Trumpeter Herb Alpert rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with his band "The Tijuana Brass." Decades later, Alpert brought the latest incarnation of the TJB to Chicago's Harris Auditorium for two performances. At the first show Saturday evening, I was impressed by the talent and energy of a musician who recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday.

Alpert opened with his 1962 hit "The Lonely Bull," which led into a medley of his tunes, before taking a seat and talking with the audience. His stories enchanted the sold-out theatre with tales of his life and career. He spoke about TikTok views reviving interest in the decades-old song "Lady Fingers"; and he spoke of conversations with Louis Armstrong and Burt Bacharach. But his most moving story was about his discovery and support of Sergio Mendes. Herb signed Mendes's "Brasil 66" band to his A&M label and invited the Brazilian to tour with the TJB. Mendes had recently hired Chicagoan Lani Hall as a vocalist. Despite warning his bandmates to avoid chasing the women in the group, Herb and Lani fell in love. Last year, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To the crowd's delight, Hall then came onstage to sing a medley of Sergio Mendes hits.

The current version of the Tijuana Brass features seven musicians (including Mr. Alpert), and each is top-notch. In a version of "Love Potion Number 9," each had a chance to prove this with solos in sequence.

Videos projected behind the band showed old photos and videos - many from Alpert's numerous television appearances. His single "Spanish Flea" was used regularly during "The Dating Game," and an adaptation of "The Mexican Shuffle" served as the backdrop for a commercial for Clark's Teaberry gum.

This concert was far better than I expected, mainly because Herb Alpert exceeded my expectations. His talent and energy remain strong nine decades into his life and over seven decades into his career.