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

I Feel Love

During my early teens in the late 70s, Donna Summer blasted from a lot of radios. Last night I saw talented diva Rainere Martin at the Cabot. It quickly became a sing-a-long groovefest since she performs mostly Donna Summer songs with a sprinkling of other well-known disco hits. It's hilarious how we remember all those background vocals and instrument/synthesizer beeps and boops to sing along with.

Dance people from that era will surely dig her show. Smiles galore.

beautiful Janis

Broadway came to the Cabot last night with A Night with Janis Joplin and it was better than great. Janis' spirit and voice took over the body of Mary Bridget Davies. Incredible. The show centers around Joplin telling stories of the singers who inspired her – from Bessie Smith, Odetta, The Chantels, Etta James and Aretha Franklin to Nina Simone. The four women who played these roles received many standing Os but what blew everyone away was the voice of Davies. My favorite scene was the character of Janis talking about cleaning the house with her siblings every Saturday while her mom blasted Broadway albums. These tunes influenced Janis deeply – Summertime from Porgy and Bess being one of them. She would then channel Joplin, belting out her renditions. If you're a Janis Joplin fan, you will loooooooove this show. Everything about it is fantastic: the performances, the band and the set with a balcony from where the "inspirations" sang. Prepare to be awed.

Dave Mason and Steve Cropper

I was fortunate to see two legends at the lovely Cabot Theater Thursday night and it was a very memorable evening. It also happened to be the day that Aretha Franklin passed away. Singer Gretchen Rhodes belted out Chain of Fools in her honor and it was spectacular. If you have a penchant for this type of music, see this tour! Steve Cropper was the guitarist and prolific songwriter for Booker T and the MGs, Stax Records' house band. Besides his solo career, Dave Mason started out in the band Traffic along with Steve Winwood.

• Steve Cropper interview, 1984
• Booker T and the MGs, 1968
• Only You Know and I Know, Dave Mason
• We Just Disagree, Dave Mason
• Feelin' Alright, 2018
• Paper Sun, Traffic, 1967

Larry Graham and Dave Koz

I like to keep my posts short and sweet, but I need to gush for this one. I received a last-minute invite to see a legend perform at the cozy and wonderful Cabot Theater last night. It ended up being one of the best shows I've ever seen. The energy and talent were overwhelming and the audience participation was a blast. They had everyone singing, groovin', and clapping double-time at one point. Larry Graham, funk pioneer, was one of the original members of Sly and the Family Stone and invented the bass-slapping technique. He also collaborated extensively with Prince. Their renditions of Sly's and Prince's songs were perfection with Koz as the horn section with his sax. Prince was looking down for sure.

• Graham playing bass with Sly and the Family Stone

• Dave Koz with Postmodern Jukebox