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Here's a teaser of Just One of Those Things, from my concert with the Terre Haute Symphony on September 24, 2022. We recorded the whole concert which will be released soon. Until then, I'll release some singles from that concert. Here's one of my favorite Cole Porter songs with an orchestration I adapted from our quartet version.

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298: The Best is Yet to Come

Today is 1959's song by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. It was recorded famously by Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

Getting ready now to head to Los Angeles for my show Wednesday night at Feinstein's at Vitello's. Don't forget to join the livestream for Song Diaries Live which will be my 300th entry!

Get you livestream ticket here: https://www.stellartickets.com/o/vitellos-llc/events/tony-desare-song-diaries-live

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286: Sway

It's been a while since my last diary... between being on the road and having Covid it's been a long few weeks. My voice is starting to get back to normal though it's still a little husky.

This song was written in 1953 originally by Mexican composers Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz and English lyrics were added later by Norman Gimbel. I sang some of the Spanish lyrics, as well.

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288: Ain't That a Kick in the Head

I'm singing this Wednesday night with The New York Pops so thought it would be good to make a diary of it.

Had a great time in Florida and thanks to all who came to see the show!

Ain't That a Kick in the Head was written in 1960 with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was first recorded on May 10, 1960, by Dean Martin in a swinging big band jazz arrangement conducted by Nelson Riddle. Martin performed the song in the 1960 heist film Ocean's 11 in an alternate arrangement featuring vibraphonist Red Norvo and his quartet.

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Come Fly With Me (Live with the Terre Haute Symphony)

This is a clip from the first symphony show I did since the pandemic hit. Kudos to the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra and Maestro David Bowden for making this happen back in September with a reduced orchestra, outdoors and for a limited audience. Concert was September 27, 2020.

Please consider supporting the THSO here: https://thso.networkforgood.com/projects/82009-symphony-fund

#sinatra #franksinatra #comeflywithme #THSO


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Close To You - With the Terre Haute Symphony

This is another selection from my show in September with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

This is from one of my very favorite Frank Sinatra albums that he recorded in 1957 with the Hollywood String Quartet. Daniel Aizenshtadt played that lead solo violin part beautifully.

#sinatra #closetoyou

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Song 84: Paris Always Will Have You

Premiere of new song today!

#quarantunes #togetherathome #songsofcomfort

Walking along the Champs Elysee
I wandered by a small cafe
And as I wandered by a Bourdeaux beauty I did spy
I whispered in her eye
I don't know how you say but hey I like you so I think I'll say hi

Led to wine along the river
The Seine knew just when we kissed
Some say they'll always have Paris
But Paris always will have you

Every street like a masterpiece
and you the muse for every scene
The Louvre was just as moved by your Mona Lisa style
And as the sun sank down
Eiffel lent a trifle of delightful as the moon came around

We strolled in the grand cathedral
Notre Dame was aplomb with love
Some say they'll always have Paris
but I say Paris always will have you

Now when I wander back to Paris
Though I know you won't be there
Each place I wander by that we huddled that one night
There's your silhouette nigh
Dancing and romancing from Les Halles to fair Versailles and
Someday no one will remember that night of our rendezvous
But somewhere in the lights of Paris
Will burn the memory of you
Yes some say they'll always have Paris
But I say Paris always will have you
and me
just we
oi oi oi
Song 153: How Deep is Your Love

Another video with Edward Decker on the 7 string guitar. We are doing this one tonight with orchestra but with a great melody like this, it works in just about any instrumentation.

If you're interested in tonight's or tomorrow's shows, you can sign up for the livestream here: https://www.dso.org/events-and-tickets/curated-events/2020-digital-events

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Song 78: The Heartbeat of New York (Original)

Today I premiere a song that I started writing when I knew I was going to be moving out of Manhattan and didn't finish until last night. It started as a poem, which is unusual for my songwriting process. Been feeling a lot of emotions about the city that I love and helped get me in the place to finish this.

Here are the lyrics:

The Heartbeat of New York

So many people barely hanging on
By a thread or a silver spoon
And they each own a share of Washington Square
On a Tuesday afternoon

Yellow taxis purr then start to roar
A set of silhouettes lingers in the hall
That good girl next door isn’t home anymore
She’s running with the heartbeat of New York

These streets are paved with gold under cold concrete
They’ll take away your soul they’ll make you feel complete
And though they take their toll they’ll always be
The beating heart of New York City in me

A siren sounds down Fifth Avenue
Hark the holy angels sing in Herald Square
A trust fund troubadour sings the blues to marble floors
Strumming with the heartbeat of New York

In dreams of steel and stone mixed with blood and heat
I’ll make my way alone down 42nd street
And though this ain’t my home, I’ll never leave
The beating heart of New York City in me

Hearts beat as one some beat us down
Some lift us up some let us drown
And if I get lost, oh I know I’ll be found
In the beating heart of New York City
New York City in me

And as the Empire sun sinks on stormy seas
A million lights turn on this town that never sleeps
If I can make it here oh I’m down on my knees
To the beating heart of New York City
New York City in me

Under a streetlight on Delancey street
Or maybe on a bench somewhere in Central Park
I’ll meet you anywhere you want to go tonight
Living in the heartbeat of New York

#songsofcomfort #togetherathome #newyorkcity #iloveny #nycstrong #nystrong
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Song 86: I'll Be Seeing You

Today we have a special guest! My great friend, star vocalist Capathia Jenkins joins me on a special version of I'll Be Seeing You.

#togetherathome #songsofcomfort

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#leanonus #dayofgratitude #songsofcomfort #togetherathome

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Fly Me to the Moon", originally titled "In Other Words", is a song written in 1954 by Bart Howard. Kaye Ballard made the first recording of the song the year it was written. Frank Sinatra's 1964 version was closely associated with the Apollo missions to the Moon.

In 1999, the Songwriters Hall of Fame honored "Fly Me to the Moon" by inducting it as a "Towering Song". The song was featured in the 2003 film Down With Love
Tony DeSare went back to his hometown of Hudson Falls for the grand opening of the Strand Theater. Watch the whole video on YouTube.
Setlist:
Get Happy
Kiss
New Orleans Tango

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Band:
Piano: Tedd Firth
Bass: Dylan Shamat
Guitar: Edward Decker
Drums: Michael Klopp

Trumpet:
Scott Thompson
Dylan Canterbury
Vito Speranza
Rob Robson

Trombone:
Bill Palange
Bret Zvacek
Tyler Giroux
Mike Meidenbauer

Sax:
Keith Pray
Lee Russo
Nate Giroux
Mark Beaubriand
Jeanine Ouderkirk

Sound by David Harris and Josh Pechette
Video Shot by: Look Media
Production Producer -Jesse H. Jackson
1st Camera-Jack Hojohn
2nd Camera -- Dayna Peck

Edited by Tony DeSare
Audio mixed and mastered by Tony DeSare
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Featuring:
Tony DeSare - Piano and Vocals
Edward Decker - 7 String Guitar
Dylan Shamat - Bass
Michael Klopp - Drums

Recorded using Cubase Pro 10
Piano: Yamaha DC7XE3PRO
Vocal Microphone: Neumann M149
Audio mixed and masteres by Tony DeSare
Video shot and edited by Tony DeSare

"Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You" is a 1929 song written by Andy Razaf and Don Redman. It was recorded by the Redman-led McKinney's Cotton Pickers on Victor on November 5, 1929 as "Gee, Ain't I Good to You."[1]

It was later performed by The King Cole Trio. The single peaked at #20 on the national charts and was the group's final #1 on the Harlem Hit Parade.[2] The A-side of the song, "I Realize Now" peaked at #9 on the Harlem Hit Parade. It is usually played in E flat blues.

Other notable recordings of the song include versions by Fats Waller, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stanley Turrentine, Sonny Clark, Art Blakey, Ray Charles, Kenny Burrell, Diana Krall, The Coasters,[3] Bill Wurtz[4], and Geoff Muldaur.[5][6]

The song featured in the 1994 movie The Mask, performed by Susan Boyd who dubbed Cameron Diaz.

Deana Martin recorded “Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You” on her 2013 album Destination Moon.
Featuring:
Tony DeSare - Piano and Vocals
Edward Decker - Marchione 7 String Guitar
Brian Czach - Drums
Billy Thornton - Bass
John Sandfort - Tenor Sax

Lyrics:
I've had enough subway trains
take me down mysterious lanes
I've had too much I've had too few
But I'll never have enough of you

I've had enough of your all night talks
Had enough angry walks
Sometimes I've had it haven't you?
But I will never have enough of you

Say you need me say you care
Your love please do declare
You're the one that I will always sigh for baby

I've had enough Sunday blues
Paid enough hard earned dues
I may be crazy but it's true
I'll never have enough of you

Say you need me say you care
Your love please do declare
You're the one that I will always sigh for baby

I've had enough Monday blues
Dodged enough high-heeled shoes
I may be crazy but it's true
I'll Never have enough of you

Music and lyrics by Tony DeSare

Recorded on a Yamaha DC7XE3PRO into Cubase Pro 10.
Mixed and Mastered by Tony DeSare
Video produced by Tony DeSare
(c) 2006 Tony DeSare
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For Yamaha's Disklavier TV Network
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Featuring:
Tony DeSare - Piano and Vocals (Yamaha DC7XE3PRO)
Edward Decker - 7 String Guitar (Marchione Guitars)
Brian Czach - Drums
Billy Thornton - Bass
John Sandfort - Tenor Saxophone

"Somebody Loves Me" is a popular song, with music written by George Gershwin, and lyrics by Ballard MacDonald and Buddy DeSylva. This is not to be confused with the Southern gospel song written by W.F. & Marjorie Crumley. The song was published in 1924 and featured in George White's Scandals of 1924.

There were a number of popular versions in 1924 and 1925 by Paul Whiteman, Ray Miller, Marion Harris and Cliff Edwards (aka "Ukulele Ike") with the Whiteman version being top-rated.

One of the later better-known versions was by The Four Lads. This recording was made on August 18, 1952 and released by Columbia Records. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on October 18, 1952. It peaked at #22 on the charts.
Another quick take of one of my favorite Beatles' songs.
"Come Together"
Single by the Beatles
from the album Abbey Road
A-side "Something" (double A-side)
Released 6 October 1969
Format 7-inch record
Recorded 21–30 July 1969,
EMI Studios, London
Genre Blues rock[1]
Length 4:19
Label Apple
Songwriter(s) Lennon–McCartney
Producer(s) George Martin
The Beatles singles chronology
"The Ballad of John and Yoko"
(1969) "Something" / "Come Together"
(1969) "Let It Be"
(1970)
Music video
"Come Together" on YouTube
Audio sample
MENU0:00
file help
"Come Together" is a song by the Beatles written primarily by John Lennon[2] and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song is the opening track on the album Abbey Road and was also released as a single coupled with "Something". The song reached the top of the charts in the United States and peaked at No. 4 in the United Kingdom.
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Capathia Jenkins I in rehearsals for our new symphony pops show. We decided to record a little of the rehearsal. We both love Ray Charles' Hallelujah I Love Her So and it's in the show!

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My first 4k video!
I fell in love with George Gershwin's, Rhapsody in Blue when I was 12 years old. I learned it the best I could and then kind of left it behind until recently.
The version that I always loved most is the piano solo with Ferde Grofe's symphonic arrangement. Essentially this version is a hybrid between the symphonic version, with the invidiual instruments being played (or strummed) on acoustic piano , the piano solo version and the two piano version.

Recorded on Yamaha DC7X-E3PRO, May 4, 2017
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Rhapsody in Blue is a 1924 musical composition by American composer George Gershwin for solo piano and jazz band, which combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects.
Commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, the composition was orchestrated by Ferde Grofé several times, including the original 1924 scoring, "theater orchestra" setting published in 1926, and the symphony orchestra scoring published in 1942, though completed earlier. The piece received its premiere in the concert, An Experiment in Modern Music, which was held on February 12, 1924, in Aeolian Hall, New York, by Whiteman and his band with Gershwin playing the piano.
The editors of the Cambridge Music Handbooks opined that "The Rhapsody in Blue (1924) established Gershwin's reputation as a serious composer and has since become one of the most popular of all American concert works."
Buy this on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shes-always-a-woman-single/id1150108689
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"She's Always a Woman" is a song from Billy Joel's 1977 album The Stranger. It is a love song about a modern woman, with whom he falls in love for her quirks as well as her flaws. The single peaked at #17 in the U.S. in 1977, and at #53 in the UK in 1986, when it was released as a double A-side with "Just the Way You Are". It re-entered the UK chart in 2010, reaching #29. A Muzak version of the track is known to be one of the last songs played over the former World Trade Center complex before its collapse. The song is played in the compound time signature of 6/8.
Recorded live at the Smith Center - Las Vegas, NV March 26, 2016
Guitar - Edward Decker, Drums - Brian Czach, Bass - Kenneth Seiffert

Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dororthy Fields
From the Broadway Musical, Sweet Charity.

Sweet Charity is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by Bob Fosse starring his wife and muse Gwen Verdon alongside John McMartin. It is based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria. However, where Fellini's black-and-white Italian film concerns the romantic ups-and-downs of an ever-hopeful sex worker, in the musical the central character is a dancer-for-hire at a Times Square dance hall. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1966, where it was nominated for 9 Tony Awards, and also ran in the West End as well as having revivals and international productions.

The musical was adapted for the screen in 1969 with Shirley MacLaine as Charity and John McMartin recreating his Broadway role as Oscar Lindquist. Bob Fosse directed and choreographed this film.

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A tribute to the great arrangement by Quincy Jones and song (by Bart Howard) made eternally famous by Frank Sinatra.

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Cinematography: Robbie Vicencio
Band:
Michael Sailors - Trumpet
Benny Reid - Tenor Sax
Michael Klopp - Drums
Edward Decker - 7 String Guitar
Tedd Firth - Piano
Words and music by Bart Howard
Based on arrangement by Quincy Jones