My review of the outstanding Herb Alpert – Lani Hall Concert
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall – May 24, 2018
Bakersfield Outdoor Theater – Presented by WorldRecords Bakersfield

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall delivered more than a concert of beautiful music from two living legends backed by a tight, superb band in a flawless performance. They brought and gave all in attendance a message of true love. Love for the music, love for each other and love for all of us out here in the world.

Our world can be a chaotic and tumultuous place sometimes, in case you hadn’t noticed. All that washed away last night for a couple of hours at the BC Outdoor Theater. The concert began with video on the large screen of our planet earth, Satchmo, positive messages and “What A Wonderful World” as done by Herb Alpert playing in the background. The cares of the day are starting to lift already.

The band came out consisting of Bill Cantos on keyboards and vocals, Hussain Jiffry on bass and Michael Shapiro on drums. Then Herb and Lani. What followed was music by legends. They covered everything from The Tijuana Brass, Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66, to Herb & Lani’s more recent music and even more. Everyone in the band got their time to shine and shine they did. Herb informed us this was their 300th show together as a band. Did I mention they are tight?

Herb and Lani are in love. You can see it. You can feel it. The way they watch each other perform and when they play and sing together. That spirit carries the evening and their energy flows outward.

Herb has many stories to tell and he tells them well. He is a living history book of jazz and many genres of music, the music industry (done right and with honor), of music people he has known and worked with. He told of how he and Lani met while photos of them from over the years played on the big screen behind them. The audience listened with rapt attention.

At 83 Herb shows no signs of slowing down. His trumpet playing is still legendary and amazing. Listening to all the TJ Brass hits he played sounded so wonderful as your foot taps and you hum along. Lani’s voice is so beautiful and expressive. Loved hearing her sing Brasil 66 hits and also very much enjoyed “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”. With their talented band the music was perfect.

The finale was special. Lani singing, Herb playing, back and forth each band member playing their part, the audience completely charmed and listening. One of the songs in the finale was “Waters of March”. From the lyrics;
“It’s the promise of life
It’s the joy in your heart…”

What a wonderful concert! The spirit of love and music so genuine. I would like to thank my Dad again for bringing Herb Alpert’s music into our home when I was just a kid in the 1960s. It felt like he was right there with me enjoying the music. We didn’t always agree on our musical tastes, but we were totally in sync on Herb.

The outdoor theater was outstanding. A nice, cool late spring evening for this concert under the stars was a pleasant surprise. The stars on the stage shined brightly.

From the big screen backdrop of Herb’s own artwork, many scenes of Herb and Lani with people from all around our wonderful world enjoying their music and the thrilled crowd in attendance I can honestly say this is the most uplifting concert I’ve ever been to. My spirit is still buoyed the day after as I write this. Please do yourself a favor, see Herb and Lani while you can. You won’t be disappointed. You will be happy, and lifted up.