Post #230636 by tiki mick on Fri, May 5, 2006 10:27 AM

I want to explain why minor key jazz (INMHO) is not appropriate for lounge, exotica and bachelor pad music:

Basically, all these types of music are fun, pop versions of jazz. They are supposed to reflect the optimism of the future, or the fun of exotic vacations and travel.

While it's true that songs like "caravan" could be considered minor key, the mood they suggest is mysterious yet at the same time light hearted.

Bop and Jazz are mainly serious forms of music. Just look at the demeanor of Miles Davis. The concentration is that of a boxer. The way these jazz musicians of the golden bop age dressed were sharp yet somber suits. Brooks brothers. There were no aloha shirts or shriner caps.

I found the pink martini album to be profoundly sad, and introspective. Oh yeah, these are expert musicians, but I was expecting more of a swanky and swinging sound, based on the NAME of the band! I thought there would be a heavy Mancini influence and tone, and I just did not hear it on "hang on little tomato". Almost every single Mancini chart is swinging, cool and light-hearted. Yes, songs like "it had better be tonight" are in a minor key, but the idea is definetly fun.

One of the reasons I believe Pink martini fails for me is the extensive use of the cello. Cello is by it's very nature a somber istrument, and is used in much classical music to convey that type of feel. Not the same for the xylophone! Soon as you hear the xylophone, you know you are in for fun!

I really wanted to like Pink martini. I went into it expecting something other then what I got. Lounge music is by definition supposed to be fun, and not something that makes you think.

orchestral jazz of the late 50's and early 60's, like that of the gil evans orchestra or stan kenton, is very serious, but does not fit into the category of lounge at all. This is serious music, meant to be listened to the same way you listen to classical. With respect and intelligence. Dave brubek, same thing:

There are some things I do like about Pink martini, but again, it's more derived from Julie London and other female singers who frankly, did it better.

That was all just my opinion, and I think the fan base for this band is there solely because there really are no new bands that have the mancini sound. Other then Monica Mancini, of course. There is no alternative there. so people gravitate towards the band.

Personally, and judging by the pictires, they are a hippy band that cleaned up thier image, but that chick has got too much of the natalie merchant vibe for me to get into it. There are many other bands like Fisherman Vibraphonic that I think "get" the lounge sound better, understand it more.