Jazz Uncorked
By David Ginochio

December 2000

Jazz Uncorked
Archive

Deerfield Ranch Pinot Noir Sebastopol Syrah Sunce Cabernet Simonsig Estate Wines Deerfield Ranch Wines Sobon Estate Barbera Peterson Zero Manipulation Roche Merlot & Pinot Noir Yorkville Cellars Wooden Valley Wines Milone Zinfandel Argonaut Syrah Claudia Springs Zin Pellegrini's Cab Westover Cab Storrs Grenache Tocai Friulano Lodi "Fancy Quest" 1998 Il Chiaretto Guest Columns Jacky Terrasson Prunotto R.H. Phillips' Malbec

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 course ). 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 Visit the Domaine Saint Gregory Web Site

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 he’s 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 Ferguson’s originals. These songs represent a romantic spirit for any time of the year. Henry Mancini’s “Slow Hot Wind” reminds 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. “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” is presented by Ferguson alone: just bass and vocal. The combination works quite well. As the protégé of songwriter-pianist Loonis McGlohon and bassist Red Mitchell, Jim Ferguson has developed a melodic style for both instruments. “Come Home to Red” swings 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. Ferguson’s “Walkin’ the Dog” is a humorous look at living together and needing a little space from time to time: the key to a healthy relationship. His inventive “What’s a Guy Supposed to Do?” includes a little scat singing, while “Deep Summer Music” settles down with romance and a slow ballad crawl. Whether it’s the rainy season, the coldest week of winter, or a torrid heat wave, Jim Ferguson’s romantic collection of songs goes right to the heart of good music. Visit the Jim Ferguson Web Site