I bet you did not know that Herb Alpert was the fourth best selling artist of the 60s right behind the Beatles, Elvis and Frank Sinatra? Do not feel alone I had no clue either. I clearly remember being an 8-year-old boy enamored with the cover of Whipped Cream & Other Delights. Do you remember the cover with the shapely woman in a whipped cream dress? Enough said. I cannot seem to remember the music entirely well.... but that cover!
South Of The Border (1964) and The Lonely Bull (1962) were groundbreaking landmark albums for Alpert and his ensemble. They single handedly invented the Tijuana sound, not intentionally, it just happened. Alpert had no interest in the music or country of Mexico; he was simply looking for a snappy and colorful atmosphere for his jazz inflected tunes, something unique. He had immense success with that formula and now these superb albums enjoy a sparkling new sound, tasteful CD cases, and informative booklets that explain the evolution of the band and music.
Lost Treasures is exactly what the title says-20 tracks of previously unreleased and rare Alpert treasures that where buried in the vaults for far too long. A majority of the songs are covers, similar to what The Ventures have done in their amazing career. Alpert did not make a career of doing covers, although this collection surely indicates he could have.
I must have listened to all three albums consecutively three or four times before deciding to try something different. I was absolutely mesmerized by this music. Surely, Alpert has inspired many budding trumpet players and still does to this day. His legacy certainly gets its due with these beautifully repackaged releases. The best part about all of this is that there is more to come. Believe me, I will be the first in line waving my hand for copies.
19 Jan
South Of The Border, The Lonely Bull, Lost Treasures by Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass
- Written by Morrice Blackwell
-
font size
decrease font size
increase font size
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass
- CD Title: South Of The Border, The Lonely Bull, Lost Treasures
- Genre: Contemporary Jazz / Modern
- Year Released: 2005
- Reissue Original Release: 1964 & 1962
- Record Label: Shout Factory
- Tracks: South Of The Border (1964) South Of The Border The Girl From Ipanema Hello, Dolly! I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face Up Cherry Street Mexican Shuffle El Presidente All My Loving Angelito Salúd, Amor y Dinero Numero Cinco Adiós, Mi Corazón Lost Treasures (2005) Up Cherry Street Lazy Day Wailing Of The Willow Fire And Rain And I Love Her I Can’t Go On Living, Baby, Without You (They Long To Be) Close To You Promises Promises Happy Hour Julius And Me I Might Frighten Her Away Alone Again (Naturally) Tennessee Waltz Tradewinds Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head Flowers On The Wall Popcorn Chris Killing Me Softly I’ll Never Fall In Love Again The Lonely Bull (1962) The Lonely Bull (El Solo Toro) El Lobo (The Wolf) Tijuana Sauerkraut Desafinado Mexico Never On Sunday Struttin’ With Maria Let It Be Me Acapulco 1922 Limbo Rock Crawfish A Quiet Tear (Lagrima Quieta)
- Label Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com
- Rating: Five Stars
Read 143
times
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
