A Film that Distills the Essence of Herb Alpert (With and Without the Tijuana Brass)

If all you know about Herb Alpert is the Tijuana Brass … well, that’s probably OK, because the iconic 1960s band sure made some exuberant swingy jazz that still sounds fresh today and still gets your toes tapping and your hips swinging.

But the handsome leader of one of the top-selling musical combos of the era (outselling the Beatles at several points) is much more than just a charismatic entertainer and exceptionally skilled trumpet player. 

He was also the co-founder in 1962 (with Jerry Moss) of A&M Records, which has been called the most successful independent music company in history.

The partners sold their label to Polygram in 1989 but continued to run the company until 1993. They signed dozens of rock bands, musicians and composers in a wide range of musical styles, most of whom (like the Tijuana Brass) continue to be interesting today. The list is diverse and includes Burt Bachrach, Quincy Jones, Sting and the Police, Supertramp, Styx, Joan Baez, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66 and, briefly, the Sex Pistols. 

Alpert continued to play and perform into the 1990s, but (thanks in part to a lawsuit against Polygram that earned him and Moss $200 million), he stopped working and devoted himself to painting, sculpture and philanthropy — and to being the interesting focal point of several podcasts, interviews and, now, a documentary film called, “Herb Alpert Is …”. Shortly before the film was released in early October, a new box set of Alpert’s music was also released. 

Tri-state region residents can view the documentary (and the fun trailer, to whet your appetite) through the Pittsfield, Mass., Jewish Film Festival’s winterFlicks series. 

One might wonder why the trumpet-playing leader of a salsa-style band is featured in a Jewish Film Festival. 

Joel Curran, an organizer of the festival, said that, “Films are selected by a subcommittee from American and international sources and include any subject or content pertinent to the Jewish community.”

Alpert, it turns out, was a son of Jewish immigrants, Tillie (Goldberg) and Louis Leib Alpert. He was raised in Los Angeles, Calif., and began playing the trumpet at age 8. After starting his own band in the 1960s he went on to earn nine Grammy Awards and (with Moss) a berth at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

All the interesting nooks and crannies of Alpert’s life can only be hinted at in a short newspaper article. For a deeper dive, check out “Herb Alpert Is …,” which has been available for download since Oct. 31 and can still be seen until Nov. 30. 

For more information on this and other films in the winterFlicks series of the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival, and to buy tickets at $10 each, go to www.berkshirejewishfilmfestival.org or call 413-445-4872, ext. 10.

The long and constantly surprising life of 85-year-old music legend Herb Alpert (remember the Tijuana Brass?) is the subject of a documentary filmcalled “Herb Alpert Is …” that is being screened online this month as part of the winterFlicks film series of the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival. Photos from ‘Herb Alpert Is…”​

Photos from ‘Herb Alpert Is…”​

The long and constantly surprising life of 85-year-old music legend Herb Alpert (remember the Tijuana Brass?) is the subject of a documentary filmcalled “Herb Alpert Is …” that is being screened online this month as part of the winterFlicks film series of the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival. Photos from ‘Herb Alpert Is…”​

Latest News

Hundreds gather at ‘No Kings’ political protests

A huge crowd with custom signs were present in Salisbury Saturday, June 14, for the “No Kings” protest.

Ruth Epstein

The energized crowds, the custom signs and the constant show of support from passersby honking their horns reflected what many in the Northwest Corner want for this country — “No Kings.”

Such was the strong sentiment at rallies in Cornwall, Kent and Salisbury that mirrored the hundreds held across the country Saturday, June 14, to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and decrees.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sharon Hospital president sees promise in new partnership
Sharon Hospital
Archive photo

SHARON — After years of negotiations, Sharon Hospital is now officially part of the Northwell Health network. Christina McCulloch, the hospital’s president, said during a June 11 interview that the merger could help address some of the issues that plague rural healthcare centers.

“When you bring two organizations of this size together, you do have more leverage in many ways,” she said, pointing to staffing difficulties as a key area where the new partnership could offer real support. “When you’re looking at recruitment, which is certainly a challenge in Sharon and always will be due to its rural nature, having a partner will certainly benefit us.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Housing Trust, Habitat join forces to make young family’s dream a reality

The Sayler family, center, (Bridget, Dom, Zoe and Owen) is flanked by Judy Gafney, far left, of the Salisbury Housing Trust, and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut officials David Sellery, executive director, and Bob Whelan, president, at right.

Debra A. Aleksinas

SALISBURY — One neighbor brought a cinnamon swirl bundt cake from Sweet William’s to welcome the Sayler family to the Selleck Hill neighborhood.

Another brought her recently born fawn.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - June 19, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-671-0499 or 860-671-7024.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499 or 860-671-7024.

Keep ReadingShow less