Customer Reviews

Second Wind

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Don't let the drab CD cover fool you-- Herb Alpert's "Second Wind" is a treat for those who enjoy smooth jazz, particularly trumpet. The influence of co-writer Jeff Lorber is obvious here, as the music is very upbeat, but Jeff doesn't play the trumpet. There is still something about Alpert's trumpet tone that is unique. There is no tint. It is so smooth and rich. Listen to the track "Wherever you are," for example and ask if you have ever heard such a beautiful tone from a trumpet. Alpert's playing is great throughout the CD-- Side steppin' and Rendezvous display his fine technique and great tone, which for me more than make up for his limited high-end range. I had to listen to the CD four or five times to appreciate it. Give it a try, its great music to relax to.

Herb Alpert's first release in four years - and on his new label - is a joyous one! Teaming up with keyboardist Jeff Lorber, Alpert embarks on a funk-jazz romp that showcases some of his best playing on record. He conjures up images of Miles Davis on many of the songs, yet it isn't a ripoff of Miles at all. Alpert is a smart player. He knows what he can and can't do, and stays within himself. Opening up with the aptly-titled "Second Wind" Herb and Lorber create a great groove which gives Alpert some freedom to roam around on the horn. "Driving Home" is another hot song with Herb playing some really nice jazz on. Lorber does some nice playing on "Sneakin' In" with the Hammond B3 organ, conjuring up images of Jimmy Smith. This is some of Lorber's best playing on record, too. On his own Lorber ends up playing a zillion notes per second, but under Alpert's guidance he plays only when necessary. The two combined to compose most of the songs, including the beautiful "Rendevouz", where Alpert shows his romantic side of playing. And his version of "My Funny Valentine" is also very hip. For those who haven't listened to Herb Alpert in a long time, this is a CD that will impress you.

One other note: The Japanese version of this CD contains a bonus track - a "live" version of "The Lonely Bull", which was Alpert's very first hit with the Tijuana Brass. Very funky, with great solos by Alpert and Lorber!

I listen to Herb Alpert as a "sweet trip to past time". I like it, even if the same "past life" wasn't "so good" at least...

I bought this cd when it first came out in the 1990's but I lost it and have been looking for it ever since. Every song is great!

I've always loved a song of his from 1966, "Flamingo." It is a sad, sweet melody that didn't mesh with its original, perky Tijuana Brass arrangement. I was gratified to see that, of all his older material, he chose to re-record Flamingo. This arrangement is much more pleasing - the song deserves it.

The album, overall, is a bit dated in its arrangements, but it's an essential to fans of Herb Alpert, or any comprehensive jazz collection.

I heard the title song playing on the cable channel "soft jazz" and liked what I heard. I was surprised to see Herb Alpert as the artist and immediately googled the album to see what listeners thought. Bingo !
Nice to have Mr. Alpert back in my ears.

I can still remember the supprised, but pleasant reaction I got when this CD appeared on the store shelves. Herb Alpert? His solo recordings of the 80's were so, so good; I hope it's re-released soon. I have to admit that I can not, nor ever could, dance a step (not without looking like Al Gore at least). But when I listen to Second Wind, a funny thing happens. I still can't dance at all, but inside, I'm movin like Michael Jackson!

I recently purchase this cd (Japan version) and was blown away by the strength of the second wind.With the exception of 2 tracks this album is near perfection.There is something about Herb Alpert trumpet playing that really relaxes my nerves. This album has track after track of smooth and mellow music with just a slight touch of funk....highly recommended.Japan version has a smoking remake of the " lonely bull".

I had four or five of the Tijuana Brass albums on vinyl and really enjoyed them. I have Alpert's CD Rise, which I love. While I enjoy the jazz of Second Wind, I don't care for the muted trumpet which Alpert plays on most, if not all, of the songs (not all the way through the songs, but on significatnt portions of them). I don't mind a muted trumpet in a big band arrangement, but in a small combo setting when it is essentially a solo instrument, I don't find it very appealing. This is my personal taste, so if you don't mind the muted trumpet, and you like jazz, I think you might really enjoy this album.