There must be very few people who’ve not at least heard of Herb Alpert. The Grammy award winning trumpeter, singer, and songwriter has had a career of more than 60 years, and has reached the number one spot on the album charts no fewer than five times with his band, the Tijuana Brass. Love, joy and creativity have always been the primary motivators in Alpert’s life, and behind his work as one of the founders of A&M Records, and they’re also pivotal to his mission with the Herb Alpert Foundation.
The 83 year old Alpert recently made his own version of the Louis Armstrong classic, ‘What A Wonderful World’, and all proceeds from the single will go to the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.
Always one whose music has stood at the crossroads of many different cultures, drawing influence from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Brazil, as well as European classical music, it should therefore come as no surprise that Alpert’s rendition of ‘What A Wonderful World’ should switch between reggae and Latin rhythms, while also adding in an orchestral break; musical instruments included in the track come from many traditions, including pipes, and lutes, and of course, his trumpet. He sends a clear message with the song: we are one world. We need to love and respect, and most importantly listen to one another, in order to make the sweet harmonies we need around the globe.
The clip for ‘What A Wonderful World’ finishes with a heartwarming image, of the young Herb Alpert and Louis Armstrong together on stage, tuxedos and trumpets, laughing. The whole video has a really vintage feel to it, with square framing and curved corners, and over-exposed edges. There’s been some great images incorporated into the video as well: a mother polar bear and her cub; puppies; grizzly cubs; babies, and children; as well as people from a wide range of countries.
You can find out more about Herb Alpert, his music, and tour dates, from his official website.
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