Herb Alpert - Spanish Flea

Bryguy525 · New Member Joined: 22 Jun 2020 Posts: 1 Location: Indiana

All right folks, I've transcribed Spanish Flea with my notational software and the existing Youtube videos of this song appear to be in the key of B (concert pitch). That puts my software in the key of C# for the horn parts and I know that with all of the chromatic runs in the melody, the key of B is likely NOT the key that TTB played in. There is no conclusive evidence as the string players hand positions are unclear due to the age and quality of the video. Clearly, concert Bb would make so much more sense but with no audio or video that supports that notion I'm left scratching my head. Would Herb have played in the key of B? If so, why?

TrpPro · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 2:40 pm Post subject:

Clearly playing it in Bb.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z0pP8FqYvk

JayKosta · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 2:48 pm Post subject:

I have a copy of this trumpet solo collection -
https://tredwellsmusic.com/the-deluxe-herb-alpert-the-tijuana-brass-souvenir-song-album-no-3d-trumpet-solo-songbook-sheet-music-out-of-print

and the written key signature for (Bb trumpet) Spanish Flea is C (concert Bb). The highest written note is A above the staff.

Sadly, the plastic record is missing ...

Jay
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

cheiden · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 3:02 pm Post subject:

With a casual search I'm only seeing it printed or transcribed in concert Bb, not B.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart