Alpert's California Blues
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Listening to Herb Alpert's California Blues from his Fandango album while I grade assignments. My expert analysis: Good stuff, nothing spectacular but I like the way it makes me feel!
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@Comeback
I've never heard that song, thanks!
Herb is an interesting situation. If one were asked "Who's the greatest trumpet player of all times?" What would be used as a measuring stick? Can it be measured by the number of notes played over a career? The size of their fan base? The impact to a genre of music? The amount of money made during a career?
Herb wins the prize. He's made the most money! -
@Dr-Mark
In my world, material gains do not trump spiritual. Just saying. -
IMO, Herb Alpert is an average trumpet player with a distinctive voice, a warm, self-less personality and a fortunate businessman. But talking about Herb is like starting a Kenny G thread over on Sax on the Web.
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Music generally, and for us, trumpet music in particular, seems to become esoteric quickly. I feel that music accessibility is subjective and specific to a listener. Music that suits my mood and feels good in my ears is good music. The commercial success of that music is not very important to me.
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@Comeback said in Alpert's California Blues:
The commercial success of that music is not very important to me.It like saying Ringo Starr is the greatest drummer in the world because he made the most money (which he has)
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I always had a soft spot for Alpert and his TJB, but I kinda like how he sounds at 84, :
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Hi GeorgeB,
Yes, I've always had a soft spot for the Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass.
Now here's a kid that exemplifies the American dream. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. His Dad was a tailor/mandolin player and his Mom was a violin teacher. Herb went on to make his parents proud and won numerous awards and he was the A in A&M Records. As a kid, I always liked his sound and The Lonely Bull is one of my favorites. -
Thank you for posting that video, GeorgeB.
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Herb Alpert has made a lot of people feel happy through his music. This alone makes him a very fine musician.
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Fine musician? All due respect, but he sounds like a school kid to me. I've heard, even worked with, tons of players who play better than this.
There's no doubt that "nothing succeeds like success" and that means in this example of his, along with his bands', touching something in the hearts of many listeners. But I, personally, would be hesitant to confuse that with instrumental skill or the non-musical achievements he has done.
I have first-hand knowledge that, in studio recordings, he even had session players spot him.
Before I get crucified, I reiterate that he seems like a nice guy, one with commercial success and creator of a sound that gives many pleasure. And, to be frank, that's a lot more than any of us have accomplished.
Benge 3X
Martin Committee
Getzen Capri Cornet
Adams F-1 Flugelhorn"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."
Charlie Parker"Even if I could play like Wynton Marsalis, I wouldn't play like Wynton Marsalis."
Chet Baker -
@Vulgano-Brother said in Alpert's California Blues:
Herb Alpert has made a lot of people feel happy through his music.
That's possibly the greatest compliment any musician can get.
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@Kehaulani said in Alpert's California Blues:
I have first-hand knowledge that, in studio recordings, he even had session players spot him.
Heck, in today's world, it seems like everything is autotuned or studio-ized in some manner. A friend of mine is a Grammy winning sound person and its amazing what a good sound person can do to/for a musician. That's one big reason why the Norman Granz JATP that Niner posted are such important recordings to enjoy and learn from. Thank you Niner!
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@Kehaulani said in Alpert's California Blues:
All due respect, but he sounds like a school kid to me.I'm 83 and Herb's 84. I can't speak for him, but I'd be happy as hell if I could play like a school kid...
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@Dr-Mark said in Alpert's California Blues:
@Kehaulani said in Alpert's California Blues:
Heck, in today's world, it seems like everything is autotuned or studio-ized in some manner. A friend of mine is a Grammy winning sound person and its amazing what a good sound person can do to/for a musician.
Yea. I was doing a recording once and the (pop) singer was a little flat. Consistently, not erratically. As we listened to the playback, I could get a little dis-ease spreading through the booth and the audio engineer gave me a sly glance, moved his hand over the control board and subtly moved the vocals into pitch. The singer, when she realized what had just happened, started crying. Oh, well.
