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Tocai Friulano
Monte Volpe
1998
By David Ginochio
These chilly fall days, with winter looming just around the corner, have many of us eagerly anticipating the time when spring greets summer, life beginning anew, and the yearning for new romance fills our hearts (ahem, those of us without a significant other, of courseÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
). The pure romanticism found in Jim Ferguson's work is also in abundance in Monte Volpe's 1998 Mendocino County Tocai Friulano. A golden straw color shines from the glass like an April sunrise, and intense aromas of kiwi and lime awaken the senses from their slumber. Not surprisingly, this California rendition of this Italian white is more fruit-forward and oaky than its Mediterranean sister, but by no means is this meant as a slight to this refreshing quaff. Layers of citrus, melon, butter, allspice and floral notes are revealed with each sip, and the finish is dry and clean. It pairs well with lighter pasta dishes, Asian cuisine, or preferably a romantic picnic, either indoors or out. With a few bottles of this on hand and Jim Ferguson's Deep Summer Music in the CD player, those gray days will seem measurably brighter.
Rating: 88
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Deep Summer Music
Jim Ferguson
A-Records
By Jim Santella
Which season of the year is the most romantic?
Jim Ferguson sings of the romance that exists for all seasons. For his latest album heÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs selected a program of songs that dig deep; they tug at your heartstrings. Samples may be found at his web site. The session includes standards from Matt Dennis, Rodgers & Hart, Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen and Yip Harburg, as well as a handful of FergusonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs originals. These songs represent a romantic spirit for any time of the year.
Henry ManciniÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSlow Hot WindÃÂÃÂÃÂàreminds the listener of the importance of Nature to romance. Stefan Karlsson and Chris Potter add to that romantic air with impressive lyrical thoughts. On bass, Ferguson contributes a natural rhythm and melody. His approach to the bass, of course, is vocal-like. ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂIn the Wee Small Hours of the MorningÃÂÃÂÃÂàis presented by Ferguson alone: just bass and vocal. The combination works quite well. As the protÃÂÃÂÃÂégÃÂÃÂÃÂé of songwriter-pianist Loonis McGlohon and bassist Red Mitchell, Jim Ferguson has developed a melodic style for both instruments. ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂCome Home to RedÃÂÃÂÃÂàswings cool to the heart of jazz. Pared down with tenor saxophone and bass alongside his vocal lines, this lively tribute brings out the goose bumps. FergusonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWalkinÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe DogÃÂÃÂÃÂàis a humorous look at living together and needing a little space from time to time: the key to a healthy relationship. His inventive ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWhatÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs a Guy Supposed to Do?ÃÂÃÂÃÂàincludes a little scat singing, while ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂDeep Summer MusicÃÂÃÂÃÂàsettles down with romance and a slow ballad crawl. Whether itÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs the rainy season, the coldest week of winter, or a torrid heat wave, Jim FergusonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs romantic collection of songs goes right to the heart of good music.
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