Pink Martini was formed in 1994, in Portland, OR, to play political fundraisers.
Whenever we listen to lounge orchestra Pink Martini, we conjure a mental image in which we’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, with fascinating, worldly guests who eventually clear a space for dancing. In our fantasy, we’re wearing vintage Chanel or a cocktail dress from Betty Draper’s Mad Men closet, and, of course, the 12-piece ensemble is playing in the background. Bandleader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale has said, “If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band,” which makes sense of our daydream.
Lauderdale’s U.N. analogy also is appropriate when we consider the band’s beginnings; the Harvard grad and classically trained pianist formed Pink Martini in 1994 in Portland, OR, to play political fundraisers for such causes as civil rights, affordable housing and public broadcasting. In 1995, China Forbes, a Harvard classmate of Lauderdale’s, joined the band. Pink Martini has played with an impressive array of symphony orchestras throughout its career, including the Boston Pops, San Francisco Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Throughout Splendor in the Grass (Heinz Records, 2009), the follow-up to 2007’s Hey Eugene! (Heinz Records), Pink Martini continues to travel the globe music-wise and journey through time for an eclectic, yet cohesive collection of songs. Musicians listed in the credits for the latest album include members of the Harvey Rosencrantz Orchestra, as well as a diverse array of guests artists. Courtney Taylor-Taylor, frontman for garage-pop band the Dandy Warhols, plays guitar on the title track, while Emilio Delgado (“Luis” of Sesame Street) has a duet with Forbes in the English/Spanish cover of Joe Raposo’s “Sing.” Legendary ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, 90, a former lover of Frida Kahlo, lends her vocals to the haunting “Piensa en mi.”
The sassy “And Then You’re Gone,” in which Forbes washes her hands of a wandering lover, is cheekily followed by “But Now I’m Back,” performed by Ari Shapiro, a National Public Radio justice correspondent. He sings about how he just set out for a snack and is at the door, contrite with flowers in hand — but he does have to meet the fellas soon, and could he perhaps borrow some cash? Other standout tracks include the enchanting “Ninna nanna” and the highball tones of “Ohayoo Ohio.”
We think the aptly named Pink Martini is perfect for a cocktail party or post-dinner relaxation time. What’s your favorite music to set the scene for a gathering?