Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Between his scintillating sounds and provocative album covers, Herb Alpert brought jazz and Latin rhythms to the mainstream masses throughout the 1960s and maintains a similarly prolific pace through this very day. Chicago’s own Lani Hall actually got her start singing for the like-minded Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ‘66 and is the voice behind the “James Bond” anthem “Never Say Never Again,” though she continues to record solo and with her co-headlining husband in between writing books.

Given the unceasing work ethic from both Herb Alpert & Lani Hall, retirement will hopefully take a back seat to returning with their dual arsenal of whipped cream-enhanced memories, current interpretations and collaborative magic.

Together, the super couple of 45 years and their international trio sold out the weekend at the suave City Winery to standing room only status, turning in an extensive retrospective that went right up to the new collection “Herb Alpert Reimagines The Tijuana Brass.” He may be 84-years-old, but the legendary bandleader (and painter/sculptor) has aged like a fine wine, while the 73-year-old Hall’s sounded basically as charming as anyone would remember.

Whether together or separate, these artists have always churned out a mixture of memorable originals and signature editions of other people’s songs, which on this evening included their own “What Now My Love,” Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” the Alpert popularized “This Guy’s In Love With You,” Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ On The Ritz.” There were even two monster medleys that comprised virtually every major Tijuana Brass and Brasil ‘66 delight imaginable, which helped comprehensively compact nearly six decades in two hours.

On one hand, City Winery regulars are in luck that another show’s slated for Sunday, but considering its also at maximum capacity, landing a waiting list miracle is the only option for those who didn’t already secure a spot. Nonetheless, given the unceasing work ethic from both Alpert & Hall, retirement will hopefully take a back seat to returning with their dual arsenal of whipped cream-enhanced memories, current interpretations and collaborative magic.

Click here for more photos of Herb Alpert & Lani Hall at City Winery.

For additional information on Herb Alpert & Lani Hall, visit HerbAlpert.com and LaniHallAlpert.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (May 5); Nancy and Beth (May 6-7); Mariza (May 8); Griffin House (May 10); Burlesque Night Out (May 10); The Sugarhill Gang (May 11); The Nils Lofgren Band (May 12-13); Lizz Wright (May 14); David Bromberg Quintet (May 15); Howie Day (May 16); Sara Evans & The Barker Family Band (May 17); Joan Osborne (May 19); Joanne Shaw Taylor (May 20); Roy Ayers (May 22-23); Rahsaan Patterson (May 24); Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (May 25); Deacon Blues (May 26); Ian Maksin (May 28); Bad On Paper (May 29); Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (May 30) and Mason Jennings (May 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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