Blow Your Own Horn

AMG Review of Blow Your Own Horn

Richard S. Ginell
All Music Guide

Blow Your Own Horn is an anthology of concepts and production teams that mostly retrace the steps Herb Alpert had taken since "Rise," reflecting the steady hand of a seasoned pop instrumental pro. "Blow Your Own Horn," "The Midnight Tango" and "Garden Party" all try to emulate the laidback, high-tech groove of "Rise" -- with the inimitable help of the latter's co-composer Randy Badazz -- and Beyond is given an extra tweaking by a hotter remix of the album's "Red Hot." The Motown triumvirate of Holland-Dozier-Holland shares the production chair with Alpert on two tracks; Jose Quintana of Fandango drops in for three more -- though the accent here is high-tech North America this time and not as inspired -- and there is a pleasant L.A.-session-flavored encounter with Lee Ritenour on "Paradise Cove." Not knowing which way to turn, Alpert refines and consolidates, awaiting the next flash of creative fire.