 |
news
I
reviews
I
noteworthy
I
press
photos
I
band
biography
R E V I E
W S
SCI-FI Magazine
"A staple of low-budget 1950s sci-fi movie scores, the theremin-an
electronic instrument that emits a wonderful wavering tone-isn’t
heard too often nowadays. That’s a shame, because, as Project:
Pimento proves on their debut, in the right hands the device still
sounds fascinating and fresh. Inventive interpretations of 12 vintage
tunes, including “Diamonds are Forever” and the Star
Trek theme, sparkle with substance and style, adding a stirring,
“space age bachelor pad” patina to a thoroughly intoxicating
collection."
Jeff Berkwits
February 2004
San Francisco
Bay Guardian
"Space-age theremin lounge band Project: Pimento serve up their
cocktails with a twist. The group plays all manner of fabulous favorites,
like "Moon River" and "Desafinado," plus other
tunes from the '40s, '50s, and '60s. They also spice up their sets
with some great swanked-out pop songs and soundtrack music, such
as covers of James Bond themes. The band mixes the mysterious and
hypnotic sounds of the theremin with jazz and swing, creating a
bizarre and unique sci-fi effect like a Vegas lounge scene reenacted
on a Martian colony".
Angie Edwards, SF Bay Guardian
SFgate.com
From the Cover-to-Cover show (2001):
"Highlights of the show included Project Pimento's loungey
take on
the Dead Kennedy's 'Holiday in Cambodia'."
Beth Lisick, SFgate.com
Full
Article
SF Bay Guardian
From the Cover-to-Cover show (2001):
"Lori Carsillo from lounge act Project:Pimento gave us a sultry
version of Santana's 'Black Magic Woman,' while Robby Virus rendered
a sizzling Latin lead by waving his hands over a theremin."
Deborah Giattina, SF Bay Guardian
Full
Article
|
|
CD Review By
Will "the Thrill" Viharo
"From Samuel J. Hoffman to the Beach Boys, from Spellbound
to The Day the Earth Stood Still, the Theremin has been used by
many bold, experimental musicians throughout pop history to evoke
an ethereal, exotic, esoteric mood. Following the lounge revival
of the '90s, which included the resurgence of interest in vintage
film soundtracks, the Theremin has once again captivated the musical
imaginations of a new generation. There was a hit documentary on
the tragic life of the odd instrument's creator, Leon Theremin,
which also contributed to the renewed awareness and appreciation
of the unique "woo-ooo-ooo" sound so many had grown hearing
in B sci-fi flicks. The popular alternative art-rock band Portishead
was among the first of the new bands to occasionally sample this
electronic enigma.
It seemed inevitable
that some band sometime was going to employ the Theremin full-time.
Finally, the first Theremin-lounge band is here, and man, am I happy!
San Francisco's Project:Pimento, which features sultry siren Miss
Lola Bombay (Lori Carsillo) on lead vocals, Robby Virus on the Theremin,
"gentleman jack" McMorrow on guitar, "Top Shelf"
Rich Livingston on drums, "Maker's Mark" Thomas on bass,
and on their debut CD, special guest Nick "Martini and"
Rossi on the Hammond organ, offer the waiting world their first
studio album after years working the Bay Area nightclub circuit.
Their choice selection of
lounge standards like "Call Me" and "Sway" magically
mingle with exotica ("Bali Ha'I", "Caravan"),
jazzy spy soundtracks ("Diamonds are Forever"), sci-fi
themes ("Star Trek"—with lyrics!), and even '70s
Santana ("Black Magic Woman")! My favorite track is their
version of "Peter Gunn," a tune which has been covered
to death by everyone from Ray Anthony to The Cramps, but you haven't
ever experienced Mancini's masterpiece with a Theremin before (it's
also the seldom heard "Bye Bye Baby" version, which includes
lyrics!). Project: Pimento is one sexy sonic tonic for the senses,
a space-age cocktail to intoxicate and soothe your shell-shocked
soul, a rocket ride through the tiki bar of your brain. Martinis
on the moon, anyone?"
Full
Article
|
|
