The insomnia was definitely all Herb Alpert’s fault. It was a cacophonous mashup of Spanish Flea and Whipped Cream ear-worming endlessly in my brain as I tried in vain to sleep last night. That’s because earlier, I had attended the aforementioned legend’s live concert at Long Island’s Tilles Center. The production, entitled Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass and Other Delights was a two-hour retrospective of Alpert’s greatest hits delivered masterfully by Alpert and a terrific group of younger musicians, all the while synching perfectly with a multimedia madcap recap of everything Alpert - Herb horning, his artwork, him kibbitzing and dancing with everybody - from Armstrong to Bacharach, Carpenter to Mendes, the Muppets and even Zorba’s Anthony Quinn.
The
soon-to-be-ninety-one-year-young Alpert held court in a style that was
engaging, warm, and many times thrilling. His playing over the two-hour show was
wonderful - more resonant, relaxed, and as charming as I have ever heard him. His
interaction with the ensemble was tangibly upbeat and his rapport with the
sold-out crowd was indeed a mutual love fest.
Lonely
Bull was the kickoff and from note one the
house was enthralled. What followed was an endless stream of A&M classics
including Spanish Flea, So What’s New?, Ladyfingers, Casino
Royale, Love Potion No. 9, Mexican Shuffle, Rise, Zorba
the Greek, and many others. The Maestro interspersed the familiar selections
with humorous tales and insights that gave even greater joy hearing the music.
Herb’s take on Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s renamed This Guy’s in Love
with You, a huge hit for Alpert in 1968, generated an audience sing-along
that was showman genius.
Alpert
was surrounded by a terrific group of musicians who drew great energy and
enthusiasm from their leader/mentor. Trumpet sidekick, Kris Bergh was a
wonderful partner brilliantly articulating along with Alpert in his almost
inimitable style. Pianist and vibraphonist, Bill Cantos and bassist Hussain
Jiffry, longtime Alpert cohorts, trombonist, Ryan Dragon, guitarist Kerry Marx were
wonderful as soloists and supporting players. Drummer Ray Brinker dazzled the
crowd in a spotlit solo that was a blur of hands, sticks, and percussive
effects. The sight and sound production values of the show were Alpertesque
perfection.
The
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass & and Other Delights show has
been running for almost forty-plus sold-out performances. Last night I saw the
reasons why. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off for a well-needed nap, hopefully
sans Herb’s worms. Nick Mondello
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