Tony DeSare - Last First Kiss
Artist: Tony DeSare
Title: Last First Kiss
Label: Telarc
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
The Telarc label has assembled a strong cadre of singers. One of those vocalists, Tony DeSare, has a new release Last First Kiss. This disc is comprised of romantic love songs that support the title's mantra. One of the most notable selections is Gershwin's classic, They Can't Take That Away From Me. DeSare's lyrics are refreshing and the band's treatment of this classic is equally delightful. In fact, the band shines throughout the entire disc, supporting DeSare's sensual excursions.
DeSare demonstrates his versatility even to the extent of covering Kiss, a song by the purple-clad symbol, Prince. The bluesy nature of this selection, thanks to the B3 organ gymnastics of Tedd Firth, stands in contrast to the candle-lit atmosphere created by There Will Never Be Another You. There Will Never Be Another You shows DeSare at his best as a tactical dissector of ballads.
The band stretches out on Come On Strong, a sweet song that combines vocalist-meets-big band ingredients. Overall, Last First Kiss is a collage of impassioned lyrics and soothing melodies that will be treasured by many during the daylight, but, perhaps more likely, during the evening hours.
Track Listing: Kiss/ Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You/ You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To/ Let's Just Say It/ Cone On Strong/ I'll Never Have Enough Of You/ Oh Look At Me Now/ How Deep Is The Ocean/ Last First Kiss/ They Can't Take That Away From Me/ There Will Never Be Another You/ Lover's Lullabye.
Personnel: Tony DeSare – vocals, piano; Tedd Firth – piano, B3 organ; Bucky Pizzarellie – guitars; Mike Lee – bass; Brian Czach – drums, suspended cymbals; Glenn Drewes – trumpet; Keith O'Quinn – trombone; Bob Malach – tenor saxophone; Harry Allen – tenor saxophone.