Music » Easy Listening Music

In an era when elaborate wordplay and adventurous production were the order of the day, Herb Alpert made an impact barely uttering a word or breaking a mold, other than expanding the commercial parameters for pop instrumentalists. Dashing trumpeter Alpert and his Tijuana Brass scored five top-20 hits between 1962 (when "The Lonely Bull" climbed to No. 11 in the U.S.) and 1968 (when the vocal-driven "This Guy's in Love with You" cracked the top 10), racking up five No. 1 albums over the same period. The group's patented "Ameriachi" sound made up in south-of-the-border sprightliness what it lacked in innovation; the likes of "Spanish Flea" and "Casino Royale" possessed the kind of unshakable hooks that fit perfectly on top-40 radio sandwiched between Nancy Sinatra and the Mamas & the Papas. This 20-track overview serves up 13 selections from the Tijuana Brass's heyday and is rounded up with seven Alpert solo selections, including comeback hits from 1979 ("Rise") and '87 ("Diamonds"). --Steven Stolder

Release Date: 1990-03-27, Audio CD, Curb Special Markets

Bonnie Raitt's marvelous voice, saucy grooves, and singing slide guitar are this album's fundamentals. But these 11 love songs are more than a back-to-basics exercise. Coproducers Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake help Raitt create the edgiest arrangements she's ever had. Which explains the dry, in-your-face vocal sound of "Round and Round" and the near-naked framing of the best guitar solos, like Los Lobos' David Hidalgo's probing Jimmie Vaughan masquerade on "Cure for Love." Raitt herself plays a rippling African-style melody line on "One Belief Away." And the jittery guitar break and pumping piano on "I Need Love" threaten to knock the tune's tonal center to pieces. Her lyrics are crafty, too, whether she's calling down the furies as she opts for another spin on the flaming "Spit of Love" or feeling romance tug like quicksand in "Cure for Love." A little weird, maybe, but commanding, wise, real, and beautiful. --Ted Drozdowski

Release Date: 1990-02-02, Audio CD, Warner Bros / Wea

By adding a Mexican flavor to his trumpet-led Tijuana Brass, Herb Alpert had numerous hits. While Whipped Cream doesn't have the same feel as some of his other efforts, it still has a 1960s swing (that would be further enhanced today by a stiff cocktail and some comfortable dancing shoes). The sultry "Tangerine" continues the fruit theme of the hit "Lemon" with an equally ripe rendition. Part of Alpert and the Brass's popularity came from their fondness for other recent musical releases, and their cover of "Love Potion #9" actually rocks. Alpert's expertise with his instrument is showcased throughout Whipped Cream but is probably most evident in the bubbly "A Taste of Honey." Alternately playful, sensuous, and hip, it stands as one of his finest moments. --Steve Gdula

Release Date: 1991-05-10, Audio CD, Philips

Release Date: 1996-02-23, Audio CD, Masters Intercontine

Release Date: 1998-04-21, Audio CD, Varese Sarabande

In between becoming musical director for the R.A.F. and guiding the careers of Cliff Richard & Frank Ifield, British pianist and bandleader Norrie Paramor recorded these 2 incredibly lush albums for EMI in the '50s. Each utilized a string section of about 30 pieces. 'In London, In Love' actually charted at #18 in America in 1956, while 'Autumn' combined New York and autumnal themes for an air of bittersweet longing. Remastered. Collectors' Choice Music.

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: ANDERSON,LEROY
Title: LEROY ANDERSON COLL.
Street Release Date: 11/17/1998
Domestic
Genre: EASY LISTENING