Herb Alpert

I experienced my most inspiring concert Saturday night at the Cabot with Herb Alpert and his wife, singer Lani Hall. Behind the five-piece ensemble were screens displaying photographs and films from both of their careers and images of his paintings acting as backdrops.

I've known his music all of my life but seeing this segment opened my eyes to the wonderful world he's created as a musical artist, trumpeter, painter, sculptor, composer, record-company businessman and philanthropist while remaining kind, humble and generous. 100% of the tours' proceeds go to the Louis Armstrong Foundation.

Between songs and medleys, he spoke about his life and what it means to be an artist and finding your own voice and way in the world.

In the photo above, Lani Hall is singing Mais Que Nada by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 in which she was lead singer. In the background photo from the 60s, she is in the red dress. Click pics to make big.

• Tijuana Taxi, Hollywood Palace, 1966
• Spanish Flea, 1965
• A Taste of Honey, The Ed Sullivan Show, 1965
• BBC tv special, 1967
• Tremendous documentary
• Check out Alpert's Vibrato Jazz Club in LA

Clark's Gum used Mexican Shuffle in their series of commercials.


Mexican Shuffle, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, 1964



In the clip above, Alpert plays along to a video at The Cabot Theater.
And did I mention that he is 88 years old? Keep enjoying life, Herb.


The Lonely Bull, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, 1962


This Guy's In Love With You, Herb Alpert, 1968

Da Da Dadaism

Learn about Dadaism and impress your friends and frenemies.

claps, whips, beeps and boops

What happens when you mix Boston-based Eddie Japan with Greg Hawkes? A blast of a show with many appreciative, bobbing heads. Hawkes, the keyboard and synthesizer player in The Cars had TCAN groovin' last night to his iconic sound. Hear him talk about the Beatles' influence. With the exception of a few tunes, all the songs performed were by The Cars. He also blew everyone away with his sax wailing.

Hawkes (in red blazer) with The Cars (left) and Eddie Japan (right)

Above, Greg Hawkes and Eddie Japan perform Candy-O at TCAN.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils

If you want to get to heaven, you got to raise a little hell. 🔥🔥🔥

They're fabulous

The Fabulous Thunderbirds rocked out last night at the cozy TCAN where there isn't a bad seat in the house. Too bad there wasn't a dance floor because they make you want to boogie. Their hit Wrap It Up was originally recorded by Sam and Dave – the fab duo from Stax.


Wrap It Up, Sam and Dave, 1968

reasons to be cheerful

Don't be a blockhead, Charlie Brown. Enjoy life and be grateful. 😌

my neck hurts

Question: how well can you whip your head around? You're hired.

look inward

Journey to the center of your mind with The Amboy Dukes from 1968.