by Pink Martini List Price:$18.00 Our Price:$13.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Product Details
Media: Audio CD
Release Date: Tuesday, November 18, 1997
Label: Heinz Records
Average Customer Review: 0 Based on 0 reviews.
Sales Rank: 93
Tracks
1.
Children of Piraeus [From Never on Sunday]
2.
Acuarela de Brazil
3.
Lullaby
4.
Bolero
5.
Song of the Black Lizard
6.
Andalucia
7.
Donde Estas Yolanda
8.
Soledad
9.
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
10.
Sympathique
11.
No Hay Problema
12.
Amado Mio
Editorial Review
While the cocktail lounge fad has seen more than a few musicians climb aboard as a career move, the members of Pink Martini are no bandwagon-riding aficionados. Fronted by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini is the real article--a band that approaches the music with unwavering seriousness yet never forgets the fun at the heart of it. Sympathique, the band's debut album reveals an incredibly diverse musical vocabulary on the part of frontman Lauderdale. And what singer China Forbes lacks in range and dynamics, she more than compensates for in attack, approach, and a clear understanding of the material. While most of the songs are upbeat, in the hands of Lauderdale and Forbes, "Qué será será," with its dark atmospherics should be rechristened "Qué será noir." --Wayne Pernu
Top Customer Reviews
Rating:
5 An Under- the- Radar Masterpiece
Pink Martini comes from Portland, OR -- and it looks as if most of the residents of that great city have already reviewed the CD here. But those of us resident elsewhere probably won't stumble on Sympathique without a friend's guidance; my sister played it for me. One listen and I immediately went on line to buy what is a wonderful melange of musical styles from around the globe, superbly interpreted by Pink Martini. "Yolanda" could have come from one of Ry Cooder's trips to Havana. The overexposed "Bolero" is revitalized. "Que Sera, Sera" is starkly, then, on the final chorus, lushly uncertain, resigned, and introspective, as it was meant to be. "La Soledad" takes one back to Spanish radio's tango-tinged 60s pop -- hopelessly staid then next to the British-invasion, but wonderfully smooth and cool now. "Brazil," as expected, is samba and perhaps the weakest thing on the CD, too dramatic and weakened because, unlike most of the other vocals here, it is sung in English rather than the original language. Wonderful to hear the "Never on Sunday" theme again, in Greek, after decades, and the unique, haunting Japanese "Song of the Black Lizard" is a highlight as well. "Lullaby," one of two originals by group members Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes, puts a beautiful and understated conclusion to this varied and consistently superb work. The kids shown roller skating by the Eiffel Tower on the cover or, in the booklet inside, on the beach are unlikely to have this in their CD players. More's the pity. Doesn't matter if you are 13 or 81, if you love and buy music, this belongs in your library.
Rating:
5 Erudite, Mellow, Funky Delight
This is a stunning CD. It is a cohesive blend of Cuban, French, Greek, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, classical, and Brazilian music. It is a hit in Europe; one of the cuts was included on one of the trendy Parisian Hotel Costes' CDs. The music is hard to classify- Jazz? Latin? House? Retro? Whatever you want to call it, it is marvelous, sophisticated, quirky, cosmopolitan, and international. And believe it or not, the group Pink Martini comes out of Portland Oregon. The group includes 14 talented musicians, covering vocals, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, bass, guitar, piano, and percussion. Two cuts are augmented with the addition of a string orchestra and children's choir. This is their debut CD, and as far as I know the only one. It was recorded in 1996-1997 in Portland. I can only offer the highest praise for this CD. Anyone, of any age, should find at least several things to love here. The first cut, Amado Mio, is a Latin groove. You will want to dance the tango or cha cha, even if you can't. The instrumental No Hay Problema is next, continuing the Spanish flavor. The next cut is what led me to the CD: Sympathique. This song could have been recorded by Edith Piaf, or Josephine Baker. However, it is an original work by the lead vocalist and the piano player of the group. It is definitely retro-light, humorous, tongue in cheek (in French, but the booklet includes a translation); I LOVE this song!The next tune presents a remarkable plot twist. It is Que Sera Sera: yes, the song Doris Day made famous. It's the same song, but this is a twisted, chilling, haunted version. It's Doris Day meets Cirque de Soleil meets Fellini meets the Marquis de Sade. China Forbes' vocal is accompanied by an arrangement that is at once poignant, melancholic, light, discordant, tortured, wistful. This will blow your mind.To soothe us after this alarming excursion, Pink Martini then kindly brings us to a calmer, peaceful place, thanks to a Frederick Chopin interlude, which flows into another Latin-flavored original composition, La Soledad. Chopin cleverly keeps sneaking back into the song. It's a fascinating juxtaposition. The Spanish theme continues with Donde Estas, Yolanda! Another instrumental, Andalusia, features some fine trumpet. It's a mellow, uplifting, driving piece that shows off the instrumental talents of the group. The next song, Song of the Black Lizard, in Japanese, is from the film The Black Lizard. It is sad and beautiful, and unforgettable (like the film). This work also demonstrates the power of the trumpet, this time with a Chris Botti-like chill groove.The group stops next in Greece, with a slowed-down version of Children of Piraeus from the film Never On Sunday, which makes the song more poignant and wistful; and then cruises to Brazil with Acuarela de Brazil. The CD concludes with a reprise of Sympathique, this time called Lullaby. The tune is the same, but the mood is quite different-- full of longing, or looking back, or reminiscing. If I had the option of giving this a multitude of stars, I would. This is an amazing work. I'd love to see this group perform live. They are clearly a bunch of clever, literate, talented, sophisticated, fun-loving, worldly people. I thank them for creating a delightful CD.P.S. Is that Barbara Bush in the photo on the back of the CD?
Rating:
5 Here's another one!
Despite the hundred and twenty or so 5-star reviews already posted about this album, I felt I should raise that count by one and pitch in my two cents.I am, by nature, drawn to compilations. There's something about a disc full of artists that makes the purchase seem like more of a value. However, after listening to a few sound clips on amazon, I just had to pick up a copy of this album. After a good two hour listen with the disc on replay, all I've got to say is très magnifique! This is nu-lounge at its best. "Que Sera Sera" is my favorite track, as Pink Martini has taken such a different approach to the song. Have a listen above or take a peek at the opening sequence to the film "In The Cut," a murder mystery which features the track during the initial credit sequence. Much darker than Doris Day's rendition, China Forbes, Pink Martini's lead female vocalist, sounds downright melancholy as if admitting defeat with a sigh... "whatever will be, will be."As a person of diverse musical tastes, I think this disc can make itself appropriate (if only as mood music) in every person's life.
Rating:
5 Great mood music - European/Latin night club sound
When I went to hear Pink Martini sing and play with the Long Beach Symphony Pops Orchestra earlier this year, I had no idea what I was going to hear. I was tremendously impressed by their superb musicianship (the entire 10-member group), breadth of sounds created by their wide range of instruments, tonal quality of their lead singer China Forbes, how gracefully and fluidly she transitions between languages and melodies, and the group's ability to create a smooth, yet very upbeat, mood with their eclectic European/Latin night club sound. The audience gave Thomas Lauderdale, the pianist and founder of Pink Martini, a thunderous applause for his excellent, precise, and high-energy piano playing.Pink Martini's classy and entertaining style, great range of musical tunes, ability to work very well with an orchestra backing them up, and ability to engage the audience earned them an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience.My favorite song on Sympatique is Amado Mio. A couple of other songs that I like very much are Brazil and Andalucia. The Sympathique CD is an excellent collection of the songs they performed in concert and captured the sound very well. Adding this CD to your collection will surely expand the types of music you'll want to listen to.If you have a chance to see them in concert, it will certainly be a special treat!
Rating:
5 smooth, fun, and beautiful
What can I say about the band Pink Martini other than I wish they had more cds out? A lot of things actually. I love this cd to death! I've listened to it about a hundred times and it never gets old. The blend of classical, rhumba, jazz or whatever is so relaxing and fun and just gorgeous to listen to. This cd is never collecting dust at my house! If you are a music lover I don't know how you could not like this. I will admit I'm not in the mood for all of the tracks all of the time. But usually I cannot resist one more listen to Amado Mio, No Hay Problema, or Brazil. The music has a definite beat, great full sound, and absolutely gifted musicians behind it. Whenever I hear it I want to get up and dance and mostly what happens is people give me funny looks while I groove to it in the car... I would write more but I really don't have anything bad to say after listening to this cd for so long and it would probably boring for me to just blab on about how great it is. I highly recommend this cd and I hope that Pink Martini's next cd (which has been postponed by hundred years) will be out soon!
Rating:
5 It's all been said
So many people have written reviews on this cd that describe just how infectious it is, that I need say no more. My only comment is WHEN oh, WHEN is Pink Martini going to put out another album?!!! I'm beginning to lose hope. Thankfully I will probably never tire of this one.
Rating:
5 Sympathique, Fantastique!
Pink Martini is a Portland based band and therefore, I am already biased. However, if you enjoy truly great music by truly talented people, this CD is for you. Do you like old French clasics or just music that gets your soul moving? Then listend to some tracks and place your order!"Bolero" is absolutely beautiful! You can tell it's the original song, but their added and updated alternations of this piece makes it a new classic of their own. The cello intro is deep and throaty and when the piano moves in, you actually FEEL like you're in a different country, touring the vinyard hillsides...The lead female vocalist (China Forbes) has a wonderful voice and allows songs like "Amando Mio" to ring out and demand attention...again, listening to Thomas Lauderdale's fingers work magic on the piano allows this song to be one of their top pieces. And if that's not enough, both of these musicians graduated cum laude from Harvard University.This CD is almost 5 years old and their 2nd CD has been postponed for a couple years, sending the Portland crowd into a frenzy on the much anticipated next albulm due spring of 2003. The male lead vocalist is no longer with the band (Pepe Raphael on "Donde Estas Yolanda"), but his first solo albulm is excellent, respectively as well (Pepe and the Bottle Blondes) which turns out some great Spanish influenced songs that make you want to jump up and yell "Cha-Cha!!!"
Rating:
5 Still one of my favorites!
I bought this CD when it came out years ago -- frontman Thomas Lauderdale is an old friend of mine. Call me biased, but this CD is still one of my favorites! The music has universal appeal, blending big band, latin beats, campy lounge-lizard music, and classical pieces into a groovy and infectious package. I would have expected nothing less from Thomas. These songs have popped up as background music on the "Sopranos," in a Lexus commercial, and in several coffeehouses I've visited -- it's so cool to see Pink Martini getting the exposure and raves they so richly deserve!I just saw them live the other night, and they are even better in person. Unfortunately, CDs just can't record the sheer joie de vivre this group has -- they love what they do, and it shows. They opened with "Bolero," which was amazing, powerful, and breathtaking, and closed their encore with "Acuarela de Brazil," which brought people to their feet (it's hard to sit still to this music!)Those who love this CD would be happy to hear that the next CD is anticipated next year (one of the band members told me it was 2/3 in the can). They busted out a few new songs at the concert I attended, and, like "Sympathique," they ranged from lush classical renditions to clever tongue-in-cheek ditties. Pink Martini throws in a generous splash of international flavoring to create refreshingly original material (over the course of the night, lead singer China Forbes sang in Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Croatian), and finds inspiration in unexpected places. The "Song of the Black Lizard" was an homage to a Japanese drag queen; one new tune performed at the concert was inspired by a classic Heinz ketchup ad.Get this CD -- and try to see them live if you can!
Rating:
5 Simply Fantastic
Went to Oregon for a friend's wedding and discovered this CD (they used part of the music at their reception) and immediately fell in love with it--cannot stop playing it! The title track is simplly fantastic, as are the other tracks on this album. Some are upbeat, others haunting, still others evoke a sense of poignant wistfulness that is irresistible. And the reinterpretation of Que Sera Sera is brilliant. If Pink Martini is reading this PLEASE--put out another album--your fans are waiting!
Rating:
5 Magnifique
Ok...hokey review title aside, this is an excellent cd. I heard about it on NPR and had to buy it. China Forbes voice is unremarkable in range, but remarkable in depth and quality. The group itself puts together an outstanding set of songs. The sound is evocative of late night, smokey Latin Jazz dance clubs. The music, at times, either swings or sends the listener into a contemplative mood. Amado Mio is one of my favorites, it will make you want to find your significant other and dance. However, the best song on the cd is Donde Estas, Yolanda? It is a really fun song that the listener can sing along to, even if they don't know what they are saying. Que Sera Sera, Bolero and Brazil are all topnotch covers of some classic songs. If you are a lover of music that is different, but at the same time evocative of old sounds (combos, trios, big band etc) then this is the cd to buy. The sound is kinda a cross between Buena Vista Social Club, the Nat King Cole Trio, a speakeasie/smoke-filled jazz lounge, a film noir soundtrack, with a little Billie Holiday thrown in for kicks. I would also recommend Pepe and the Bottle Blondes.
Rating:
5 Without a doubt, my favorite CD in my collection
Simply put, this graceful compellation of sounds is my most favorite in my collection of over 600 albums. These Oregonians reach to all ends of the earth for musical inspiration and then brilliantly synthesize it into something entirely fresh. This CD is perfect for pleasing all generations of listeners, and if you get the chance, Pink Martini is fantastic in concert...nothing is done to their sound in a studio...all of the talent on all of the instruments is God given.
Rating:
5 wow! beyond words
This is such an incredible CD. I borrowed it from my old boyfriend, and immediately became so addicted to it I refused to give it back. I'd listen to it in the car, at home, and I'd sing the songs in my head at work and school. My favorites, which seem to be different from most everybody else's, were Sympathique and Children of Piraeus. Bolero, which is instrumental, is also fantastic. It's hard to just pick a couple of favorites, because every song on this CD is excellent. The range of music displayed on this CD is amazing, as the lyrics are in French, Spanish, and Greek, just to name a couple. Pepe's vocals on Donde Estas Yolanda and Le Soledad are also a nice break from China's singing, and continue to enhance the group. I've played this CD for many people, and nobody has disliked it. In fact, nobody has even been ambivalent--every body loves it! If you are considering buying it, just do it, you will not be disappointed. I promise!
Rating:
5 Variety is the spice of life!
When I heard Pink Martini in concert for the first time, I was entranced. After buying their CD, I proceeded to listen to it so much that I can now predict every cue in "Bolero" right on time! :) I have played the CD for quite a few of my friends, and every single one was converted. You will be too, I promise. As my title suggests, one great element of this album is its great variety in music. The songs range from lively to sexy to wistful, with styles from Latin to classical to ballad, in languages from English and Spanish to French and Greek! There is something for everyone on this CD. The rich voice of China Forbes alternates with the suave attitude of Pepe Raphael in the songs with lyrics, while brass, percussion, and of course Thomas Lauderdale's piano, dominate the others. This blend makes for a an album that's great for dancing, or for just plain listening to the beautiful music.
Rating:
1 Annoying vocals and bad french pronunciation
I listened to this cd as a fan of this genre, only to be immediately disappointed by the title track, which I believe is the one in French. While my French is by no means perfect, I can certainly pronounce it better than she seems to be able to, and could furthermore come up with more interesting lyrics! To top it off, her voice is amazingly grating. Try Paris Combo for some actual lyrical sophistication and complexity (and authentic french!)
Rating:
5 Beyond perfection!
I go this CD when in Oregon for a college interview and asked this random guy to pick out a CD that reflected the music scene on the West Coast at the time. If I only knew his name how I would thank him! This album is amazing, true artists, not just singers or musicians, diverse, interesting intelligent music for people who want to 'go somewhere' (besides some hip-hop disco)when they listen to music. Do yourself a favor and purchase one of the best jazz/folk/pop/classical albums produced in the last 10 years!
Rating:
5 terrific, favorite band in Portland, OR
if you live in Portland, you likely know what Pink Martini is. They are a great jazz/ operatic/ latin group which incorporates a lot of styles not found at all in modern music, and they blend it to create a style that is uniquely their own. This makes them one of the most creative bands today, for instead of rehashing older styles that work in rock or reggea, they create an entirely new musical vision that has no comparison. The cd is full of elaborate latin rythms and singing, most of the songs are sung in spanish (the title track is in french, a language I know nothing about. I dig the song, though). Martini is practically an institution in Portland, though they have had success in many other countries and across the U.S. I find that people who live outside Oregon are a little more critical of Martini; just relaz and listen to the music, folks! its good stuff! If you have never heard this band, get this cd and Hang On Little Tomato, which is a pretty good follow up to this one. Just trust that the music will be awesome!Portland Rocks!
