I can’t remember if I enjoyed Herb Alpert’s trumpet playing in the sixties, but I sure liked it last night, when he performed as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center series. What I liked even more was hearing and watching his FOF wife sing. Her name is Lani Hall. It was hard to take my eyes off her.
Lani sings every word crisply, clearly and lovingly. The lilt of her voice, the subtle sway of her in-shape body and her bouncy, curly hair captivated me. So did the way she adoringly looks at her husband of 36 years and alludes to their sexual chemistry. Watching the two of them made me think what most attracts her to him. Is it his music, his obvious adoration of her (he’s a decade older), his enormous wealth (he sold his A&M Record label in 1989 for $500 million), or something ineffable?
Beautiful Lani is a star in her own right, with 14 solo albums to her credit, and in English, Spanish and Portuguese, no less. She was the lead singer with Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66. I adored them, but never knew anyone’s name but Sergio. Herb met Lani when the group auditioned for A&M. Herb, Lani and Sergio are still “best friends.”
P.S. My friend and dental hygienist, Lali, treated me to the performance for my upcoming birthday. Thank you, dear Lali.
0 Responses to “A cool couple”
Barbara says:
I’ve always loved her voice. There was a great story about them on CBS Sunday Morning. It chronicled not only their life (you should see their drop-dead gorgeous home overlooking the the Pacific, but the substantial and sustaining donation, they made to the Harlem High School for the Arts (I believe that’s the name)., when it was in danger of closing.
Vera B says:
Geri! I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m a bit green with envy! Love to listen to both of them. Have never heard them together, though.
Geri says:
Oh my goodness, I meant that, but thought trombone. Will change. Thanks Kirin
Kirin says:
Bonjour Gerri, fine post, was wondering what ever became of them, nice to see both alive and active, small note though Alpert plays the trumpet.