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Pink Martini is a "little orchestra"[About Pink Martini from their official website] from Portland, Oregon, formed in 1994 by pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale. They blend genres of music such as Latin, lounge, classical, and jazz. Their music has often been described as "vintage music"Who
Discography - Sympathique (1997) Wrasse Records
- Hang on Little Tomato (2004) Wrasse Records
- Hey Eugene! (2007) Wrasse Records
- Discover the World: Live in Concert (DVD) (2009) Heinz Records
- Splendor in the Grass (2009) Heinz Records
HistoryOriginally brought together to play political functions in Portland
Pink Martini's debut album, Sympathique, was released on Pink Martini's own label, Heinz Records, in 1997. Over 1.3 million copies of the record have been sold worldwide
. The song of the same name is also featured on Putumayo World Music "World Lounge" CD.
In October 2004, the group released its second album, Hang on Little Tomato. In the transition from its first to its second album, guest-singer Pepe Raphael left to concentrate on his other band, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes. Lead singer China Forbes continued to write songs with Lauderdale.
Pink Martini songs appear in such films as In the Cut, Nurse Betty, Josie and the Pussycats, Tortilla Soup, Shanghai Kiss and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and have been used on television shows such as Dead Like Me, The Sopranos and The West Wing, among others
On New Year's Eve 2005, Pink Martini performed live at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon. This performance was aired live on National Public Radio's Toast of the Nation, and was recorded for a live DVD and later broadcast on US public broadcasting and French television.
Because Pink Martini has a larger-than-average membership, the group had trouble finding venues in other cities to play. With the help of a friend, Norman Leyden, it started performing with various orchestras across the nation. On June 1, 2007, the band appeared on the long-running BBC Two Later with Jools Holland TV music program. In mid-September 2007, the group returned to the Hollywood Bowl for three performances that included guest performers Carol Channing and Henri Salvador.
On June 14, 2007, Pink Martini performed on Late Show with David Letterman, performing "Hey Eugene".
Pink Martini played Walt Disney Concert Hall on New Year's Eve for the first two years it was open (2003/4 and 2004/5). They returned to play NYE there again in 2008/9.
Pink Martini recorded live during three performances at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with the Oregon Symphony between May 31 and June 2, 2009. An album of the performances is expected Spring 2010.
Their fourth studio album, Splendor in the Grass was released on October 27th, 2009.
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