Macklam/Feldman

“We are pleased to announce that Steve Nieve is completely well, having experienced a severe muscle spasm during the Spectacular Spinning Songbook show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The episode forced Mr. Nieve from the stage after two stellar piano performances of the songs “Black Sails In The Sunset” and “Talking In The Dark”. Thankfully, he is now completely recovered and “The Revolver Tour” will next play the State Theatre in Minneapolis on Wednesday the 29th of June.

“On the eve of the Grand Rapids show, an impromptu decision was made to incorporate the Spectacular Spinning Songbook in the appearance at Meijer Gardens, a beautiful setting not originally thought to be suitable for the presentation, as shows there take place in both broad daylight and are completely open to the elements. Although forecast bad weather did not make an appearance, the show took a rather unexpectedly dramatic turn after about 55 minutes when Mr. Nieve was suddenly unable to continue.  More…

Buffalo News: Jeff Miers: 26th June, 2011

“During a brisk-tempoed take on “Turpentine,” keyboardist Nieve played theremin, and set the stage for a lengthy guitar solo from Costello, who seemed to be fully partaking of the pleasures afforded by an abused wah-wah pedal. He blew another killer solo during an inspired reading of “Clubland,” added significant guitar grit and muscle to the previously clean and neat “Beyond Belief,” and simply burned through a punk-fueled “Stella Hurt.”

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The Globe And Mail: Brad Wheeler: 24th June, 2011

To a theatre full of people who adored him, Elvis Costello reflected their good taste and justified their fandom. The big, illuminated and colourful wheel that dominated stage right was the Spectacular Spinning Songbook, a gaudy gyrating résumé for the amazing singing Elvis. “Round and round it goes,” he said like a dandy carnival barker more than once, “where it stops, nobody knows.”

One could say the same thing about Costello, an untiring artist whose remarkableness and charm were in plain sight and pleasing earshot for two hours and more. It was a merry, rocking event, enjoyed by the Cole Porter-loving post-punk onstage and surely everyone else in the building – with non-stop highlights.

canoe.ca: Jane Stevenson: 24th June, 2011

“Whether he realizes it or not, he is cool, talented, charming and often quite sexy, whether he’s crooning a ballad or rocking out intensely.”

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Due to China Forbes’ recently announced surgery and enforced break from performing, she will be replaced by the fabulous Storm Large for ‘The Symphonique Tour’ in Europe this Fall.

Thomas Lauderdale on Storm Large: “I always hoped we could find a way to collaborate. She is a brilliant, beautiful, charismatic and seductive star who would give Jayne Mansfield a run for her money. While we are disappointed that China is unable to perform with us, I am delighted be able to introduce Storm Large to European audiences.”

View a complete listing of tour dates on our SHOWS page.

Dear Friends & Family,
It is with great concern we announce the news that our singer China Forbes must take an extended leave of absence of at least one year to undergo surgery on her vocal cords. China had initially discovered the injury to her voice earlier this year, and it was hoped that extreme vocal rest would heal her. But after careful consultation and on the advice from multiple specialists, she has made the difficult decision to move forward with surgery.

The heartfelt wishes and support of the entire Pink Martini family are with her as she undergoes surgery and recovery. Though it is difficult to predict exactly what the future will hold and how quickly she will be able to recover, we very much hope to welcome China back to the stage with Pink Martini as soon as her health permits, and we anticipate many more fruitful collaborations in the years to come.

Pink Martini will continue to tour and record music throughout China’s absence from the stage. We look forward to presenting our amazingly supportive and loyal fans many exciting collaborations with guest and interim vocalists over the next several months.

For our upcoming Summer 2011 tour of the US and Canada we will be joined by two amazing vocalists. The dazzling and charming Lucy Woodward, whose resume includes recordings for Verve Records and Warner Brothers, will take the stage with us from June 24 through July 3, and our good friend, collaborator, and extraordinary singer, Portland’s own Storm Large, will hit the road with us on our scheduled shows from July 4 through July 17. Singers for all subsequent performances will be announced as they are confirmed. We are truly excited to present these new singers to our fans, and are confident you will enjoy hearing our music with fresh ears.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

With lots of love,
Pink Martini

The Writing Life: Katey Schultz: 22nd June, 2011

“The band played for about two hours, effectively nonstop. For the last 40 minutes, 80% of the audience was on their feet, with perhaps 100 folks slammed up against the edge of the stage, bouncing and twitching to the beats”

“Sitting their watching Costello’s entire body vibrate with his art, infusing the crowd of thousands—ten-year-olds to seventy-year-olds—I had to admit that the road life can be pretty good to some artists. That some people make a life of it forever, so that home becomes movement and movement becomes second nature. And so of course, when “Pump It Up” came belting over the speakers in that telltale, sandpaper, distinct voice of his, I had only one thing to do: get up and dance.”

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The Oakland Press: Gary Graff: 21st June, 2011

Highlights included an emotive “I Want You,” “Doll Revolution,” “So Like Candy” (one of several songs Costello’s co-written with Paul McCartney), “New Lace Sleeves” and “Pills and Soap.” During one of the encores, meanwhile, he dipped into his recent Americana-flavored releases for the swinging “Sulphur to Sugarcane.”

As iconoclastic as he is iconic, Costello’s never been one to follow any sort of rules throughout his career. On Monday in Royal Oak, he continued to do it strictly on his own terms — which proved to be the best way indeed.

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The Columbus Dispatch: Gary Budzak: 20th June, 2011

“There were women dancing throughout the show in the go-go cage, and Costello himself even did a stint in it, and it reminded one of something out of Austin Powers or Laugh-In and worked as a gilded bird cage – at one point, Costello sang And Your Bird Can Sing from the Beatles’ Revolver album (the name of Costello’s tour, appropriately enough, was “The Revolver,” on its fourth stop).”

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Rochester City Newspaper: Frank De Blase: 18th June, 2011

“After spinning the wheel guests were invited to sit in the mondo cool lounge and sip something blue in fancy stemware or dance in the go-go cage. This included one young lady — I’m guessing about 14 years old — that had some moves that I’m sure got her grounded later.”

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