Among boomers, the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass was everywhere; it was part of a generation\u2019s soundtrack. Through much of the TJB\u2019s heyday, the band itself was for some time a polite fiction: in reality the Tijuana Brass on record was often Alpert plus members of the famed Wrecking Crew. It\u2019s true as well that there wasn\u2019t really much about the group that was authentically south-of-the-border. But Alpert\u2019s carefree, peppy melodies and inspired arrangements made for some of the era\u2019s best and most enduring instrumental pop.<\/p>\n
Between 1962 and 1970, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass landed all but one of their 14 albums released in that period onto the U.S. album charts; five of those albums reached the #1 spot, and all but one earned a Gold record. The group placed 14 of its singles on the U.S. Top 40 chart as well. Sporting one of music\u2019s most recognizable and memorable album covers, the TJB\u2019s fourth album, Whipped Cream & Other Delights<\/em> celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Observing that occasion, here are five essential tracks from Herb Alpert & (save one exception) the Tijuana Brass.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Lonely Bull\u201d from The Lonely Bull<\/em> (1962)<\/strong>
\nTrumpeter Alpert had released a string of non-album singles between 1959 and 1961, billing himself under various names (Herb B. Lou and the Legal Eagles, Herbie Alpert and His Quartet, Dore Alpert), but none of those records charted. That all changed when he cut a single for A&M, the record label just launched by Alpert and Jerry Moss. Recorded with the Wrecking Crew and sporting a Mariachi-flavored arrangement that folds in sounds meant to evoke a Mexican bullfight, \u201cThe Lonely Bull\u201d took off, peaking at #6. The tune\u2019s success led Alpert to rush back into the studio and record the debut album from the newly-christened Tijuana Brass.<\/p>\n