Ninth – HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS*****

A Banda/My Heart Belongs To Daddy/The Trolley Song/The Happening/Bud/Love So Fine/The Love Nest/With A Little Help From My Friends/Flea Bag/Cowboys & Indians/Carmen

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass maintain their momentum with the mellow sounds of Ninth, which includes their take on Bizet's Carmen with full orchestration. (US:4 UK:26)

"Herb Alpert and The TJB are known for bright little instrumental pieces, heavy on the brass and often with a Latin flavour to them. For the most part, this album fits in with that vision but there is something different about it as well. It seems to be a bit slower paced and more contemplative. The melodies are still beautiful and some are indeed fast or playful but the overall mood is a slower one. That being said, this album is still a source of joy."

"The title leaves no doubt who TJB really were and deservedly so. But to my mind, this is the last of the albums that Herb seemed focused on the group. Perhaps the rousing rendition of Carmen, which parodies previous TJB songs, was the first indicator that Herb was heading off on his own. Nonetheless, this album still has the energy and freshness of the preceding albums."

"Perhaps I have mellowed with age, but Ninth is one of the most enjoyable TJB albums. The tunes are fantastic. Ninth is a worthy addition to the TJB catalogue and one of the most consistent and enjoyable TJB albums."

"I really enjoy this album, especially the last piece Carmen. A Banda is a solid brass piece; The Happening is upbeat and well performed; Bud is mellow with a good beat and beautiful guitar playing. Flea Bag has a great trombone part that is very entertaining. The music is very catchy, arranged and performed by people with real musical talent."

"For the last track on the album, Carmen, Alpert arranged The Tijuana Brass' sound with a full orchestra, representing the main theme in a variety of rhythms associated with the group and a reference to Tijuana Taxi at the end. Each track is laid with power and emotion, rhythm and clarity, warmth and earnestness. Excellent choice of melodies produced to perfection."