Post #143677 by tiki mick on Mon, Feb 28, 2005 8:46 AM

Whereas I can appreciate the level of musicianship on "Hang on little tomato", I too was turned off by the many minor key songs. I was hoping for and expecting something a little more "fun".

The french elements were interesting, but again, I have heard french music that swings.

Last night I was in Laguna Beach for Djangofest 05, a tribute to Django Rheinhart, the belgian gypsy guitarist from the 1930's..

I saw several great groups like the John Jorgensen quintet, which really played some happy and bouncy music....

and the only people with obvious gypsy heritage in either the audience or any of the groups on stage were my sister and I. Most of the bands were nordic types! They really "got" the music, though...and were able to get that gyspy "sound". Lusty and swinging!

I do think it is possible for a band to recreate a time period style, and get it right...Pink Martini comes pretty close, but I am hoping thier next album comes closer to mancini, and it should, considering their name.

Having said that, there is no one like mancini for getting the lounge sound down pat...very few unhappy songs in his repertoir...most of them are happy and swining...I hope Pink Martini eventually goes down that path.