by Rhett Flowers
Herb Alpert brought the newest incarnation of the Tijuana Brass to Austin’s Long Center on Sunday night, and the result felt like a joyful trip back to the moment when his unmistakable sound first captured the world’s attention. Alpert, who turned 90 last March, remains as warm and engaging as ever. In a relaxed, conversational atmosphere where he welcomed comments from the crowd, one audience member called out, “You still got it!” Alpert laughed knowingly, thanked him, and went on to prove the point repeatedly throughout the night.
The show opened with some of his earliest hits, including the bullfighting-inspired “The Lonely Bull,” before gradually moving through the different eras of his career. Along the way, Alpert paused to share stories that set the stage for each chapter, giving the audience context and insight into the music. At one point, he revealed that he had considered stepping away from touring altogether, but found renewed energy after “Ladyfingers” unexpectedly went viral on TikTok. The surge in streams deeply moved him, offering fresh life to his older work and reaffirming the timeless positivity that has always defined his music. With that renewed spark, Alpert assembled a stellar fourth incarnation of the Tijuana Brass and returned to the road to do what he loves most: play music.
Alongside his countless hits, Alpert showcased song-centric videos created throughout his career. Images of horses galloping across the open West, laughter-filled beach scenes, and dancers in elegant nightclubs filled the screen, all anchored by Alpert himself, trumpet in hand, evoking the glamour and nostalgia of the 1960s. Iconic album covers also appeared between songs, visually tracing the rich history of the Tijuana Brass as the music moved through its many eras.
As if his own legendary catalog were not enough, the latter half of the show brought a special appearance by his wife, Lani Hall Alpert. A wonderful singer in her own right, she joined the band to perform several Sergio Mendes’ songs produced by Alpert, including “Mas Que Nada” and “Fool on the Hill.” The performances were polished and spirited, further elevating a crowd that was already fully engaged.
Alpert later turned to Burt Bacharach’s “This Guy’s in Love with You,” recounting how the song was initially pitched to Allen Toussaint before Alpert himself recorded the now-classic 1968 hit. Much like his trumpet playing, his vocal performance showed remarkable control and confidence, underscoring just how high his level of musicianship remains.
During the evening, Alpert also shared that he recently tripped at an airport in Florida and injured his leg, leaving him barely able to walk. When the curtain rose at the start of the show, he was already seated, trumpet in hand. With his trademark humor, he joked about skipping the traditional walk-off and encore, asking the audience to simply let him stay seated and “play his way out” instead. Austin responded in full force, rising to its feet as “bravos” echoed through the Long Center’s beautifully tuned acoustics.
As Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass took another bow, one of countless they have taken over the decades, it was clear this was far more than a nostalgia act. It was a living piece of American music history, performed with joy, humility, and enduring excellence. If this tour comes through your city, it is well worth the time. Even with the highest expectations, Herb Alpert exceeded them. He remains, without question, a national treasure.
