CONCERT REVIEW: Dosvedanya, Pink Martini!

It seems like the small orchestra under the name of Pink Martini- there were 13 musicians on the stage- has taken what world music has best and unified everything in a concentrated shot. This was the third time Pink Martini have played Romania, but the first open-air concert at Zone Arena. Even from the start, this act showed the public respect and were quite punctual, kicking off the concert at 9 p.m.

The leader of the orchestra, pianist Thomas Lauderdale was full of surprises that evening. He introduced the songs in Romanian to an audience of roughly 8,000 who applauded this effort generously. But one of the stand-out moments came later in the evening, during “Tuca, Tuca,” a song off Pink Martini’s latest album, when Lauderdale showed that alongside his piano playing skills, he also possessed dancing skills which he was not too shy to show in a few well- rehearsed moves.

The fans could hear older and already ‘classic’ songs from the band’s previous three albums such as Let’s Never Stop Falling In Love, Anna, Sympathique, Lilly, Cante e dance, Hey Eugene, and Dosvedanya mio bambino- a song about a Russian who couldn’t decide, as presented by singer China Forbes, who was a charming presence on the stage.

However, there were also tracks off Pink Martini’s latest studio effort, Splendor in the Grass, including the album’s title song but also Ninna Nanna and Over the Valley, the latter being inspired by the landscape in Portland, the musicians’ hometown.

Naturally, they were called back for an encore which they graciously accepted and performed “Brasil” after which they invited the crowd to an autograph session which went on late in the night. As they confessed to the organizers, eMag!c Entertainment, Romania still remains one of the band’s favorite concert destinations and they hope they will be able to come back soon for a new show.

After they had taken their share of world music, the more intrepid party animals were invited to Silent Disco, which has become a tradition in festivals organized by this promoter. Headphones, two separate channels and two different DJs. To an outsider, it must look like a bunch of madmen have taken over the arena- everybody is dancing and singing frantically, but you cannot hear any music. But if you have your headphones on, you understand what the fuss is about and it all makes sense. Compare this to the feeling of going down at the metro station and finding everyone dancing with their headphones on. Oh, here’s an idea: what about some silent disco clubs, where you could actually hear what the others say without having to shout at the top of your lungs?

Photo by Alex Chelba, courtesy of Emag!c Entertainment