By Dave Babbitt – Special to the Sydenham Current
I must admit that I’ve never quite understood the purpose of reviewing something such as a concert after the fact, unless there is another opportunity to catch the same concert down the road.
But this week, I’m going to do just that.
The two or three people who follow my silly Facebook posts are aware that this past weekend, I travelled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to take in a concert by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, a big part of the soundtrack of my youth and the reason I took up the trumpet in 1967.
I have always read about him, and more recently watched biographies on YouTube, but having turned 90 on March 31st, I never dreamed that he would head out on the road at that age and that I would be able to see my inspiration in person.
Clare and I left on Saturday for a Sunday evening concert so that we didn’t have to drive for over seven hours in one day. On Sunday, we wandered the shores of Lake Michigan in Holland during the day as I anticipated what was to come at 7:30 that evening.
As the six-piece band took their places before Herb made his entrance, a large video screen replayed Herb’s visit to What’s My Line back in the 1960s at the height of his popularity.
The band began to vamp, and I could tell from the chords that he was about to open with “The Lonely Bull,” his first major hit.
As Herb made his entrance from stage right, the audience leapt to its feet in wild applause—the equal of any pop band crowd I’ve ever heard.
Old people have their heroes too, and tears streamed down my face.
And he didn’t just walk out, he danced out with aplomb, seemingly unaware of his advanced age.
He played hit after hit, accompanied by a crack band of the finest sidemen to be found in L.A., which he complimented as the best group of musicians he’s ever played with.
And the standing ovations never ended.
His stage banter was interesting, engaging, funny, and he mentioned several times that he’s touring simply because it gives him energy.
I believe that at the age of 90, income would not be his motivation for touring, as different internet searches estimate his wealth anywhere between $850 million and $1.25 billion!
Aside from all his hit albums, he formed A&M Records and was responsible for the careers of artists such as the Carpenters, The Police, Cat Stevens, and Peter Frampton.
Perhaps the most beautiful piece he played all evening was “Ladyfingers” from the Whipped Cream & Other Delights album (remember that album cover?), which outsold The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and The Rolling Stones in 1966!
A few years ago, he told us that someone used “Ladyfingers” on a TikTok video that went viral and was soon pushed to other platforms. He said that song has now had over 4 BILLION hits since!
I cannot say enough great things about the concert.
But were there any indicators of his age? After all, most retire long before this age and usually, those who didn’t, should have.
The only indications that perhaps Herb is older now would be that he largely sat on a high stool while playing, and I noticed that he let the young prodigy playing trumpet alongside him (try to imagine that honour!) take most of the higher notes.
But that took nothing away from my enjoyment of the night. His tone and control are still intact. Classic Herb Alpert sound.
The icing on the cake was watching all the old folks lined up to buy their concert t-shirts!
As I said, old folks have their heroes too.
Would I ever love to see him again!
