Friends chime in on Pink Martini’s new ‘Splendor’

Different voices, cameos dot Portland orchestra’s new CD

By Jason Vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Oct 22, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

LAUDERDALE

Bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale says that Pink Martini’s newest album, “Splendor in the Grass,” to be released Tuesday, Oct. 27, came together quickly – “almost a first-take thing,” he says.

And Lauderdale says “Splendor in the Grass” could end up being right there with “Sympathique,” the Portland orchestra’s debut album, as far as quality of music.

“I love it. I literally cannot stop listening to this album,” Lauderdale says. “I turn up the stereo and drive … it’s a little embarrassing.”

True to its diverse, eclectic roots, Pink Martini put out the 14-song album, featuring nine originals, cuts in five different languages (English, Neapolitan, Italian, French, Spanish) and several cameos.

Ari Shapiro, National Public Radio’s justice correspondent, sings “But Now I’m Back.” Lauderdale says he and Shapiro, who grew up in Portland, became friends during the recording of Pink Martini’s second album several years ago. “But Now I’m Back” serves as a companion song to “And Then You’re Gone.”

Famed ranchera singer Chavela Vargas chimes in with “Piensa en mi.”

The Tsunami Singers of the Pacific Youth Choir help back lead singer China Forbes and multiple instruments in the New York ballad, “New Amsterdam.”

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