Herb Alpert’s recent performance was a beautiful walk down memory lane as audiences were treated to the oral history of his amazing career and two compilations of greatest hits.
The legendary artist’s wife Lani Hall was a vocalist with Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66, so the audience was treated to music from Alpert’s catalog and the early hits from Sérgio Mendes. Three exceptional musicians and vocalists performing with Alpert and Hall were pianist Bill Cantos, bassist Hussain Jiffry, and drummer Tiki Pasillas.
Even though The Tijuana Brass, Alpert’s group, may have been considered pop music artists, their sound was a mix of different styles.
“It was a hybrid of Brazilian jazz, American jazz, pop music, classical music, and African,” Alpert told the audience.
The group’s music was heard on television shows like the original “Dating Game,” which used Alpert’s “Spanish Flea” and “Whipped Cream,” the theme and tune in between segments. Audiences were showered with the sounds “Casino Royale,” “Tijuana Taxi,” Lollipops and Rose,” “This Guy’s in Love with You” and more.
The added bonus from the Strathmore concert were videos and photos from Alpert’s from days when he was writing, producing a touring. Those visuals showed what was going in his life and music at specific high points. As a painter and sculptor, slides of those creations from Alpert also served as scenery for the evening of music.
He talked about meeting Hall when Brasil ’66 toured with The Tijuana Brass. They’ve been married for 50 years, and they showed quite a bit of “personal display of affection” while they were on stage. Hall’s Brasil ’66 set included “The Look of Love,” “Mas Que Nada,” “Fool on the Hill,” “Pretty World” and more.
Alpert has played an important role in music throughout his career. At age 89, his portfolio is impressive.
He is the “A” in A&M Records. With a diverse list of artists on its roster, A&M was one of the largest independent record labels, with artists including: Quincy Jones, Liza Minnelli, Gino Vannelli, Janet Jackson, the Police; Sting; the Brothers Johnson, Wes Montgomery, and others.
Known as a philanthropist and educator, the Herb Alpert Foundation has supported 75 different organizations ranging from the Jazz Foundation of America, Jazz Education Network, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Homeboy Industries, which provides training programs to former gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women. There’s also Herb Alpert Schools of Music at UCLA and CalArts and the Herb Alpert Music Center at Los Angeles City College.
The Tijuana Brass is music that makes me feel happy
and is relaxing, I love the sound of the trumpet, he plays so well