Aaron Bitman
Well-Known Member
What TJB song would you consider the most "iconic"?
Here's what I mean by the question: Imagine you're talking to people who, as far as you know, don't know anything about Herb Alpert. (Possibly, years ago, some of these people might have heard "Spanish Flea" in The Dating Game, or that sort of thing. But you don't know.)
Anyway, after a brief explanation of the TJB and whatever aspect of their music you like - or perhaps without even any explanation at all - you have a chance to play just ONE song to give them an idea of what it sounds like, and what you love so much about Alpert's music. You hope to choose one song that some people will like, so that, on their own, they might choose to hear it again, and check out other TJB songs. What one song would you choose?
When I was a child, I would have answered "El Presidente". I'm not sure why, as it was never a particular favorite of mine. Maybe it's because it has a feel like that of "The Lonely Bull" (whose iconic status is obvious), but sounds a bit more professional.
Today, which song would I choose? I'm sure of one thing: I'd want it to have a clearly audible part for the marimba, as I regard the marimba a fundamental part of TJB music. (You're obviously free to disagree with me on that point.)
So... again, what would I choose? At the moment, I'm tentatively saying "A Taste of Honey". That was the song that put Alpert on the map, after all. But I could be persuaded to choose some other song.
And again, I'm emphasizing the word "iconic". There are some excellent songs ("Zorba the Greek", "Magic Trumpet", and "Five Minutes More" come to mind) that don't sound typical enough of TJB music to give people a good impression of what it's all about, in my opinion. (Again, feel free to disagree.)
So... would anyone like to express any thoughts?
Here's what I mean by the question: Imagine you're talking to people who, as far as you know, don't know anything about Herb Alpert. (Possibly, years ago, some of these people might have heard "Spanish Flea" in The Dating Game, or that sort of thing. But you don't know.)
Anyway, after a brief explanation of the TJB and whatever aspect of their music you like - or perhaps without even any explanation at all - you have a chance to play just ONE song to give them an idea of what it sounds like, and what you love so much about Alpert's music. You hope to choose one song that some people will like, so that, on their own, they might choose to hear it again, and check out other TJB songs. What one song would you choose?
When I was a child, I would have answered "El Presidente". I'm not sure why, as it was never a particular favorite of mine. Maybe it's because it has a feel like that of "The Lonely Bull" (whose iconic status is obvious), but sounds a bit more professional.
Today, which song would I choose? I'm sure of one thing: I'd want it to have a clearly audible part for the marimba, as I regard the marimba a fundamental part of TJB music. (You're obviously free to disagree with me on that point.)
So... again, what would I choose? At the moment, I'm tentatively saying "A Taste of Honey". That was the song that put Alpert on the map, after all. But I could be persuaded to choose some other song.
And again, I'm emphasizing the word "iconic". There are some excellent songs ("Zorba the Greek", "Magic Trumpet", and "Five Minutes More" come to mind) that don't sound typical enough of TJB music to give people a good impression of what it's all about, in my opinion. (Again, feel free to disagree.)
So... would anyone like to express any thoughts?