A lthough in recent years, pop-jazz music has flown under the mass-media radar, one promising young talent is making noise and receiving critical acclaim. With gracious nods by the likes of The New York Times and United Press International for his seemingly effortless performances and Rat Pack demeanor, Tony DeSare is flying high in the pop-jazz music world.
Now, with his third CD entitled “Radio Show” slated to be released on Jan. 27, DeSare will perform at a concert and benefit dinner presented by the Hudson Riverfront Performing Arts Center (HRPAC) at the Chart House Restaurant in Weehawken on Nov. 23.
The legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, who has performed with Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet, will also perform at the concert dinner to benefit HRPAC, which provides free concert series to the North Hudson community.
HRPAC is also raising money to eventually build a performing arts center on the Weehawken waterfront.
“This dinner is very important to HRPAC,” said executive director of HRPAC Bruce Sherman. “Times are tough for non-profits. [This] a great opportunity for the public to show its support for what we do.”
A forgone era
With the recent success of his previous two albums, DeSare is now awaiting the release of his first concept album, which recreates a WWII-era radio channel.
“It’s a statement to 20th century pop,” DeSare said. “The first song is from the ’30s; the next is from the ’40s.” From Bob Dylan to Johnny B. Goode to Phil Collins, each song is a tribute to a decade past.
“I wanted the album to work on its own, and play like a live show, with transitions and a beginning, middle, and end,” DeSare said. “The kind of feeling you get on an hour-long drive, when you’re flipping through [the radio] trying to find your favorite songs.”
In the process of creating the album, DeSare learned about past eras. According to DeSare, today’s music has yet to produce a defining voice.
“Every era [in music] has had such a strong tie to what was going on socially at the time,” DeSare said, “and it just doesn’t seem that music is as important in our lives anymore. There are so many things vying for our attention – so much noise.”
DeSare feels it is important to remember the music of the past century, and he continues to perform for all those willing to listen.
One of the interesting challenges encountered while reconstructing songs, DeSare said, was making a Prince tune sound like it was a hit in the ’40s.
Polishing his chops DeSare grew up in the suburban town of Glens Falls, N.Y., a town of about 30,000, and after studying the violin for many years, finally persuaded his father to buy him a small Casio keyboard. After seeing the young musician’s talents on the keys, his father bought him a full-sized piano and enrolled him in piano lessons.
After honing his craft at local gigs, DeSare moved to New York to pursue a career in music. He landed a “blue-collar” music gig as the piano-playing Sinatra in the off-Broadway play “Our Sinatra.”
Playing eight shows a week was a step in the right direction, DeSare said.
“It taught me about being able to perform when I was in the mood, and when I wasn’t,” he said. “It taught me how to deliver a good show.”
Now, DeSare has played with greats like the Duke Ellington Orchestra at the Birdland Theatre in Manhattan.
“The Birdland has such a great history, and to be even a small part of that is something,” DeSare said.
With recent recognition, DeSare remains humble.
“It feels great to get recognition,” DeSare said. “I really just want to continue playing, and getting that recognition makes me feel like I can keep doing this 10 years from now, which is really exciting to me.”
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with a pre-concert reception at 6 p.m. and a full sit-down dinner at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $250 and are on sale now at www.hrpac.org, or by calling (201) 352-1750.
For more information on Tony DeSare please visit: www.tonydesare.com. Comments on this piece can be sent to: current@hudsonreporter.com