China Forbes standing in front of stone wall
Photo Courtesy of Heinz Records

Looking Down “The Road” with China Forbes

Known for her role as co-lead vocalist of Pink Martini, China Forbes is no stranger to solo releases… it’s just been a minute. The Road is the first solo album for Forbes in over fifteen years, and features eleven original, auto-biographical songs. The album was produced by Forbes herself, and engineered by Gregg Williams in Portland, Oregon with additional engineering by Steve Sundholm. The Road is available on Digital, CD, and LP on Limited Neon Violet Vinyl!

“I look down the road, looking for something you never showed…” The titular and opening track of China Forbes’ new album, The Road (released 5/17/2024), is a luxurious pop tryst with self-discovery following an ill-fated romance and 20 year journey. Sprinkled with elements of Carole King and Fiona Apple, The Road features a raw honest look at the recent life journey of China Forbes.

I was fortunate enough to catch China’s performance on her recent tour supporting The Road on June 5 at legendary local venue The Birchmere, in Alexandria, Virginia. In front of a packed listening room, Forbes didn’t hold back, revealing tidbits and behind the scenes anecdotes from the bench of a Yamaha Grand Piano, nestled on the Birchmere stage, amongst her band, and talked about her very personal and interesting life.

The culmination of 20 years of experiences has led Forbes to write some of her most honest and authentic music to date. With gorgeous melodies and instantly catchy hits like “Bring on the Rain”, or the quirkily-theatrical showtunesque gem “Aquarius Heart”, this album is through and through a delight. Track 3 “The Northern Line” features China on ukulele, and was released on the soundtrack for the film Infinitely Polar Bear (2014) starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. The film was written and directed by China’s sister Maya Forbes, and premiered at the 30th Sundance Film Festival. Based on a true story, Infinitely Polar Bear is a funny and heartbreaking portrait of the many unexpected ways in which parents and children save each other.

Derek and China Forbes after the Birchmere show.
Derek and China Forbes after the Birchmere show.

Speaking of children, China’s song “Beautiful World” is a dedication to her son, and as a parent, this one got me a little misty in the eyes. Poetic imagery coupled with lush piano and strings work their magic all over this album.

The second single and second to last track on The Road, a song called “Rise”, was written for and dedicated to China’s friend and bandmate Derek Rieth. Rieth tragically took his own life on August 20, 2014. The lyric “I can’t believe I’ll never meet your son or your daughter or be the one to remind you you’ve got a friend” absolutely destroys me when I hear it. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, please chat, call, or text 988.

China’s performance at The Birchmere was a stirring ride through the life and times of China Forbes, and 100% Vibethentic. (iykyk)

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I sat down with Forbes to discuss a myriad of topics including Cats, Touring, Vocal Warm-Ups, and possibly some scatological humor… who knows… But you can watch the full interview here.

China Forbes is the 2022 recipient of the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Previous winners include Diana Ross, Etta James, Liza Minelli, Diana Krall and Aretha Franklin.

Known for her role as co-lead vocalist of Pink Martini, China Forbes is no stranger to solo releases… it’s just been a minute. "The Road" is the first solo album for Forbes in over fifteen years. I sat down with Forbes to discuss a myriad of topics including Cats, Touring, Vocal Warm-Ups, and possibly some scatological humor… who knows...

Derek Evry
Derek Evry Thu Jun 20 2024