Pink Martini Album: “Hang on Little Tomato”

I'm much better at book reviews than I am at music. Being a grandmother and (I confess) a great-grandmother, I didn't expect any of today's music to move me ... or even impress me.

BUT ... this album did it! I can't say--as one reviewer said-- that every song is pitch-perfect (my hearing isn't that good anymore), but I CAN say that I liked what I heard.

I have never had a martini in my long life, but I'm even sold on the name of these talented musicians. It has a "Bling Ring" to it!

Pink Martini has earned a cult following after the success of their independently produced and distributed first album, Sympatique. Seven years later comes Hang On Little Tomato, with plenty of what Pink Martini does best. This is truly an international gem, with songs in French, Italian, Japanese . . . oh, and English. The lead singer offers a lush alto interpretation as easy as warm caramel. With expert piano, harp, clarinet, trumpet bending blues notes with a classical underbelly and Latin rhythms, there is no other group that feeds the soul as satisfyingly. You will find many favorites on this album. From the romantic lines of the opener ("I know a falling star can't fall forever, but let's never stop falling in love") to the quirky title song, to the endering Lily ("Lily comes when you stop to call her; Lily runs when you look away; Lily leaves kisses on your collar; Lily Lily Lily Lily stay!") to the smoldering Una Notte en Napoli. I've not enjoyed a new CD in many many years . . . gee, since I was turned onto Sympatique.

There's no doubt about it: Pink Martini, the "little orchestra," is indeed one of the best kept secrets around--and I can't understand why! I myself only stumbled over them while browsing the Amazon web site. I listened to a few sound clips on my computer--and immediately ordered this CD! I was not the slightest bit disappointed in this CD; I was amazed at their talent and natural giftedness!

In Hang On Little Tomato, the second CD put out by a group called Pink Martini, there is a stunning and beautiful diversity of songs. I strongly agree with the reviewer who writes that "you can't lock this group into one category." The CD starts out with the very strong "Let's Never Stop Falling In Love" sung by China Forbes with a beautiful arrangement. There's the Croatian song "U Plavu Zoru" about a love that will not be. French love song aficionados get a real treat with the two songs "Dansez-Vous" and "Autrefois." There's a great Spanish song (in regular Spanish, not Castilian) called "Anna (El Negro Zumbon)." I loved it! The Italian love song "Una Notte A Napoli" is exquisitely performed. There's also a Japanese song lamenting a night of passion that can never blossom into a full love affair, "Kikuchiyo To Mohshimasu."

There is a singular beauty to this song set that is rarely surpassed; their talent is undeniable and very dynamic. Moreover, this CD is extremely romantic. I agree with the reviewer who writes that this is the perfect CD to play when making love! Regardless of what's going on, or even if you're just hanging out with no agenda on a lazy afternoon, this CD is perfect for you!

The CD packaging is superlative as well! There are numerous terrific photos of the group members in black and white that literally and figuratively gave a face to this awesome group of performers! There's even a photograph of Heinz, the barking dog! GRIN Full lyrics and credits are included along with extensive thanks to the many people and family members who helped Pink Martini produce this CD.

To be blunt, you need this CD! It is a terrific song set (with an ending instrumental) that will impress you beyond your expectations! I can only hope to see them perform live in the very near future and PLEASE, Pink Martini, wherever you are--PUT OUT YOUR NEXT CD! GRIN

Whenever a a band that had a really great first album comes out with the second there is always this question of "Will it be as good?" And the bar is set so high, that it's hard to say that a 2nd album could often outdo the first...

All I can say is that I can't seem to hold on to this CD because I keep giving it away to people because I think everyone should own this CD. I am singing the songs in my head and dragging the CD from the car to the house so I can keep listening to it.

China Forbes voice, their choices of instruments (like the clarinet on Hang on Little Tomato and the rhythm on El Negro Zumbon) are so right on the mark...they hit some kinda magical spot with each song on the album...they aim and it's a bullseye everytime. Each song seems to be crafted perfectly to sound exactly as it was imagined to be--whether it is a sad lullaby, a sassy cuban street rhythm, a silly inspirational etc.

It's an album for every collection, as well as Sympathique was.

Ahhhh... Pink Martini. The name just rolls off your tongue! The editor's review mentioned that this was the long anticipated second album and I completely agree! A coworker invited me to a Pink Martini show in Seattle in the Fall of 1998 and after seeing them, I was an instant fan for life. I usually listen to European New Wave/Synth-Goth and Brit-Pop so Pink Martini's music was completely different from what I normally listen to. I think they have been so successful in selling CDs because their music transcends the music genres and fans with different musical tastes can appreciate Pink Martini's unique sound. Since seeing Pink Martini live and buying their Symphathique album in 1998, I have had the pleasure of seeing them 10 or 11 times in Washington and Oregon state. It's so satisfying to own the second album so I can play my favorite songs I used to only get to hear live. My top three, much-anticipated songs on this CD are "Let's Never Stop Falling in Love," "U Plavu Zoru," and "Aspetta Mi." They sound incredible on CD - China's voice is so clear and smooth. Listening to this CD makes me want to dance or have a formal dinner party! I will enjoy this CD for many years to come.