September 20, 2011 | Review from Indianapolis Examiner

‘Dreamy’ DeSare beguiles Cabaret audience

Tom Alvarez, Indianapolis Performing Arts Examiner A female fan was overheard remarking that Tony DeSare was “dreamy” as she exited his show Friday at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club. Her reaction summed up the effect the good-looking singer with a brilliant smile had on an audience beguiled by his music and charm.

DeSare, who is also a pianist and songwriter, performed a set consisting of standards and original material, some of which will be on his forthcoming fourth CD.

Referred to as a “baby Sinatra” in a New York Times review, DeSare also is often compared to crooners Connick and Buble. What sets him apart from the others, however, is his distinctive voice, phrasing, musicality and storytelling ability.

Nowhere is DeSare’s talent for communicating the meaning of a song more evident than during ballads, when he slows the tempo and really takes his time to languorously sing lyrics.

Advertisement Cole Porter’s “Just One of Those Things;” a melancholic, yearning-filled rendition of “My Funny Valentine;” “Prelude,” from DeSare’s “Radio Show” CD and “Baby Dream Your Dream,” from the musical “Sweet Charity,” were some of the songs performed during the first part of DeSare’s act.

DeSare also sang “Chemistry.” One of his original songs, it illustrated his ability to write a song that captures the lighthearted flavor and sound of those prevalent in the American Songbook.

Demonstrating his ability to interpret a song in ways that are completely unexpected, DeSare opened the second act with an up-tempo instrumentation of “Autumn Leaves.” Fingers flying across the keys, DeSare showed his virtuosity as a pianist.

“Phone at Home Blues,” which he introduced as an “existential crisis causing 2lst-century anxiety,” was another of DeSare’s original ditties included in his program. It was an amusing tune to those present who could identify with the frustration felt when one’s cell phone is left at home.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops Conductor Jack Everly and his collaborator, producer Ty Johnson, who were present in the audience, were introduced by DeSare. Previously he performed with the ISO in two Pops concert and in a Symphony on the Prairie Concert – “Sci-Fi Spectacular,” in 2010. Paying tribute to fellow “Trekkie” Johnson, DeSare sang “Would You Like to Trek to a Star?”

DeSare, who looked like the quintessential piano man, dressed in tie, vest and shirt with cuffs rolled up, also performed “Moon River,” “That’s Life” and a wistful “Two for the Road,” prior to closing his set with Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah I Love Her So.”

When Cabaret managing and artistic director Shannon Forsell introduced DeSare prior to the second act, she quoted a critic. Essentially, that individual thinks DeSare is not only more talented than Connick and Buble but could be just as well known, were he marketed as aggressively as they. Without a doubt – this writer concurs.

March 9, 2011 | Vote for Tony's version of "Kiss" on NYmag.com

Glee vs. YouTube: Who Did ‘Kiss’ Best? "Okay, guys, bear with us: We've decided to put Glee back into the voting, because — as THATGUYV kindly reminded us — if they're the impetus for the poll, they should be in the poll. That said, we were so relieved that last night's Glee did not turn into the long-awaited-wait-not-really reunion between Will and Emma that we decided to honor Will's duet with Holly Holliday, a tango-ized version of the Prince song "Kiss." YouTube offered an international sampler of competing renditions: the so-called Burso Orchestra from, we think, Denmark; Altiyan Childs from the Australian X Factor; and jazz vocalist Tony DeSare performing in Tokyo. [Note: Tom Jones was disqualified. We will have no ringers in this fight.]

Watch 'em below and tell us who's best ..." Follow the link below to vote.

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/03/who_did_it_best_kiss.html

December 28, 2010 | Tony in NY Post's Page Six

From Dec 28 NY POST..."The monster blizzard didn't deter Regis and Joy Philbin along with Joe Torre and his wife, Ali, from attending Sunday's wedding of Café Carlyle singer Steve Tyrell to Karen Pulaski. The bride and groom were also serenaded during the reception at the Carlyle Hotel by Bemelmans Bar singer Tony DeSare, whom Tyrell later joined at the bar in a duet. It was a great week for Tyrell, who serenaded Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton at Café Carlyle on Thursday night."

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/philbins_ask_what_snow_3SrNhhLpv4xy5aw00DTjgL#ixzz19Qj47li8

April 15, 2010 | New Music Video shot in Los Angeles at the Steinway Showroom.

Check out the new video! It's a new original song called "How I Feel For You". I shot it last month in LA at the Steinway showroom in Hollywood and it was directed by Brian Herzlinger. The track features Ed Decker on guitar, Steve Doyle on bass and Mike Klopp on drums. Feel free to repost and share to get it out there! How I Feel For You - Tony DeSare Video

February 23, 2010 | Review of show with Indianapolis Pops

Here's the review from the Indianapolis Examiner for the show with the Indianapolis Pops. Click here to read it off the Examiner website

"Tony DeSare is often compared to modern day crooners Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr.However, based on his stunning performance this past Saturday evening in a Valentine's Romance concert, with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, it is safe to declare that DeSare's style is closer to that of the late Frank Sinatra, who was a master of phrasing and interpreter of lyrics.

Though possessing a similar stage presence, sensual sound and the lean looks of a young Sinatra, DeSare nevertheless proved that he is a multi-threat original when it comes to his other gifts as a songwriter and pianist---talents which were on ample display during this concert.

In a program filled with song selections from the American Songbook, the always effervescent Jack Everly, Pops conductor of the ISO, led the orchestra comprised of exceptional musicians, with his usual skill and flair.

Setting the tone for an evening dedicated to love, the concert's first half included songs such as Moon River, a medley of songs composed by Johnny Mercer (which included Jeeper's Creepers), and  Laura. Also included was the theme from the 1963 film, Charade.

The second half of the concert consisted of vocals and piano solos performed by DeSare, accompanied by his own musicians---Steve Doyle on bass, an amazing Edward Decker on an electric seven string guitar and the entire symphony orchestra.

Alternating between the piano and mike stand, DeSare was poised and at ease as he sang both standards and his own compositions.  Moving effortlessly about the stage and bantering easily with the audience, he conveyed a charm and showmanship which connected him solidly to an engaged audience and showcased his considerable appeal.

As his image was broadcast by live cameras and projected on a large screen suspended high above the orchestra, the telegenic DeSare sang classics such as That Old Black Magic, Just In Time, My Funny Valentine, One For My Baby, I Love A Piano, and Dream Your Dream from the musical Sweet Charity.

Illustrating his prowess as a songwriter, DeSare also performed three of his very pleasing original songs which included, Will You Marry Me:, That's How I'll Say 'I love You' and Let's Just Stay In, which is featured in the current 20th Century Fox Film, The Tooth Fairy.

Demonstrating both his jazz and piano virtuosity, the versatile DeSare delighted the audience with a totally unexpected vocal rendition of Kiss by Prince and later, a piano solo in which he performed an unconventional Autumn Leaves with an originality and passion that was astounding.

For more information about DeSare, visit his website at www.TonyDesare.com. For information about upcoming ISO concerts, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org or call 317/639-4300"

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