Pink Martini - Our Favorite International Cocktail Shakes It Up with Hey Eugene!

Many folks might still be in the dark about the magical wonder that is called Pink Martini, but consider yourself musically enlightened with their recent third release, Hey Eugene! Hailing from Portland, Oregon, this supremely gifted 15-piece 'little orchestra' first wowed the international music scene with their dazzling music in Sympathique, following with their second hit album Hang on Little Tomato.

From the nostalgic "Everywhere" to the lively "Dosvedanya Mio Bombino (Farewell My Bumblebee)," there is literally something for everybody, as lead singer China Forbes also sings in French, Japanese, Brazilian, Spanish and Arabic. One of my favorite tracks is "Tempo Perdido." As Forbes' plaintive voice delivers the sad lyrics, its latin rhythm is accented with upbeat background vocals from a high school gospel choir.

The beautiful Japanese number "Taya Tan" is the perfect medium to channel Forbes' vocal talent. Breathtakingly mysterious and ethereal, her voice expresses the singer's longing desire to be near her lover. It sent shivers up my spine when I listened to this song in a recent live performance. Her singing has cultivated a refined finesse since the first album, and I'm impressed to see her tackle each foreign language with such fluent passion.

Other songs to check out are "Ojala," the light French cabaret number; the pretty melody in "Cante e Dance" will make you feel as if you're on a private beach somewhere, sipping on a fruity cocktail. The album finishes with a sultry "Tea for Two" duet with Forbes and legendary Jimmy Scott, a special treat for jazz lovers.

It's so rare to find timeless music that you'll listen to again and again, but Pink Martini succeeds in this. Bringing a sophisticated mix of cultural elements to their repertoire, their songs carry a universal message of joy and beauty. I highly recommend their concerts, if you're lucky enough to see them in your hometown. It's so fun, you'll be dancing and clapping along with them each and every time.

www.pinkmartini.com

Sample the tracks here: www.pinkmartini.com/hey_eugene/pm_eugene.html

-Tami