Diva/Mensch pair for July 30, 2025

This week I'm looking at two nominees for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 2009:

Diva: Herb Alpert, "Besame Mucho"

Mensch: Béla Fleck, "Throw Down Your Heart"

This is a rare case of the mensch winning over the diva. Alpert's recording is jazzy and vibrant - - Fleck's recording has plenty of vitality but it has a depth that's missing in the Alpert. It feels much more special and personal.