Spanish Brass

By the end of 1964, because of a growing demand for live appearances by the Tijuana Brass, Alpert auditioned and hired a team of crack session men. Though some adopted a prototypical physical appearance, no one in Alpert's band was actually Hispanic. Alpert used to tell his audiences that his group consisted of "Four lasagnas, two bagels, and an American cheese": John Pisano (electric guitar); Lou Pagani (piano); Nick Ceroli (drums); Pat Senatore (bass guitar); Tonni Kalash (trumpet); Herb Alpert (trumpet and vocal); and Bob Edmondson (trombone). The band debuted in 1965 and became one of the highest-paid acts then performing, having put together a complete revue that included choreographed moves and comic routines written by Bill ("Jose Jimenez") Dana.

For his forthcoming album ‘Music Volume 3: Herb Alpert Reimagines The Tijuana Brass,’ beloved and prolific musician Herb Alpert has revisited some of his most iconic songs with the Tijuana Brass, and transformed them. This reinvention of historic recordings like “A Taste Of Honey,” “Lonely Bull,” “Spanish Flea” and many more were “scrambled up,” as Herb says. A mix of new arrangements, production, new studio takes and in some case even samples of the originals were used to make them fresh and surprising, and a way for Herb to continue sharing positivity with a world in need of it.

Classical meets Christmas in this latest offering from the Burning River Brass. Beautifully arranged Christmas favorites from this tremendous group of brass and percussion! Since 1996, Burning River Brass has been dazzling audiences from Alaska to Taiwan with "power and virtuosity," "harmonious blend," and "consistently stirring performances." Composed of twelve of the finest brass and percussion players in the country, Burning River Brass is an ensemble on fire! The original inspiration behind Burning River Brass was to give great players who were also good friends a chance to play together on a consistent basis. Soon after the first rehearsal in May 1996, BRB began to grow rapidly. The ensemble made its debut in September of 1996 in Tremont, Ohio under the auspices of Arts Renaissance Tremont and by 1998 was touring nationally.

Alongside the jingle of car keys being placed in a bowl, trumpeter Herb Alpert's horn work with the Tijuana Brass was the sound of the swinging '60s. Yielding five No. 1 hits, nine Grammy Awards, 14 platinum and 15 gold albums, plus a staggering 72 million albums sold worldwide, Alpert has put out such memorable songs as "The Lonely Bull", "Rise", "A Taste of Honey" and "This Guy's in Love With You", either as a solo artist or with Tijuana Brass.

Alongside the jingle of car keys being placed in a bowl, trumpeter Herb Alpert's horn work with the Tijuana Brass was the sound of the swinging '60s. Yielding five No. 1 hits, nine Grammy Awards, 14 platinum and 15 gold albums, plus a staggering 72 million albums sold worldwide, Alpert has put out such memorable songs as "The Lonely Bull", "Rise", "A Taste of Honey" and "This Guy's in Love With You", either as a solo artist or with Tijuana Brass.

Brass instruments are a vital part of the festive fabric of Christmas, and Tchaikovskys iconic ballet The Nutcracker is made even more joyful with the brassy brilliance of Septura. Narrated by pre-eminent actor Derek Jacobi, The Nutcracker is set on Christmas Eve, with music both rapturous and fantastical. It tells the story of how young Claras favourite present, a nutcracker shaped like a little man, turns into a handsome prince at midnight. Septura has been acclaimed by Brass Band World for its stylistic perfection and beautifully portrayed artistry (Music for Brass Septet 2, Naxos 8.573386).

The Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass Collector's Edition 3 CD box is a perfect introduction to the best work in the Tijuana Brass Catalog. The three core albums of the TJB output are gathered here: Whipped Cream & Other Delights, Going Places! and What Now My Love. Originally released in 1965 and 1966 and containing the most loved and requested Herb Alpert hits like A Taste Of Honey, Tijuana Taxi and Spanish Flea, the remastered versions (complete with 2 "surprise" bonus tracks) are also flawless sonically. A 12 page booklet with a well written biograpphy and several unpublished photos from the group's latest period in 1969 is a welcome addition.

The Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass Collector's Edition 3 CD box is a perfect introduction to the best work in the Tijuana Brass Catalog. The three core albums of the TJB output are gathered here: Whipped Cream & Other Delights, Going Places! and What Now My Love. Originally released in 1965 and 1966 and containing the most loved and requested Herb Alpert hits like A Taste Of Honey, Tijuana Taxi and Spanish Flea, the remastered versions (complete with 2 "surprise" bonus tracks) are also flawless sonically. A 12 page booklet with a well written biograpphy and several unpublished photos from the group's latest period in 1969 is a welcome addition.

Christian Jacq | Colleen McCullough | Frank Herbert | Lindsey Davis
Michael Moorcook | Robert Silverberg