A tribute to the great Herb Alpert
Last week we watched a recently released documentary called ‘Herb Alpert Is’ (Found here https://www.herbalpertis.com/) about this American trumpet player most well-known for being the leader of the Tijuana Brass. We already knew and loved his musical style and talent but we learned so much that we developed even more respect for him, not only as a musician, but as an artist and human being.
It was so inspiring to see his creative journey, which encompasses all forms of art as a lifestyle, more than just a passion or a career.
This was very apropos for us, as we embark in this adventure of opening our store which we hope will serve as a community hub for all things musical, creative and artistic.
A legendary trumpet player, Alpert’s extraordinary musicianship has earned him five #1 hits, nine GRAMMY® Awards (the latest from his 2014 album ‘Steppin’ Out’), fifteen Gold albums, fourteen Platinum albums and has sold over 72 million records. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass propelled his sound into the pop music limelight, at one point outselling the Beatles two to one. In 1966, they achieved the since-unmatched feat of simultaneously having four albums in the Top 10 and five in the Top 20. Herb Alpert also has the distinction of being the only artist who has had a #1 instrumental and a #1 vocal single.
But music iS not Alpert’s only creative medium of expression.
Throughout his life he has continually explored other artistic ventures, always acknowledging a connection between music and visual art in his creative process. A painter for over four decades, Alpert’s bold, abstract expressionist canvases have been exhibited internationally and are a part of the permanent collections of MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Los Angeles, the Tennessee State Art Museum in Nashville, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation in St. Louis as well as the University of California Los Angeles. Herb’s work has been exhibited in galleries around the U.S, Europe and Asia.
A sculptor for over three decades, Alpert has installed his lyrical sculpture and his massive, bronze Totem sculptures on public display throughout Los Angles, New York City, Nashville Tennessee, and most recently a permanent installation at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Another reason why we feel a deep connection and admiration towards Herb Alpert is his loving relationship with his wife Loni who he married in 1973, after they met while she was the lead singer for another master, Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66"‘.
Together they not only create wonderful music with their joint band but they have a palpable love and admiration for one another and they both have embarked in this artistic and creative journey together, supporting one another throughout the years. They’re truly a couple to look up to.
Herb’s priorities derive from the same sense of generosity and humility that has guided him through a long, illustrious career. In all of these ventures, there is a harmony not unlike Alpert’s music. A flowing of energy and sound, a dedication to quality, which sustains everything Alpert does. With more than 40 years of continuous philanthropic, musical and artistic activity, Alpert has established a legacy that reflects his firm belief that the arts can make a difference in the world and in the lives of each of us.
And for that we are thankful.