Search - Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass :: Herb Alpert's Ninth (Spkg)

Nine TJBs and still going strong

Steven E. Blake | Saint Peters, Missouri USA | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The title leaves no doubt who TJB really was and deservedly so. But in my mind, this is the last of the albums that Herb seemed focused on the group. Perhaps the rousing rendition of Carmen, which parodies previous TJB songs, was the first indicator that Herb was heading off on his own. Nonetheless, this album still has the energy and freshness of the preceding ablums."

TJB Signature Sound

R. Isherwood | Fort Collins, Colorado USA | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had not heard this album for many many years until I receieved my copy (along with Sounds Like and BOTB) today. I remembered this album as a good one although not one of Herb's best.

Perhaps I have mellowed with age, but "Ninth" is one of the most enjoyable TJB albums. The remaster sounds wounderful, the liner notes and photos great and the tunes are fantastic.

Ofter overshadowed by BOTB, Whipped Cream and Going PLaces, Ninth is a worthy addition to the TJB cataloge and one of the most consistant and enjoyable TJB albums."

Herb Alpert's Ni...Night!

Micaloneus | the Cosmos | 01/04/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released in late `67, Herb Alpert's Ninth (stereo only) is the most laid back or perhaps, sluggish album from Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. I wasn't too disappointed upon hearing it again, slightly troubled by what sounded like a lack of motivation, and a muffled trumpet that bore little similarity to the glorious tone exhibited on the "South Of The Border," "Whipped Cream" or "Going Places" discs. Some of "The Ninth" is good, with A Banda, My Heart Belongs To Daddy, Bud, Flea Bag and of course the "musical tour-de-force," Carmen to give the album some merit. But there are some weeds in the garden too.



Here is my score sheet:



01. A Banda - 8/10 The arrangement and execution is flawless.



02. My Heart Belongs To Daddy - 9/10 I always thought this "Ninth" classic should have been the opening track.



03. The Trolley Song - 7/10 Back in the sixties I didn't care for the choice in tempo used on this one, but now I feel it was a good decision.



04. The Happening - 5/10 A "feelin' groovy" cover of the Supremes hit song.



05. Bud - 8/10 A beautiful tribute to Ervan Coleman. When Pisano escorts the song to its exit on solo guitar, it almost tears me up.



06. Love So Fine - 8/10 I noticed that this one is more in tune on the compact disc. It was always a little bit flat on the 33 1/3 version. The violins give it that "top down wind in your hair" kind of feeling.



07. The Love Nest - 7/10 I like the samba rhythm and the horn solo.



08. With A Little Help From My Friends - 3/10 It's pretty much one of the more straight and conventional covers Alpert did. I think it suffers a bit for that.



09. Flea Bag - 8/10 A pleasant song, with a sort of a Classical Glissando at the beginning.



10. Cowboys And Indians - 3/10 This one has that clip-clop percussion in it that is so reminiscent of Marching Thru Madrid from the yet to be released Volume 2.



11. Carmen - 10/10 The run-through of the "Carmen" melody in differing TJB styles is a true tour-de-force. I love the sense of humor. A nice rendering and very inventive.





If there ever was a "punchin' the clock" type album this is it. Like I said, the Ninth sounds a bit tired at times and lacks that electricity of those great TJB albums of 1964/65. But, on the other hand you don't want to keep repeating the same old formula either.



The compact disc sounds a lot better than my old vinyl copy. I hear a few more subtle sounds, some crisp highs. I also notice a bit of a tape gurgle at the end of The Trolley Song, but that's a small glitch.



So, Herb Alpert's Ninth gets 3 big stars for the music and 3 stars for some good packaging, So if I'm correct, that equals 3 stars!"