This is turning out to be a banner year for celebrations and anniversaries celebrating 1966. It’s the big 5-0 for the Beach Boys, who released their “Pet Sounds” LP with a batch of memorable tunes. It was also the year Bob Dylan introduced “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35” and “Just Like a Woman,” with his classic “Blonde on Blonde,” and the Beatles released “Revolver.”
But for locals Herb Alpert and wife Lani Hall, it is a time to go back to Brazil for “An Olympic Carnival” at the Hollywood bowl with the legendary Sergio Mendez.
Herb is renowned for his music making, with his sassy Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, which cranked out hit records like “Whipped Cream and Other Delights.”
Born and raised in LA’s Boyle Heights, he started a small recording studio in his garage. At the tender age of eight, he was drawn to the trumpet while taking a music appreciation class at his elementary school.
“I was very fortunate that I had exposure to music and was encouraged to stick with it,” he recalled. “Years ago, when the arts programs were cut out of our public schools, so many kids stopped having that opportunity.”
Herb and his Tijuana Brass went on to have five No. 1 hits, nine Grammy Awards, 15 gold albums and 14 platinum ones. Over the years, he has sold 72 million albums with tunes including “The Lonely Bull,” “Spanish Flea,” “A Taste of Honey,” “This Guy’s in Love with You” and “Rise.”
He also started the legendary A&M Records and went on to produce for other artists including Sergio Mendez and Brasil ‘66. Not long after “The Girl from Ipanema” set off a widespread Bossa Nova craze.
Lani Hall started out as the lead singer for Brasil ‘66. She teamed up with Herb shortly thereafter and the two married in 1973.
The program began with Hollywood Bowl Conductor Thomas Wilkins and, since this is the year of the Olympics in Rio, they continued on with the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” and “Aquarela do Brasil.” Then came well-rehearsed standards like “Waters of March” and “Ela e Carioca.” All songs had the added benefit of getting a boost from the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. And there was more to hear and see as a colorfully attired drum troupe and dancers joined in the fun.
There were more surprises as singer Dianne Reeves stepped out on stage to belt out “Like a Lover.”
The program wrapped up with “Mas Que Nada” and an encore of “Real in Rio.”
All in all, it was a great way to celebrate the summer games.