Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

Herb Alpert's Ninth is a 1967 album by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. It reached number 4 on the Billboard charts and spent 18 weeks on the Top 40. It was the last album by the Tijuana Brass to be released in both mono and stereo versions; all albums afterward would be released in stereo only.

It was, as its title indicated, the ninth album released by the Brass. Its cover, in addition to a number of still photos from Brass concerts, included a pop-culture joke. Ludwig van Beethoven had been a popular topic on T-shirts in the late 1960s. In this case, an illustration of Beethoven was shown apparently wearing a T-shirt with Alpert's face on it. The title was also a play on Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. None of Beethoven's Ninth actually appeared in the album tracks, but another classical work did - a medley of the tunes from the opera Carmen, centering on "Habanera", and also including "cameos" from some of the group's earlier hits - "Spanish Flea", "A Taste of Honey", "Whipped Cream", "What Now My Love", "Zorba The Greek" and "Tijuana Taxi" - worked into the track.

The album otherwise featured the usual collection of lively pop hit covers, along with a song called "A Banda" that was in the style of some of their earlier hits. The Brass' leisurely rendition of "The Trolley Song" was in deliberate contrast to the well-known energetic version originally sung by Judy Garland in the film Meet Me in St. Louis. Other old songs include the Cole Porter standard "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" made famous by Mary Martin; and "The Love Nest", best known as the radio and TV theme of the George Burns and Gracie Allen programs. Juxtaposed with those oldies was a rendition of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends", its instrumentation emphasizing the monotonal aspects of Ringo Starr's song hit. You can check out more at Wikipedia / Alpert's Ninth

Whipped cream and other delights is a classic pop culture icon released in April 1965 , Selling over 6 Million copies world wide. The risque album cover art featuring Model Dolores Erickson , in a suggestive pose covered in whipped cream, (it was actually shaving cream). The cover, very racy by mid 60's standards has become one of the most recognized and parodied covers in music history. 2 songs from the album were used on the TV show The Dating game , Whipped Cream and Lollipops and Roses respectively and Bittersweet Samba is used on the long running radio program All Night Nippon. Any one today who searches used record bins no doubt has seen this album enough times to know , " every house hold must have had a copy ". Take a look on Ebay , It can be had very cheaply in fine condition, and not just the original long playing record. 8 track tape, reel to reel , new remastered vinyl picture discs, remastered CD editions from the shout factory label, and of course digital download. The music still sound quite good, if not dated a bit , but that's why the album still has it's charm. It's one of those guilty pleasures , It takes you back to a more simpler time, Before the Hippie Movement , before the riots that became common place. Many music artist over the years have payed tribute to the Cover , Pianist Peter Nero , Soul Asylum, Comedian Pat Cooper, The Frivolous Five and Jabberwocky's ridiculous cover for 2005's album "Eat Shit and Die".

This guy has really become a hero of mine. When you think of all the accomplishments, Its quite astounding. The Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Phenomena is amazing.

Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss Co founded A&M records and the first record was The Lonely Bull released in 1962. The single "The Lonely Bull" was released to great success.

Then Herb and Jerry Hurried to get the Full length album out on their own record label A&M. The first record ever released was The lonely Bull, and they had a big hit on their hands.they rushed to get the album out on their own label, And the rest is history.

Alpert sold 70 million records in the 1960's, signed artists like Wes Montgomery and Claudine Longet to The A&M label . the jazz label CTI record's first 3 years were distributed through A&M. Chuck Mangione , Even progressive rock bands like Procol Harum and the Strawbs found success at A&M.

Alpert himself also had a smash hit, with the Burt Bacharach penned " This Guy's in Love With You", That went all the way to number one in 1968, The Brass sold 13 million records in 1966 alone.

Alpert still holds a distinction never equaled, in April of 1966 Herb Alpert had 5 albums in the top 40 at the same time. The Brass won 6 Grammy awards during the 60's as well. I mean, when you start adding up the accomplishments, Herb alpert was the 1960's, at least the Positive Hopeful side of it.

He certainly was A pop culture Icon, Just go to any thrift store in this country that sells vinyl records. I bet you find at least one Alpert record. A remnant of what once was. An underrated Musician and great performer, And a shrewd business man.