Pink Martini
Jazz / Classical
Sympathique, released independently on the band's own label, has sold nearly 50,000 copies. The band leader is Thomas Lauderdale, a Harvard-trained classical pianist. Asked to describe his group's diverse style, Lauderdale says, "One of the phrases that has made sense lately is 'Cosmopolitan Rumba' . . . It's not world music, but worldly music. Some of it is Afro-Cuban, some of it is Brazilian, some of it is French music hall of the 30's, some of it is classical. In that sense, it's a post-modern project."
Fronting Pink Martini are Flamenco singer Pepe Raphael, who grew up in Spain and studied classical ballet under Mikhail Baryshnikov, and sultry singer China Forbes, who delivers a sensual version of "Que Sera Sera."
Other musicians include trumpet player Gavin Bondy, trombonist Robert Taylor, violinist Aaron Meyer, cellist David Eby, string bass player John Wager, guitarist Dan Faehnle, vibe player Doug Smith, drummer Richard Rothfus, and conga player Brian Davis, with Lauderdale anchoring it all with piano and direction.
With songs ranging from 60's instrumental stylings of "Andalucia" to Revel's "Bolero" to "Never on Sunday," Sympathique is a surprising find. The big band and swing sound is back in demand, and Pink Martini is a strong contender, with its accomplished musicianship and terrific multilingual singers.
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