Pink Martini: Get Happy

Pink Martini’s sixth solo album Get Happy seldom succeeds in finding a balance between eclecticism and cohesiveness. Perfectly enjoyable, but a bit stylistically schizophrenic to a fault, the songs are performed in Japanese, Farsi, German, French and Spanish. Nothing new there, as the “little orchestra” has always delivered diverse sets with each album. Sixth time is unfortunately not the charm. The melange of guest artists thrown into the mix, ranging from the late, great Phyllis Diller to Rufus Wainwright and a musical group made up of descendants from the Von Trapp Family Singers, should have consistently been an absolute delight. Instead, they often distract from the flow of the record. The inclusion of new singer Storm Large’s gorgeous, chocolatey voice saves the day. Highlights include “Până când nu te iubeam”, the kitschy “Zundoko-Bushi” and Anna McGarrigle’s poignant “Kitty Come Home”.