Pink Martini
Biography
Pink Martini is a musical group that was formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1994 by pianist Thomas Lauderdale. Known for their unique blend of musical genres, they describe themselves as a "little orchestra" that crosses styles such as classical, Latin, traditional pop, and jazz. The band's lead vocalists are China Forbes and Storm Large.
Formation and Early Success
Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini after being disappointed with the music at political fundraisers. He aimed to create a more beautiful and inclusive soundtrack for such events, drawing inspiration from music across the world. In 1995, Lauderdale invited his Harvard classmate China Forbes to join the band, and they began writing songs together. Their first song, "Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)," became an international sensation, particularly in France, where it was nominated for "Song of the Year" at the Victoires de la Musique Awards.
Musical Style and Influences
Pink Martini's sound is a global cocktail of genres, including swing, world music, cabaret, and film music from the 1940s and 50s. Their influences range from Cole Porter and Duke Ellington to French icon Édith Piaf and Latin greats like Xavier Cugat. The band performs a multilingual repertoire, with songs in over 25 languages, reflecting a desire to be citizens of the world. Their performances often feel like a musical travelogue, taking the audience from a samba parade in Rio to a 1930s French music hall.
Band Members
The core of Pink Martini consists of Thomas Lauderdale on piano and China Forbes as the lead vocalist. Over the years, the "little orchestra" has featured a dozen musicians, including a horn section, strings, and percussion. Storm Large has also served as a co-lead vocalist, notably when Forbes had to undergo vocal surgery. Other long-standing members have included Robert Taylor on trombone, Gavin Bondy on trumpet, and Phil Baker on bass.
Discography and Achievements
Pink Martini released their debut album, "Sympathique," in 1997 on their own label, Heinz Records. This album earned them nominations for "Song of the Year" and "Best New Artist" in France. They have since released several successful albums, including "Hang On Little Tomato" (2004), "Hey Eugene!" (2007), and "Joy to the World" (2010). The band has sold over 3 million albums worldwide. They have performed at prestigious venues around the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Royal Albert Hall, and have collaborated with over 50 orchestras.
Collaborations
Throughout their career, Pink Martini has collaborated with a diverse array of artists. These include the von Trapp family great-grandchildren on the album "Dream a Little Dream" (2014) and singer Saori Yuki on the album "1969" (2011), which was certified platinum in Japan. Their album "Je dis oui!" (2016) featured guest vocals from Rufus Wainwright, Ari Shapiro, and civil rights activist Kathleen Saadat. Other notable collaborators have included Phyllis Diller, Meow Meow, and Michel Legrand.