Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela

Herb Alpert and Hugh Masekela teamed up for two album and a U.S. tour in 1978. 

HERB ALPERT ON ALPERT & MASEKELA ALBUM

We were both somewhat turned on by the idea [of playing together], but at the same time we didn't know if it would work out.

[The intent was to] create a dialogue between two musicians. We didn't want it to be a contest, but two people wanting to express themselves and spinning off each other.

I felt there was a meeting ground somewhere. We're both very spontaneous players, which always leads to the unknown. I guess I've always been a frustrated jazz musician and I just reached a point where I really wanted to explore that side of my talent, and meeting Hugh opened a new door for me.

I like the album a lot and I see it as a huge stepping stone. I think if it is valid for people musically, it's just the start of something. We were really just experimenting and exploring, so there are a number of directions we can pursue in the future.

I really feel that I'm onto something, or better yet, let's say I got a lot of satisfaction out of working with Hugh. I really feel good about it and I can have egg all over my face and fall on my ass but I'll get up and do something else and keep at it!

I know a lot of people are asking, 'What the hell are these two guys doing together?' but all I know is that it feels right.

We started rehearsing. It was fun. No formal plan, just fun. We found the musicians we felt were right to work with us and finally went into the studio to do the album. We recorded it in three successive nights. For the most part we did it live right in the studio. It's not one of those battle of the horns things. Hugh and I found that we were really sympathetic to each other's feelings.

Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela New Music On A&M Records
Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela: The Main Event...Live

SOURCES:
A&M Records press release for Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela album, 1978.
Alpert Is Back with New Sound and a Partner. Jack Lloyd. Inquirer Entertainment News, 1978.

HERB ALPERT'S THOUGHTS ON MAIN EVENT LIVE

Hugh and I wanted to continue the spontaneity we experienced on our first album. And because of the concerts and audience response, we didn't feel we could create that same atmosphere in the studio. It seemed natural that we should record a live album.¹

SOURCE:
A&M Records press release for Main Event Live! album, 1978.

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHIES:
Alpert_Masekela_Bio.pdf
Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela: The Main Event