Julius Wechter

NOTE: This page covers Julius Wechter's solo career. See Baja Marimba Band for his work with the group.

Julius Wechter's association with A&M Records began in 1962 when he played marimba on "The Lonely Bull"--the first single and album issued by the label. Wechter's songs became a regular feature on Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass albums as did his marimba and percussion performances on them. Wechter also toured as a member of the Tijuana Brass. The real story of his association with Herb Alpert was their friendship that lasted until Wechter's death.

Wechter was in demand on studio sessions whether on vibes, marimba or percussion instruments from bells to cymbals. He worked on The Beach Boys sessions that included "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Help Me Rhonda." 

As a composer, he is most remembered for "Spanish Flea." Originally titled "Spanish Fly" until engineer Larry Levine thought it wasn't the best choice to appear on album covers. The song is not an instrumental. Wechter's wife Cissy wrote lyrics for it as she did "Warm," "The Nicest Things Happen" and Julius' other tunes. "Flea" took on a life of its own recorded by many artists and being used in motion pictures and television shows for more than the next 60 years.

Wechter had a music publishing deal with Almo Music (ASCAP), A&M Records' music publishing wing. Thanks to that contract, a demo album of Wechter songs was released in 1976.