Herb Alpert, the legendary musician known for his influential career spanning six decades, is set to release his 50th studio album this fall. Titled 50, the album will be available on September 20th and marks another significant milestone: the 50th wedding anniversary of Alpert and his wife, collaborator, and touring partner, Lani Hall.
The album’s lead single, “Dancing Down 50th Street,” has been unveiled today. This vibrant track blends the classic sound of Alpert’s Tijuana Brass era with a contemporary rhythm, showcasing his ability to merge past influences with modern grooves. “Dancing Down 50th Street” is one of several new original compositions featured on the album.
Alpert reflected on his musical journey, saying, “I am fortunate to still be exploring and having fun making music. When I first started recording, I had a one-track wire recorder. Today, I use digital recording with unlimited tracks. The one thing that has always remained the same, no matter the technology, is the pursuit of a great song or melody. A great song recorded on one track will always be great.”
50 encapsulates the essence of a classic Herb Alpert release, offering a blend of evocative originals and creative covers spanning pop music history. The album revisits music from the 1950s—a decade when Alpert began his career—infusing modern techniques into timeless songs. Known for his adaptability and tastefulness, Alpert continues to remain a prominent figure in the cultural landscape.
In his recent work, Alpert has skillfully integrated acoustic and electronic elements, exploring music across different eras, including ’20s and ’30s jazz standards, Beatles classics, and more. His last two albums, On the Sunny Side of Street (2022) and Wish Upon A Star (2023), topped the jazz charts, reflecting his enduring appeal and innovation.
50 continues this tradition with a mix of playful and introspective tracks. The album features a range of styles, including bossa nova (“Corcovado”), Broadway standards (“Baubles, Bangles, & Beads”), surf-rock (“Sleep Walk”), hard-bop (“Jeannine”), and Elvis hits (“Are You Lonesome Tonight?”). The new originals, such as the bluesy “Where Do We Go From Here” and the dreamy ballad “Morning Mist,” complement these classic melodies, showcasing Alpert’s timeless compositional style.
Track Listing:
- Dancing Down 50th Street
- Sh-Boom
- Are You Lonesome Tonight?
- Baubles, Bangles And Beads
- Morning Mist
- Never Too Late
- Where Do We Go From Here
- Sleep Walk
- Corcovado
- Jeannine
