During my high school years peddling old LPs at a record shop, I got to know the Chumbawamba/Ace of Base/Backstreet Boys of the 60s and 70s. You knowthe records that seemed like a good idea at the time? Just as Tubthumper haunts used-CD sellers today, I saw a lot of familiar faces on those unwanted cardboard sleeves. Neil Diamond was at the top of the cant-sell stack, and Herb Alpert was close behind. That is until the day a gentle teen came in and purchased a pair of recordings by Alperts chart-topping Tijuana Brass. Our first customer for that pile! So, I asked, Like Herb Alpert, huh? Yeah, she replied sweetly. Me: How would you like to take home our entire Herb Alpert section? (Were talking at least 15 to 20 deep.) She stepped out, and came back with news that she had takers for the records. With that, Herb Alpert was out of my life, to make room for the growing heaps of Pelvis (as my boss called the King) and the Allman Brothers. (By the way, if you ever want to make some cashiers day at a dusty record shop, tell him you want to clear out his offerings of the Steve Miller Band.) The multiple Grammywinning trumpet player, A&M label founder, and arranger appears here with vocalist Lani Hall, his wife, through Wed., May 21. And two fun 007 facts: Alpert recorded the hit theme for the first Casino Royale, and his wife later sang the title song from Never Say Never Again. Dimitrious Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729, www.jazzalley.com. $45 (reservations required). 7:30 p.m. CHRIS KORNELIS
May 20-21, 7:30 p.m., 2008
