Originating from Portland, Oregon, music group Pink Martini brought impressive linguistics and immaculate musicality to the stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. As part of their “30th Anniversary Tour,” lead vocalist China Forbes and percussionist Timothy Nishimoto sang a collection of their most popular songs while accompanied by other band members and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
Whether it was a French romance, a Mayan hymn or a Japanese rhythmic chant, the members of Pink Martini had an exceptional ability to transport members of the audience from one scene to another. At one moment, we felt as if we were walking the streets of a cobbled town in coastal Italy, listening to their performance of “Amado Mio.” Shortly after, we were transported to a Latin American bar hosting a mariachi band with the energetic performance of “Donde Estas Yolanda?” Each pause between songs had us playing a guessing game as to where we would end up next.
Beyond transporting us all over the world, Pink Martini also brought us to places of memory. With one performance, we found ourselves picturing the inside of a grandparent’s living room, and with another, we felt as if we were at home seated in the kitchen as food cooked on the stove. Each song was much more than just an aural experience–they were a rush of synesthesia, complete with smells, sights and tastes enveloping us.
Following a comical prelude about a failed college party romance, Forbes sang fan-favorite “Hey Eugene.” Throughout the show, Pink Martini showcased their versatility in blending a diverse range of musical genres, seamlessly transitioning between different languages and weaving together contrasting tempos and tones. Integrating Mexican folk influences, Edna Vazquez performed “Sola Soy,” an uplifting and authentic song expressing the struggles of finding identity and personal strength. Each song in Pink Martini’s setlist resonates with a diverse audience, and we felt connected and drawn into the storytelling and passion in every moment.
The closing track, titled “Brazil,” had most of the audience on their feet, forming a lively conga line around the performance hall. Pink Martini’s moving performance filled the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with high energy, celebrating an array of music styles and cultures. For this engaging fan interaction and impressive musical diversity, there’s no excuse not to attend a Pink Martini concert.
