Customer Reviews

Last First Kiss

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've waited a long time for a male crooner that could sing like Buble' and also write classic flavored original songs. I have found that in Tony DeSare. The truth is, Tony does not have a whole lot of competition in the young male crooner department. We've got Buble' on the top of the heap followed by Peter Cincotti, Jamie Cullum and Matt Dusk. Buble' and Cincotti only put out a new studio CD every 2 years and that leaves a big void. The appearance of Tony on the scene fills in the gap. The combination of smooth vocals and wonderfully crafted songs give DeSare the edge and his songs are only getting better. He also handles the great american songbook with style and originality. Top covers are "There Will Never Be Another You" , "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" and "Oh Look At Me Now." Top originals are "Let's Just Stay In", and "I'll Never Have Another You." All of us music lovers out there really need to support this guy. We need more of this type of singer and music on the market.

As the labels try to get a new handle on the adult market, it's hard to be an up and coming pianist/crooner today.
Trying to break the current mold, DeSare veers from the current pack, also trying to break out, but ditching the classics and moving recent works into more of an MOR bag, whether covering Carole King, King Cole or Prince. Keeping the music out of elevators and dentist's offices,along with his own compositions, ( where he pleasantly showcases his knack for both classic jazz standard-influenced songcraft, as on the poignant "I'll Never Have Enough of You," as well as more contemporary rock-influenced writing ) , DeSare interprets Prince's "Kiss," Carole King's "I Feel The Earth Move" and the little-known Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen "Come On Strong."
DeSare has a personality and puts it to good use, the defining thing that could separate him from the pack and let him make his move. He's got that thing soccer moms at Starbucks could relate to while impatiently waiting on her latte.
He is supported by a stellar backing enseble including bassist and co-writer Mike Lee, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen.
Best tracks : "Kiss", "I'll Never have Enough Of You" and "First Last Kiss".

This is probably the best jazz album I have ever heard. Tony DeSare's sophomore release delivers on all levels. There are some original songs here along with some remakes and they are all phenomenal! The title song doesn't disappoint, it's a beautiful ballad that will surely become a classic. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone. If you're not a jazz fan, after listening to this album, you will definitely become one.

I recently had the privilege of seeing Tony DeSare perform in the famed Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. This is where Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall got their big breaks. I can sum up the show with one word...wow. The entire audience felt the same. The applause and standing ovations from the typically reserved regulars showed deep appreciation for his extraordinary talent. Mr. DeSare's incredible delivery of standards and stellar originals seemingly teleports the listener to a warm, comfortable place in a simpler time. Resisting is futile as flavorful, beautiful tones bring a smile to the soul. Integral in his ability to deliver such an experience is his disarmingly pure charisma. The highly critical New York Times music reviewer Steven Holden seemed to agree; he printed a near rave review of the show in March. Tony DeSare is obviously destined for stardom. This is one very special human being. Last First Kiss and Want You are juicy, simply spectacular 'must have' albums. Give them as gifts and you'll hear 'thanks again- I love that guy' over and over. At least that's what I keep hearing.

I saw Tony DeSare perform in person with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in February 2011. He is the real, complete, deal! Plays piano to die for, has a voice that is sooooo good, and a great songwriter to boot! A compleat entertainer. His CD is wonderful!

Last First Kiss is a terrific album by Tony DeSare. Tony has the pipes to sing just about anything he wants to sing; and songs like the ones we get here prove it. He can write and play the piano, too! Tony's voice is as smooth as the songs on this CD; and that's special. This is perfect music to put on after a long, hard day at work as you just kick back and relax with a glass of your favorite wine. The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that artwork, too.

The album starts with Tony DeSare singing a cover of Prince's "Kiss." "Kiss" gets quite a smooth jazz arrangement that is strikingly different from the one Prince gave it; but it all holds its own very well. Tony's fine diction enhances his performance and that keyboard work sounds great, too. Tony handles the tempo key changes like the pro that he is and it's pretty amazing to think he's got all this talent. "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" is a classic pop vocal that again gets that smooth jazz treatment from this young and masterful entertainer; Tony never skips a beat and that piano is very elegant as he sings this so well.

"Let's Just Stay In" features Tony DeSare squarely front and center--and that's quite all right by me! The percussion, piano and more complement Tony's vocals perfectly--but wisely the music stays in the background; it never steals the show away from Tony. Great! "Come On Strong" has Tony swinging gently to make this number shine; and how's about that brass?

"Oh Look At Me Now" uses the piano to great advantage; and Tony sings this tune just as well as the best of them ever could! Tony delivers "Oh Look At Me Now" with panache and this number is a highlight of this album. "How Deep Is The Ocean" by Irving Berlin gets a very sensitive treatment from Tony; he makes this shine and he even manages to put his own stamp on it as he opens up and uses much more of his full vocal range--excellent! In addition, there's another gem in "Last First Kiss;" the title track sounds great when Tony performs it.

"They Can't Take That Away From Me" is a brilliant cover by Tony DeSare; he handles this with a lot of sophistication and his voice was made to sing great ballads like this one. Fred Astaire and the two Gershwin brothers would be proud! "They Can't Take That Away From Me" is another major highlight of this album. "I Feel The Earth Move" is an interesting cover of this classic tune by Carole King; Tony aces this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--his talent always carries him through. "There Will Never Be Another You" is rather poignant; and the CD ends very nicely with Tony DeSare performing "Lover's Lullaby." "Lover's Lullaby" is extremely pretty and it leaves me wanting more.

Tony DeSare possesses a world of talent; and if we're lucky he'll be sharing his gift with us for many years to come. He gets fine help here from Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar and Harry Allen who plays the saxophone. This is a must-have CD for his fans; and it makes a good starter CD for people just discovering his exceptional artistry. Catch him in concert if you can!

The other reviewers here are right on the mark. This man has talent, charm and intelligence gushing from every pore. I first heard him through the Singers and Standards channel on my digital cable channel at home and came into the living room to find out who the heck this voice was crooning away in my home. I later went to see him in person here in Austin, TX and was BLOWN away. I am rarely blown away by anyone, having cut my teeth (so to speak) on artists like Frank, Connee, Ella, Bing, etc., but Tony DeSare is the real deal. He's a fine jazz pianist and it would have been enough to just listen to his great playing. But on top of that, you have a voice that is pure, warm and enjoyable to hear. He's also a songwriter and, to top all this off, he is every bit as personable and approachable in person as anyone could want. My respect only grows as I hear him more. Treat yourself and buy his music and better yet, go see him when you can.

I own all 3 of Tony DeSare's cds, and this is my least favorite. It contains fewer standards and more original material (written by DeSare) than his other two albums.

This album seems to establish one mood and style, and rarely deviates from it. The slow, sultry jazz feel established with the opening song, Prince's "Kiss" dominates a large part of the album.

This might be a nice album to listen to as you cuddle up by the fire at home, or as background music during a dinner party or at a coffee house, but is a little boring to listen to during a long commute in the car. I think this is due to the lack of variety of styles which are present in both of his other cds, "Radio Show", and "Want You".

As a matter of personal preference, I would purchase either of those before I would purchase this one. "Want You" is my particular favorite.

This is just what you need on a day where nothing seems to be going right. Listening to Tony at work makes even the work day go by quicker! I love him.

DeSare emits a steamy and sexy vibe other singers of his genre have failed to generate. His voice is a fusion of the warm tones of Sinatra, the sensuality of early Connick and his own jazz style. The thing that sets him apart from the rest of the `Rat Pack' is his ability to write songs that blend seamlessly into his genre. To top it off, he is an amazing pianist whose skills mystify many of the other crooners on the charts today. Even vocalists who originated this contemporary jazz style were neither composers nor instrumentalists.

"Kiss" stands out as an album favorite. It is not only is it a great song, but it is a testament to the artist's ability to take a song that has been done well in the past and make it even better by giving it his own sensual twist. His heart-felt portrayal of his music distinguishes him from the "cheesy" stigma of the jazz vocalist. `Last First Kiss' is wonderful for dinner parties, a romantic evening or just for the pure joy of listening to an artist with genuine talent.