Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert is an American trumpeter, bandleader, and record executive who co-founded A&M Records and led Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass.
Jerry Moss: Jerry Moss was an American record executive who co-founded A&M Records with Herb Alpert. Moss was Alpert’s business partner in building A&M Records.
Mariachi: Mariachi is a Mexican ensemble tradition featuring strings, brass, and distinctive regional repertories. Mariachi brass colors helped inspire the Tijuana Brass sound.
Whipped Cream & Other Delights: Whipped Cream & Other Delights is Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’s 1965 album, known for its Peter Whorf cover photograph. The album became one of Alpert’s defining commercial successes.
Independent record label: An independent record label operates outside the major-label systems that dominate music distribution and promotion. A&M grew into a leading independent label under Alpert and Moss.
Mexican folk music: Mexican folk music comprises regional traditions shaped by Indigenous, European, and African influences. The Tijuana Brass borrowed Mexican-associated colors without presenting itself as a traditional Mexican ensemble.
Tijuana Brass: The Tijuana Brass was the instrumental group led by Herb Alpert, best known for its 1960s recordings. The ensemble gave Alpert his signature bandleader identity.
Trumpet: The trumpet is a brass instrument whose sound is produced by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece. Alpert’s melodic phrasing and muted tone center on this instrument.
Rise (Herb Alpert album): Rise is Herb Alpert’s 1979 instrumental album, whose title track became a major hit. Its disco-influenced sound brought Alpert back to the top of the charts.
Easy listening: Easy listening is a style of popular music emphasizing accessible melodies and restrained arrangements. The Tijuana Brass became a prominent act within mid-century easy-listening pop.
Jazz trumpet: Jazz trumpet is trumpet performance within jazz, often emphasizing improvisation, swing, and individual phrasing. Alpert’s pop arrangements differ from the improvisational focus associated with jazz trumpet.