Search - Herb Alpert :: Blow Your Own Horn

A Sign Of The Times

Scott Stevens | Simi Valley, CA United States | 08/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A naked old man with his horn hanging out? More like a seasoned veteran comfortable with himself and his legacy. Late 40's is NOT old; it's a transition. Contrary to what the previous reviewer stated, this album IS a sign of the times and a sign that Herb was 'with it'. Granted, the glory days of the TJB were in the past, but Herb just kept on trackin'. Jazz, in all it's many forms, was boldly taking a foothold in mainstream awareness and Herb Alpert was leading the vanguard. The tracks on this album? I'll mention only two; I would critique the other tracks, but I'm afraid the only beer I use is in a glass, and my grass is in the yard where it belongs. I don't need to be stoned to get off on this album.



Red Hot IS hot, in the fusion of Jazz and the soon to be dead disco. It fit in for the 80's, it moved and it grooved. I could have done without some of the 'falso basso' voices in the mix, though. And what the previous reviewer stated with the title of Oriental Lady, come on! Yeah, not PC for 2006, but we're talkin' the '80's here. Would you have the title changed? The song's a tribute, not a put down. You need to enter rehab, pal.



If you're a fan, you WILL enjoy the album. It's Herb where 20+ years of talent, taste and experience meant him to be. Listen fried or listen clear. Either way, Herb's blowing his own horn for you. I'm giving it 4 stars because the mix could have been clearer. But that can be fixed."

TRACK LIST

For-A-Song | 02/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1. Red Hot

2. True Confessions

3. Blow Your Own Horn

4. Gently (Suavemente)

5. Midnight Tango

6. Garden Party

7. Paradise Cove

8. Latin Lady

9. Oriental Eyes

10. Sundown

"

My favorite

John M. Smith | Providence, RI USA | 07/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all Herb Alperts work, this is my favorite. I realize the TJB music is what was, and remains, most popular, but I enjoy his later work the most. I bought the LP when I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the U.S.Air Force. It's unforgettable stuff. Herb dedicated the album to his late friend, Karen Carpenter. She had a beautiful voice. Herb knew talent, because he's got plenty of his own; Blow Your Own Horn is proof of that. I only hope Herb thinks it worth re-issuing on CD - I do!"