PIANO MAN BY PROXY

Tony DeSare salutes Billy Joel with
polish, power, and plenty of affection

Special thanks go to Billy Joel for changing the career path of the terrifically talented Tony DeSare. The program, Tony DeSare’s Billy Joel Songbook, is an audience-pleasing set that has DeSare honoring Joel’s songs with gusto—one formidable singer-pianist saluting another who inspired him. DeSare remains at Birdland for two shows a night through March 9 before heading to venues in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona).

There are energetic, respectful renditions of many gutsy, high-adrenaline Joel favorites you’d expect in such a set. If you anticipated “You May Be Right,” you would indeed be right—as well as “My Life,” “Movin’ Out,” “Only the Good Die Young” (on which he encourages the ready, willing, and able crowd to sing along on the title phrase), and the epic “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” At this particular restaurant/jazz club/bar, DeSare doesn’t hold back, unleashing muscular singing while pounding out impressive piano playing in full-throttle style. A mammoth medley collating numerous other hits serves up a bright bevy of Billy bonuses.

Pop-rock fans who prefer cover versions to stick closely to the original blueprints will not be dismayed; DeSare largely honors the established arrangements. Accompanied by deft bassist Dylan Shama and the forceful Michael Klopp on drums, the polished proceedings are too vibrant to resemble automatic-pilot karaoke, but listeners familiar with the original tracks will recognize the tempi, phrasing, and trademark shifts.

Given DeSare’s long track record interpreting jazz and standards as both a live performer and recording artist—and writing original songs along the way—one might wish he would inject more jazz into his Joel. Granted, many of the driving songs are tightly structured, leaving little room for improvisation or backphrasing. But the potential for adventurous risk-taking certainly exists. Those possibilities are fully realized—rewardingly—in a thoughtful, personalized, and passionate “New York State of Mind.”

Coloring inside the lines works well enough, but a more daring DeSare approach could yield fresh revelations. A few additional ballads might allow the trio’s sensitive side to shine even more. An emotional “Vienna” does exactly that. “She’s Got a Way” might further reveal vulnerability, while “So It Goes” travels in that direction. The tender “Lullabye” (“Goodnight, My Angel”) would also be a perfect inclusion—perhaps as a heartwarming encore.

Between-song patter is casual but informative. (Fun fact: One Billy Joel album initially struggled in sales until publicity erupted after the Catholic Archdiocese publicly condemned and banned it.) DeSare is charmingly down-to-earth in his commentary, ingratiating himself with listeners who may know Billy Joel’s persona and career more intimately than his own.

Particularly engaging was his true story about writing a work-for-hire advertising jingle—crafted overnight in the style of a certain Long Island legend—for a bus company that imposed strict requirements about the lyrics and content.

Tony DeSare. Photo by Vincent Soyez.

An unabashed devotee of songwriting craft, DeSare even suggested that Billy Joel’s pop compositions deserve consideration alongside the Great American Songbook giants such as Cole Porter and the Gershwins. Some might dispute that claim, but DeSare clearly knows the territory well, performing classic standards regularly in his concerts and recordings. His tour schedule also includes programs devoted entirely to Cole Porter’s work, and “New York State of Mind” here included a subtle Gershwin musical quote.

DeSare also shared the story of his own early career path. Once upon a time, in a small town north of New York City, the young music lover took a practical view of the world: few people become famous musicians. Instead, he planned to become an eye doctor and began college as a pre-med student.

Everything changed when he attended a Q&A event featuring Billy Joel. The superstar explained that while not everyone becomes a celebrity, many musicians can earn a living playing piano and singing. That moment opened DeSare’s eyes to a different possibility.

He briefly switched his major to business, but Joel’s words kept echoing. Instead of studying optometry, he began pursuing music more seriously—writing songs, practicing piano, and refining his vocal skills. Soon he found work performing at piano bars.

That experience mirrored Billy Joel’s own career detour years earlier, when contractual issues forced him to work under a pseudonym at a piano bar—an experience that famously inspired “Piano Man.” Judging by the atmosphere at Birdland, the patrons there were considerably happier than the lonely drinkers described in that song’s lyrics.

It’s also an interesting moment for Billy Joel’s public presence. Now 76, the singer-songwriter hasn’t released a new album in decades and has recently canceled some appearances due to health concerns. Yet his music remains highly visible: Joel holds the record for the most concerts performed at Madison Square Garden, a major documentary (Billy Joel: And So It Goes) has attracted widespread attention, and a trove of previously unreleased recordings is expected later this year.

Tributes continue as well. A two-CD Broadway tribute album, The Billy Joel Project, appeared last year, and an upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall will feature a wide range of performers—including Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of the man whose songs still inspire evenings like this one.

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Billy Joel Songbook
Tony DeSare 
Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th Street, New York
reviewed on March 6
plays March 6–8, 2026; two shows nightly
for tickets, visit Birdland

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