Hey Eugene!

Released in 2007, Hey Eugene! solidified Pink Martini's status as the world's most sophisticated 'little orchestra.' Following the massive success of Hang on Little Tomato, this album expanded their linguistic reach even further, featuring songs in French, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, and Japanese. The recording is characterized by its high-fidelity production, utilizing a full string section and a robust brass lineup to achieve a sound that references the golden age of Hollywood and European cinema. The title track, 'Hey Eugene,' became a signature hit for the band, telling a quirky, true-life story of a missed connection. Critics from AllMusic and BBC Music praised the album for its impeccable craftsmanship and its ability to bridge the gap between 'easy listening' and serious musical scholarship. It remains a definitive example of the modern lounge revival, blending jazz, Latin, and classical influences into a seamless, cosmopolitan whole.