

The arrangements are masterful and tasty. This recording will surely be featured on John Moultre's "A Sunday Kinf of Love" on 1340 WALL Radio, and other radio stations who feature jazz and American Popular Standards. This recording has got to be part of your musical library!

Ladies and Gentlemen ~ permit me to introduce "Time After Time", because it's about time for the very talented Doug Ferony.
- 1340 WALL Radio

Dear Mr. Ferony

Our profound thanks to you for your invaluable contribution to the Frank Sinatra Conference. We have received widespread, indeed lavish, praise and positive reviews for the papers, the presentations, the exchanges, and the audience participation. We know that the success of your panel, "Vocalist: The Next Generation," as part of the overall success of the conference was due to your role as a conference discussant.

The entire Hofstra community is deeply indebted to you for what you have done to make the Frank Sinatra Conference such a success.

Our warmest wishes for the Holiday Season and New Year.

Sincerely yours,

Eric J. Schmertz
Distinguised Profesor Emeritus of Law
Hofstra University School of Law
Conference Director

Natalie Datlof
Director for Conferences,
Symposia and Performing Arts
Hofstra Cultural Center
Conference Co-Director - Hofstra University

When I describe Doug Ferony, several adjectives come to mind ~ giving, gifted, sincere, loving and yes, quite romantic. This recording is smooth and delicious from beginning to end !

Listen closely to the title song, "Time After Time". Doug interprets it with grace and style. It sets the mood for an enjoyable music experience. As a consummate profesional, Doug takes "Wee Small Hours" to a level that forces you to look at a sad side of love ~ with a slowly developing smile. You will experience an added dimension with Doug's rendering of "But Beautiful" and "You got to my Head".

Doug Ferony is ready to take his place among the top male vocalistswho sing American Popular Standards. Don't take my word for it ~ find out for yourself ! Enjoy "Angel Eyes", "A Smokey Bar Song" for those who have to deal with love in it's empty state.

My wife, Anne, and I have had the privilege of seeing Doug perform. "That's All" ~ the song we chose for our wedding. Now, you too, can enjoy this very special classic and perhaps make it your own.

For those who remember the late Billie Holliday, you will be delighted to know that Doug gives this great American Standard "Good Morning Heartache" the rich vocal pegs it deserves.

The musicianship in this recording is first rate. The piano renderings of Dena DeRose adds the color to make this effort lush. Doug's writing talents are displayed with an original composition, "I Love You So", which tells a wonderful story of growing and evolving love.

The arrangements are masterful and tasty. This recording will surely be featured on John Moultre's "A Sunday Kinf of Love" on 1340 WALL Radio, and other radio stations who feature jazz and American Popular Standards. This recording has got to be part of your musical library!

Ladies and Gentlemen ~ permit me to introduce "Time After Time", because it's about time for the very talented Doug Ferony.
- 1340 WALL Radio

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) - ChristmasReviews.com

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) - ChristmasReviews.com

Doug Ferony has put together another fine recording with his newest “I Ain’t Got You”. The recording shows off the excellent voice of Doug with one of the best swing bands in the country today. After listening to this brand new release, you’ll become an instant fan of Doug and his Orchestra.

The album starts with the title cut and puts you in a “swinging” mood. It includes a wonderful sax solo by Joel Frahm with the full band giving it that warm feeling and a great way to start the recording.

From there, Doug goes back to the 50’s with a great arrangement of the Clover’s “Love Potion #9”. Many groups have covered this tune, but none better than Ferony. Bobby Darin would be proud if he heard the band’s version of Darin’s smash hit, “Beyond the Sea”. The band performs behind the “Ferony Voice” as well as any band in the country, giving it that full sound.

The CD fills the gamet of all styles of music including a great big band version of the Elvis hit, “Jailhouse Rock”, to Patsy Cline’s hit “Crazy”.

There’s even a touch of the Sinatra sound with Doug on vocals and the feel of Sinatra’s arrangements.

The recording finishes with the title cut once again! I’m sure the reason they repeat the title cut is because they might not have you before you listen to the recording but after you listen, there’s not a doubt, “They’ll get you”. This new recording by Doug Ferony and his orchestra is truly a masterpiece. After listening, I’m sure you will agree. - Jimmy Sturr - 18 Time Grammy Winner

When Doug Ferony sings, his warm voice, high musicianship, enthusiasm, and sincerity make the music he performs infectious and joyful, even when he is interpreting a touching ballad. It is always obvious that he loves timeless standards and has the voice and phrasing to make them sound fresh and relevant. While he makes no secret of his love for the singing of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin, he does not feel compelled to merely copy his predecessors and instead displays a sound of his own within the tradition of first-class singing.

Lovers, a set of a dozen classic love songs, is Doug Ferony's finest recording to date but his career has already included a variety of accomplishments. "When I was very young," remembers Doug, "my parents played Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin records around the house in addition to Rosemary Clooney and Ella Fitzgerald. I remember being very impressed by Frank Sinatra at an early age." While growing up, he played drums for a time, inspired by Buddy Rich. However by the time Doug was in high school, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in singing.

In 1985, Doug Ferony moved to Los Angeles where he studied voice with Howard Austin and started gigging. He also went to acting school and began working in films. Through the years he has appeared in many major motion pictures including Back To School, GoodFellas, Spiderman II, and The Brave One in addition to such television series as Law & Order and The Sopranos. But singing before audiences has been his main love. Doug spent much of the 1990s in New York and fondly remembers performing three nights a week with a trio at the World Trade Center during 1995-96, singing regularly at the Supper Club with his big band, and with a piano duo at Tavern On The Green. Doug currently performs all over the country including at supper clubs, casinos, racetracks, cruises and concerts, and he recently worked a show at the Paramount Center for the Arts with veteran singer Al Martino.

Lovers is Doug Ferony's eighth CD, following such popular recordings as I'm In Love With A Girl, This One's For You, Time After Time, It's Christmas, I Ain't Got You, and America's Greatest Songs. "Lovers is intimate and thoughtful," says Doug. "I wanted this to be a nice easy-listening candle-lit romantic CD. I've recorded a lot of uptempo swing in the past so this is a change of pace."

On Lovers, Doug displays his versatility by being featured with four different groups. Dena DeRose, a major jazz pianist, accompanies Doug with her trio on four selections and participates in a delightful vocal duet on "S'Wonderful." "I've been working with Dena for many years. I really enjoy her singing and her embellishments." Three numbers team Doug with pianist Keith Slattery in a quartet that also features either tenor-saxophonist Rob Derke or trumpeter Jim Yedloutschnig. Four songs have the singer joined by an ensemble with strings and flutes arranged by Khadafy Khan, while "It Had To Be You" features the accompaniment of Clark Gault's orchestra. No matter the setting, Doug is heard throughout uplifting classic standards.

Doug Ferony's heartfelt version of "As Time Goes By" revives the insightful lyrics about relationships. Derke's tenor fills are quite effective. Doug was inspired to record "I Remember You" after hearing versions by Diana Krall and Tony Bennett. Khadafy Khan's writing for the flutes is inspired. Although he had recorded "That's All" years ago, Doug felt that it was a classic love song that fit the concept of this CD so he created a new version. "I've Got A Crush On You" is given a swinging rendition with the assistance of Dena DeRose's trio.

"S'Wonderful has wonderful vocal interplay by Doug and Dena. "It Had To Be You," a standard since the early 1930s, is given a particularly romantic interpretation with nice spots for trumpeter Gary Pack and trombonist Clark Gault. "The Girl From Ipanema" contrasts Rob Derke's modern tenor playing with Khadafy Khan's romantic writing for strings and Doug's yearning vocal.

"I Thought About You" features the singer swinging nice and easy with the Dena DeRose Trio. He really digs into the lyrics of "When I Fall In Love," with the beautiful playing of trumpeter Jim Yedloutschnig adding to this version's appeal. The flutes, strings and percussion fit in perfectly with Doug's warm voice on Jobim's "Meditation." After a fine rendition of the Helen Forrest/Harry James hit "I Had The Craziest Dream," the memorable program ends optimistically with a colorful version of "If I Had You."

"What I enjoy most about standards and swing is that I can understand and relate to the lyrics. I pride myself in doing justice to lyrics and I try to bring a lot of passion and fun to the music" Doug Ferony succeeds on all levels throughout Lovers, making the classic songs and vintage lyrics sound as if they were written specifically for him to communicate to today's listene - by Scott Yanow

DOUG FERONY/It Had To Be You: Doug performs a dozen of America's greatest love songs in front of an orchestra. This is a studio recording that follows his live CD. The arrangements are relaxed and deliberate allowing the listener to absorb all elements of Doug’s voice and the music. It is well suited for romance especially "That's All" and "S'Wonderful" with Dena DeRose. Bossa nova beats underscore several tracks including the classic "Meditation". - O's Place Jazz Magazine

The guy has been in “Goodfellas” and “Sopranos” and if he wants to say he’s the king of romantic vocals, we aren’t going to argue with him. An actor/singer that knows how to pack the emotion into whatever kind of words he’s doing, this is a solid rendition of the classic songbag from a perspective we don’t often get---guy singer, that is. Quite the dandy vocal/cocktail collection.

Chris Spector Midwest Record
Volume 33/Number 132 - Midwest Record

By Cathy Gruenfelder

If you are a fan of singers like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett or Dean Martin, you will surely be excited about Doug Ferony and his new CD It Had To Be You. He is most definitely a throw back to singers of an era long gone, but he is sincere in his love and enthusiasm for this sound. He sings with the natural nonchalant delivery of Frank Sinatra but with a tone that is a mixture of the few I mentioned along with something of his own. This album captures him in a more reflective and intimate sound that those that are accustomed to his live show might expect. Ferony is a successful and entertaining performer who has been featured in Vegas, Atlantic City and other such locations where he knows how to have a lot of fun, interacting with the audience and the crowd with the natural laid-back charisma of his predecessors. His eighth album, It Had To Be You features all love songs and is aptly titled The Lover’s CD. Most of the interpretations are true to the classic style, but there are definitely some twists and turns such as the opening to “The Girl From Ipanema,” where he leaves space between each line for tenor man Rob Derke to improvise a response. Ferony is featured on this CD with four different groups – Dena DeRose and her trio accompany him on four of the tracks, most notably a duet version of “S’Wonderful.” Three other’s have him teamed of with a quartet featuring Derke, and for the rest he is joined by a larger ensemble with flute, strings and all. - April 2010 • Jazz Inside™ Monthly • Jazz Inside Magazine