Last First Kiss - 287

Amazon.com It wasn't long ago that people were bemoaning a paucity of visible male jazz singers. Now, with the emergence of slick young vocalists like Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum and the continued success of more mature artists like Kurt Elling, Kevin Mahogany, and Harry Connick, Jr., the field is getting a bit crowded. But there's still a shortage of men who have the depth and individual style of female counterparts including Diana Krall, Karrin Allyson, and Dianne Reeves. With his second album, 30-year-old Tony DeSare, yet another proficient Sinatra imitator, will likely gain listeners with his easy-swinging vocals and cocktail-smooth piano playing, spiked as it is with Erroll Garner effects. But for all its surface appeal, Last First Kiss fails to hold interest. A mix of standards by the likes of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, pop tunes by Prince and Carole King and originals by DeSare, the album has a kind of American Idol-does-jazz feel. It's never lacking in energy or enthusiasm but rarely leaves you feeling any of it matters. --Lloyd Sachs Product description One thing that differentiates the ascending career of the vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare from his contemporaries (think Jamie Cullum, Peter Cincotti and Michael Buble) is his ability as a songwriter, something which is superbly showcased on his second Telarc release. With a sexy and distinctive sound, the charismatic singer/pianist's new recording spotlights a refreshingly sophisticated and contemporary combination of four originals and nine standards, from Prince's "Kiss" and Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move" to classics like "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" and Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen's under-recorded gem "Come On Strong." The recording also features the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, a horn section that includes saxophonists Harry Allen and Bob Malach on four tracks, and Tony's long-time sidemen Mike Lee on bass and Brian Czach on drums. Personnel: Tony DeSare - (vocals, piano), Harry Allen - (tenor saxophone), Bucky Pizzarelli - (guitars), Bob Malach - (tenor saxophone), Glenn Drewes - (trumpet), Keith O'Quinn - (trombone), Mike Lee - (bass), Brian Czach - (drums), Tedd Firth - (piano, B3 organ)
ASIN: B000LPR4OY
VSKU: GGV.B000LPR4OY.LN
Condition: Like New
Author/Artist:Tony DeSare
Binding: Audio cd