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Biography
Thomas Lauderdale was working in politics, with hopes of one day running for mayor. He went to every political fundraiser and found that the music at these events was underwhelming. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world, putting jazz, old-fashioned pop and classical music into the mixing pot, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994, for the sole purpose of providing more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers. He later called up his classmate at Harvard, China Forbes, who was living in New York City and asked her to join Pink Martini. They began to compose music together. Their first single “Sympathetique” became an overnight sensation in France, and was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards. Forbes despite being monolingual sings in 15 different languages. With 10-12 musicians, Pink Martini performs their repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, The Middle East, and more. They made their European debut at Cannes Film Festival in 1997 and it’s orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998. They have gone on to play with over 50 orchestras around the world including the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and more.
Despite being on their own independent label, Heinz Records, they have charted internationally in Belgium, Canada, France, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, The US and the UK, especially their album “Hey Eugene!” which was released on May 15th 2007, and “Get Happy” released on September 24th 2013.
Most recently, they released and album called “Dream a Little Dream” which is a collaborative studio album by Pink Martini and the von Trapps, released on Heinz Records on March 4th 2014.
Live reviews
How do you explain the phenomenon that is Pink Martini? They are hard to describe - their songs span a range of different sounds, cultures and languages (we once counted 11 different languages before we stopped). It's alternatively world music, easy listening, a wonderful blend of classical, pop, big band and swing all bundled up into one gigantic package of awesome and tied with a multi-coloured bow of happiness.
All the band members are insanely talented, and all are showcased at different times as they run through their repertoire - Thomas Lauderdale on piano, China Forbes on vocals (we've also seen them with Storm Large singing as China was recovering from surgery, and she's no slouch in the vocal department either), the brass section, the percussionists, the string section - all the ingredients for a big band, and a big sound.
The best part is that they are, simply, one of the most fun bands you will ever see. Expect the unexpected! Have you ever seen a conga line weaving through the (usually) sedate Royal Albert Hall, or for the audience to be invited on stage to dance away as they play (as the band gets told off by security for this clearly unplanned event)? Balloons, confetti, streamers, with everyone on their feet dancing away, complete and utter chaos, but what a fantastic feeling!
Pink Martini are friendly and welcoming, and the best thing is that they seem to have such a good time performing, and are so relaxed and natural on stage, that you cannot help but be swept along on a wave of happiness. You will want to be their friend, and be a part of their happy, crazy, colourful, musical world. You know that feeling as you walk out of a great concert where you are still humming under your breath, have a little skip in your step and a big smile on your face? That's how you know you've been to a Pink Martini concert.
Meispace
For lovers of world music, jazz and classic pop Pink Martini is a must-see live band. The Oregon outfit have been working the live circuit for almost two decades and their classical approach to the live experience is really refreshing in the modern day. Performing fantastic tours as well as appearing at a number of esteemed festivals the group has really outreached their music to the masses and people who may not have naturally come into contact with their style of music otherwise.
The operation on stage is huge with an orchestral selection of musicians including an array of strings and a rich brass section. They all come together wonderfully to support the vocal talents of China Forbes and Storm Large who harmonise beautifully, knowing just how to react to one and other's vocals due to their dedicated time on the road. Every performer onstage seems to really throw themselves into the performance and it is clear to see they are so passionate for their respective instruments as well as the genres of jazz and classical. A class act with a huge amount of unrivalled talent.
sean-ward
My husband and I attended the concert at The Scottish Rite Auditorium Friday night. We had such a great time. I have been waiting to see Pink Martini with China Forbes for several years and they did not disappoint. They performed in seven languages. All our favorite songs and a lot more. The highlight for me was being invited on stage with the other women from the audience to sing two songs honoring women, Helen Ready’s “I am woman” and Dolly Parton’s “Working 9 to 5 “. I love this band and listen to them nearly everyday. Can’t wait til they come back to New Jersey!
karen-rinaldo-ogle
Pink Martini are the class of their own. For those who don't like rap or techno, and don't necessarily go to hard rock or heavy metal concerts Pink Martini are a perfect solution. The live in Lyon was Pink Martini at its best. Solid proper perfect performance - they sound exactly like on the CDs, which in this case is an advantage. All the best songs were sung (some together with the audience) in many languages. This was a really hard to forget experience
Krawczyn
It was a fabulous concert. Great music, high energy, and, thanks to China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale, entertaining participation by numerous members of the audience. I have seen all of Pink Martini's concerts in Toronto, and last night's performance was one of the two best ones.
I have loved this group for twenty years and always searching for a venue in New England to see them perform. My wife and I enjoyed last nights show in Concord NH. I’m hoping there coming to Cape Cod next summer where they have performed before so that we can see them again.
athanasoulas30
My third time seeing the band. A fantastic range of instruments and talented artists put together to create perfection. really love the fact they spend time explaining the roots behind each song and are welling to meet and greet afterwards. Love them? I adore them.xx
rubyshoos
Their shows are ALWAYS great altho some are better than others.
Would never miss one of their concerts if possible!
(Songkick: To require a review to be at least 30 words long is absolutely ridiculous and discourages future reviews)
gordon-matlock
This was perhaps the most enjoyable concert I have ever been to. So fun! Dancing, singing along, laughing! They really helped contextualize the music and make you feel involved. Absolutely love it! Would go again in a heartbeat.
anna.m.landis
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