The occasion for vocalist Doug Ferony's second album is a bittersweet one indeed. A tribute to his wife who recently passed away, the play list leans toward songs which tell stories of love and romance, despair and disappointment. Unlike his first album, where there was a big band with him on some cuts, here he works with just a piano. But like the first album, the pianist is the exceedingly accomplished Dena DeRose. Not only does DeRose sit in as a very sympathetic, aware accompanist, she also sings with Ferony on "I Fall in Love Too Easily," which turns out to be the album's choice track. This latest endeavor is an improvement over the first one in another important respect: Ferony doesn't try as hard. The result is a far more relaxed performance revealing a softer, more pleasant side of the singer's vocal technique. The musicianship is more solid, more assured, and more rewarding for the listener. Such tunes as "Good Morning Heartache," "Time After Time," and the Bing Crosby favorite "Moonlight Becomes You" are pulpits which allow Ferony to demonstrate his uncommon awareness of the lyrics. This, coupled with a good sense of timing and use of the thoughtful pause, makes the album a gem of vocal art. Judging from his work to date, Ferony is determined to do his part to keep alive the tradition of the performing entries in the Great American Popular Songbook established by those male vocalists who have gone before him. Time After Time is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan