Storm Large - Le Bonheur

Singer Storm Large stepped into the role of lead vocalist for band Pink Martini in 2011, during a period when singer China Forbes went on hiatus for vocal cord surgery. The band enjoyed her presence so much that she was welcomed to stay on following the return of Forbes, and she has since toured with the band and performed on their album GET HAPPY. LE BONHEUR (French for 'The Happiness') marks Large's first post-Martini solo album, and it is clear that she has picked up some creative ideas after working with the band. Featured here are unique spins on classic music, though Large is refreshingly ambitious with her source material. The album starts with a cover of Cole Porter's 'You Got Me Under Your Skin,' which kicks up the album in high gear with a robust rockin' take on the standard. On the other side of the spectrum, she reinvents Black Sabbath's 'N.I.B.' as a tropical jazz/lounge confection. From 'The Lady is a Tramp' to covers of Jacquel Brel and Randy Newman, Large covers a lot of ground, melding her experiences with the martini lounge chic of Pink Martini and her previous experiences in the rock sphere.