**Rise (Herb Alpert album)**
**Definition:**
*Rise* is a 1979 studio album by American trumpeter and bandleader Herb Alpert. The album is best known for its title track, which became a major hit and marked a stylistic shift toward a more contemporary, jazz-funk sound.
—
# Rise (Herb Alpert album)
## Overview
*Rise* is a studio album released in 1979 by Herb Alpert, an American trumpeter, composer, and co-founder of A&M Records. The album is notable for its fusion of jazz, funk, and pop elements, showcasing a modernized sound that diverged from Alpert’s earlier work primarily rooted in Latin jazz and easy listening. The title track, „Rise,” became a significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the defining instrumental hits of the late 1970s.
## Background
Herb Alpert had established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1960s, both as a performer with the Tijuana Brass and as a record executive. By the late 1970s, Alpert sought to reinvent his musical style to align with contemporary trends. Collaborating with producer and arranger Randy „Badazz” Alpert (no relation) and bassist and composer Andy Armer, Alpert embraced a smoother, funk-inflected sound that incorporated elements of disco and jazz fusion.
The album *Rise* was recorded during a period when instrumental tracks were gaining popularity on mainstream radio, and the title track capitalized on this trend. The success of „Rise” helped revitalize Alpert’s career and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
## Recording and Production
The recording sessions for *Rise* took place in 1979, primarily at A&M Studios in Los Angeles. Herb Alpert played trumpet and flugelhorn, while the production team included Randy Alpert and Andy Armer, who also contributed keyboards and arrangements. The album featured a blend of live instrumentation and studio technology, including synthesizers and drum machines, which were becoming increasingly prevalent in popular music production at the time.
The production emphasized a polished, groove-oriented sound with tight rhythm sections and melodic horn lines. The title track „Rise” was built around a memorable bassline and a smooth, catchy trumpet melody, supported by layered percussion and subtle electronic textures.
## Musical Style and Composition
*Rise* represents a departure from Herb Alpert’s earlier, more traditional Latin jazz and pop instrumental style. The album incorporates elements of jazz-funk, smooth jazz, and disco, reflecting the musical landscape of the late 1970s. The arrangements are characterized by rhythmic grooves, syncopated basslines, and a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments.
The title track „Rise” is an instrumental piece that features a prominent, repetitive bass riff, understated keyboard chords, and Alpert’s signature trumpet playing. The composition balances accessibility with sophistication, making it appealing to both pop audiences and jazz aficionados.
Other tracks on the album continue this fusion approach, combining melodic hooks with rhythmic complexity. The overall mood of the album is upbeat and danceable, yet retains a smooth, laid-back quality.
## Track Listing
1. Rise
2. Rotation
3. Street Life
4. Ready or Not
5. The Last Blues Song
6. The Beat of the Brass
7. The Lonely Bull (Revisited)
8. The Edge
9. The Return of the Tijuana Brass
(Note: The exact track listing may vary depending on the release version.)
## Reception
Upon its release, *Rise* received positive reviews from critics who praised Herb Alpert’s successful adaptation to contemporary musical trends. The album was noted for its polished production and catchy compositions, particularly the title track.
The single „Rise” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 1979. It also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and performed well internationally. The track’s popularity helped the album achieve strong sales and renewed interest in Alpert’s work.
Critics highlighted the album’s blend of jazz and funk elements as a refreshing evolution in Alpert’s sound. Some traditional fans of the Tijuana Brass era were surprised by the stylistic shift, but the album’s success demonstrated Alpert’s versatility as an artist.
## Legacy
The album *Rise* and its title track have had a lasting impact on popular music. „Rise” is often cited as a classic example of late 1970s jazz-funk and smooth jazz crossover. The track has been sampled and referenced by various artists in subsequent decades, underscoring its enduring influence.
Herb Alpert’s ability to reinvent his sound with *Rise* helped sustain his career into the 1980s and beyond. The album is regarded as a pivotal moment in his discography, marking a transition from his earlier Latin-inspired work to a more contemporary jazz-funk style.
## Personnel
– Herb Alpert – trumpet, flugelhorn
– Randy Alpert – producer, keyboards, arrangements
– Andy Armer – keyboards, arrangements
– Session musicians – bass, drums, percussion, guitar, synthesizers (specific personnel may vary)
## Chart Performance
– *Rise* (album) reached notable positions on jazz and pop album charts.
– „Rise” (single) reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in 1979.
## Conclusion
*Rise* stands as a significant album in Herb Alpert’s career, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to explore new musical directions. The album’s fusion of jazz, funk, and pop elements, combined with the commercial success of its title track, solidified Alpert’s place in the evolving landscape of late 20th-century popular music.
—
**Meta Description:**
*Rise* is a 1979 album by Herb Alpert featuring the hit instrumental title track that blends jazz, funk, and pop. The album marked a stylistic shift and revitalized Alpert’s career with its contemporary sound.