You will be hearing more of Tony DeSare. Vocalist, piano stylist, songwriter and recording artist, DeSare made a musically refreshing, smoothly paced and highly entertaining Oak Room debut in March. Youthful, slim and handsome, his delivery reminiscent at times of Sinatra yet with a directness that spotlights the songs rather than the singer, DeSare displayed an energy and quiet enthusiasm in performing that easily won his audience. His accompanying trio, rather than playing a support role, became an integral part of the music-making, with Bucky Pizziarelli front and center on guitar, a versatile Mike Lee on bass (and whistling), and an intense Brian Czach on drums. Among highlights: Bucky and Tony's quiet, moving duet on Irving Berlin's How Deep is the Ocean; the full band's driving version of the Gershwins' "Nice Work If You Can Get It;" and Tony's "discovery" of E.Y. Harburg's lyric-writing talents in the whimsical "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love." The program included five of Tony's own songs, including two written with Lee. A smart room will grab Tony DeSare for a perfect after-theater hour of fresh music-making.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
March 8, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org