Customer Reviews

Summer Music

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What a pleasure to finally have Jim Ferguson back! His debut album "Not Just Another Pretty Bass" was recorded nearly three years earlier, so "Deep Summer Music" is long-awaited and most welcome.

Ferguson's vocal and bass performances are even more impressive this time around -- and, quite honestly, if he only did one he'd be noteworthy. Being this good at both is sorta too much talent... not to mention his standout songwriting on a few of the tracks here, as well.

I risk incurring the wrath of the faithful here, but on this album it finally struck me how to characterize Jim's wistful, vulnerable vocals: he hits the target Chet Baker was aiming at. But to this he also brings some vocalese, a sly humor and a bit of technical dazzle -- on "What's A Guy" there's a section of bass and scat-vocal unison work which never fails to make me grin at its coolness...

The general tone of this album is romantic and melancholy, so Chris Potter contributes tenor solos and fills that are suitably lush and languid. Some of his most beautiful work on record, and very much in keeping with the tone of the songs. Chris's sense of rightness as far as what he chooses to play never seems to fail him. However, there are a few uptempo numbers here as well [most notably a double-time "When Your Lover Has Gone"] which give him a chance to cut loose and get spiky...

However, while I can scarcely believe my own sacrilege here [since I'm a devout Potterphile], my favorite moment on this album doesn't even include Chris. "Walkin' The Dog" is not the old blues chestnut, but a Ferguson original that deserves to be a classic in its own right. A spare tableau of only the Jims on bass and bongos, it features a witheringly cool bass riff to introduce the verse, a classic "Percy Heath à la 'Django' " line in the chorus, and lyrics of dry understated wit which remind me of no one so much as Dave Frishberg [the highest praise I know, BTW!] I eagerly await more originals from Jim in the near future.

I found out about Jim Ferguson while driving home one Saturday evening, listening to Marian McPartland's "Piano Jazz" program on NPR. Jim was her special guest and I was soon mesmerized by his unique, smooth delivery of a ballad, his own delightfully humorous and well-penned uptunes, and his talent as an acoustic bass player. I was amazed to find that Jim had not been performing solo for very long...he seems like such a natural.

I originally purchased this CD, because I fell in love with Jim's "Walkin' The Dog," a witty tribute to man's best friend...sometimes the only creatures who truly understand us! The listener is also treated to 13 additional songs including great standards that are seldom heard on today's releases. Jim wrote "What's A Guy Supposed To Do?" which so aptly describes the baby-boomer's lament. Collaborations such as "Come Home To Red" and "When the Night is Done" make me eager to hear more "Jim Originals."

Possessing a very pleasing voice that I've heard described as tenor (but also handling baritone just fine!), Jim knows how to caress the right word or phrase to get your attention. He can emotionally sell a song, and certainly does every track justice. I've ordered his first CD, "Not Just Another Pretty Bass," and can't wait to hear more. Good Luck to Jim on his solo career. I'm so glad I happened on that radio program on a lonely drive home!

Wow! Putting on Jim Ferguson's' latest CD was really a moving experience for me this afternoon. I was instantly rescued from a rather humdrum afternoon of writing some really boring javascript by Jim's absolutely transcendental voice. When I heard his first CD I wasn't sure just how to put Jim in perspective. Hearing the third cut cleared that up for me immediately. Jim is the one true heir to Chet baker, able to take us with him on wonderful excursions to out of the mundane, in to that special world of fell good jazz and celebrating the best of American Popular Song. There is no pretense her. Everything comes out as natural and as pure as the way Chet's voice transported us to a place far away from his drug-induced stupor. This pureness of heart and simple uncluttered approach is to be expected of a good bass player. Jim does this and adds another dimension to rendering the lyrics of great songs.

Jim Ferguson, resident of Nashville, Tennessee. He is a busy, working bassist, who also gives a wonderful proclamation and staging to a unique but often neglected American art form. You won't find the occasional crassness or harshness of a Frank Sinatra here. Jim's gift is just as valuable as the late chairman's, even more so since it in unfettered by use of alcohol, overuse, or in anyway complicated, just the purest distilled essence of the art.

Pianist Stefan Karlsson offer very special support to Jim's style. His leanness is just what is needed here.

If you liked Chet, you will love Jim. If you have ever listened to Mose Allison you will also love Jim's originals on the great CD. "Walkin' the Dog" and "What's a Guy Supposed to Do" will provoke some very warm and happy thoughts. The version of "Slow Hot Wind" could stand alone as the definitive recorded version. It and the other great, seldom heard standards in this set are all masterpieces of interpretation. If you are into the essence of what musical poetry is all about, better put this CD in your shopping cart.

Jim Ferguson has done it again. His new CD has taken the ability to express heartfelt emotions seen in his first CD " Not Just Another Pretty Bass " and gone even further . His voice is smooth, warm , pitched beautifully to express the loss and love we have all felt at one time or another. The humor in " Walkin' The Dog " is subtle but true. The group blends as if they played together all the time and know each other's minds. There is no flaw or weakness to be found in this CD or group. And as you listen " In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning " you to will feel the poetic, fluid movement of the emotions of this great musician.

Jim has produced another first class album with more rarely heard(anymore) oldies and some great new material, including two tunes which Jim wrote and two of which he co-wrote. The two Ferguson originals,"What's a Guy Supposed To Do?" and "Walkin' The Dog", show the influence of one of his favorite singer/composers--Mose Allison. The lyrics are fresh and humerous. Jim does his usual outstanding work on bass and vocals. On several numbers he again proves himself to be one of America's top male ballad singers.

The rest of his top notch jazz group provides very tasty background with excellent solo work by Chris Potter on tenor sax, Stefan Karlsson on piano and Jim White holding things together with very cool, unobtrusive percussion work.

I recommend that this should be a part of all Jazz Lover's collections

What a wonder! Virtuoso, but subtle jazz bass and an honest warm jazz vocal talent to back it up. Granted, Jim is not competing in a very large pool of talent. . .the number of singing jazz bassists would probably fit in a phone booth, along with their instruments. . .but Jim is the real thing. A must listen.