Singer Tony DeSare and BSO deliver a musical valentine

When a performer is touted by some as "a lean baby Sinatra with burning brown eyes and flashing teeth," it would stand to reason that said performer knows how to deliver a love song. Tony DeSare, the subject of that comparison, not only sings the classic American love songs -- he writes them.

"My style of songwriting is perfect for a valentine's show," said DeSare, matter-of-factly, yet sincerely. He knows that it will ultimately be up to audiences to decide, when he stars at the Music Center at Strathmore Thursday with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the SuperPops program, "A BSO Valentine." Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly leads the orchestra, along with singer, pianist and songwriter DeSare in a program dedicated to musical romance.

"I really believe his songs are going to be part of what we call the American Songbook," said Everly, who first heard DeSare in a New York City club many years ago. "His songs are for the next generation and they're quite wonderful."

Deemed a "Rising Star" (2009DownBeat Critics Poll) among contemporary crooners like Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jr., DeSare is well received by audiences worldwide.

"I try to avoid the word 'crooner' because it sounds like someone only grandparents would listen to," DeSare explained. "When I'm doing a Cole Porter or a Prince [song] I like to feel I'm approaching it with a fresh outlook, [as though] it could have been written in this decade, even though it's a classic."

To that end, DeSare carefully picks the standards that he sings, the ones he feels are timeless. His repertoire tonight will include such classics as "Fly Me to the Moon," "Night and Day" and "Moon River."

"One half of the show will be me at the piano and one-half will be me singing along with the orchestra," DeSare continued. "I'll do several of my own songs [including] 'How Will I Say I Love You?' and 'Too Late.'"

How about "My Funny Valentine?"

"Of course," said Everly. "I never get tired of these songs."