Herb Alpert - Rise
From the inspiration that Don Ohlmeyer from "NBC Sports" placed on "1980", to one of the most popular jazz tracks in the history of contemporary jazz in "Rise", to a smooth school remix to the classic Crusaders jam "Street Life" - all in great memory, serves my chance to bring this piece out of the record crates! Herb Alperts' "Rise" was a spectacular project by all means.
Track Listing
~ 1980
~ Rise
~ Behind The Rotation
~ Street Life
~ Love Is
~ Angelina
~ Aranjuez (Mon Amour)
(A-Ron-Ways)
Produced by Herb Alpert & Randy Badazz. Associate Producer: Andy Armer
Mr. Alpert's supporting team consisted of Harvey Mason (Drums), Abe Laboriel (Bass), Joe Sample (Acoustic Piano), Mike Lang (Fender Rhodes), Tom Scott (Lyricon), & a host of musicians & instrumentalists.
"Rise" was a track everyone show know, right about now. Simply because it was played continuously on almost every jazz radio station throughout the country. The endless hand clapped, groove trenched, melody driven composition was hypnotic. With the opening vibes of the Fender Rhodes gliding effortlessly by Andy Armer & Abe Laboriel plucking the bass grooveline throughout the mix. It also cross-overed into mainstream R&B music back in the day as well. But in today's generation of music listeners, the minute you do hear it again, the youth will point their fingers right at a poster of the late Hip-Hop superstar Notorious B.I.G., for he blazed that track right onto the club scene & made "Rise" much more appreciated from the Rap Music approach other than jazz music.
"Rotation" carried a percussion led beat & explored the chops of Herb's trumpet. With just a simple melody, this track is also something to be replayed along with "Rise". It will leave you bobbin' your head right after a slight taste of the sound!
I was definitely diggin' the cover of "Street Life". In a matter of fact, I went right back in the record collection & snatched up the Crusaders original copy & played it back, right after listening to Herb's. His cover should get the honorable high five, because he added a different vibe. His band came with supreme support & it is recognized in the playback. Those hand claps instantly became a symbol to his music whenever he touches the compositions & make them funky! No doubt!
Then the Bill Withers inspired "Love Is" keeps the funk flowin'! Also catch the background vocals. It could possibly sink into the back of your mind!
From 1979, this project was recently released & remastered on CD. I'm glad that I still have the original vinyl in good condition/no scratches. This is some good music folks. A great jazz project that had stood the test of time. The whole album is one of those that can be played throughout, from Side A to Side B.....& then back to the beginning, & start it over again.
Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene
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