Chattanooga Welcomes Legendary Trumpeter Herb Alpert!
Chattanooga, get ready for a spark of magic as the city recently hosted a night to remember! On a frosty Wednesday evening, legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert and his beloved wife, Lani Hall, graced the stage at the Walker Theatre in Memorial Auditorium. The air was filled with music that brought back sweet memories, as the two lovebirds almost filled the theatre with their fans and admirers, flowing with energy that can only come from a career spanning many decades.
A Love Story That Struck a Chord
It’s hard to believe that it took the trumpeting extraordinaire 89 years to make his way to Chattanooga. But what’s remarkable is not just his music—it’s the love story shared between Herb and Lani. The couple has been happily married for 51 years! They first met when Lani was the lead singer for the famous Latin band Brasil ’66, opening for Herb’s band, the Tijuana Brass.
When Herb was asked how he ended up with the lovely Lani, he jokingly said he warned other band members to steer clear of Sergio Mendes’ female singers, calling it “unprofessional.” His playful twist on fate certainly paid off, allowing him to sweep Lani off her feet!
Musical Moments to Remember
As the show kicked off, Herb, flanked by an outstanding trio consisting of pianist Bill Cantos, bassist Hussain Jiffry, and drummer Tiki Pasillas, filled the night with a mix of Christmas tunes and chart-topping classics that made him a household name. Among them was his iconic love ballad, “This Guy’s In Love With You.” Herb shared an interesting tidbit about its creation, mentioning how his good friend Burt Bacharach helped craft the tune and how he worked with Hal David to fine-tune the lyrics.
While Herb is more known for his trumpet prowess, he humbly reflected on how his singing career began accidentally, stating, “I have a special talent, but I also had luck. You have to have both.” This humility shone through, especially as he recalled another Bacharach masterpiece, “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” that a little ‘bad singing’ led the way to a huge hit, becoming a blessing for The Carpenters later on!
Spotlight on Lani and Musical Brilliance
Lani stole the limelight too, showcasing her vocal talent with a beautiful rendition of “Seasons of Love” from the iconic musical “Rent.” Her performance only added to the evening’s enchanting atmosphere. The whole band shined as they dazzled the audience with their incredible musicianship, with bassist Jiffry even delivering a captivating solo that got everyone’s cheers.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
The show was filled with nostalgia as old photos and videos were displayed on a big screen behind the performers. Patrons of the concert enjoyed glimpses from Herb and Lani’s younger days, including a lively dance to “Copacabana” that had Herb donning different roles—a bus driver and a bartender—while Lani made an appearance as the fun-loving customer. Herb humorously remarked that the retro video only needed a single take!
What’s Next for the Brass?
But that’s not all folks! The night wouldn’t end without a glimpse into the future: Herb announced his plans for a 2025 Tijuana Brass revival tour, leaving fans excited for more. As the melodies lingered in the air and the trumpets blew, Chattanooga celebrated Herb Alpert’s legacy, love, and his incredible journey that continues to unfold!
