Martin Fierro (January 18, 1942 - March 13, 2008)

Photo credit: Susan J WeiandThe Bay Recorders Organization family would like to honor the memory of legendary saxophonist Martin Fierro, who passed away last Thursday, March 13th, after a short battle with lung cancer. Fierro is best known for his work with the late Jerry Garcia. A Native American of the Apache and Tarahumara tribes, "The Meester", as many affectionately referred to him, made San Francisco his home in 1968. Fierro was strongly influenced by the sax sound of the Fats Domino and Little Richard bands in his youth. His versatility is highlighted in many recent articles; he could just as easily keep the beat in a jazz quartet as he could melt into the consciousness of a psychedelic blues band. He was asked to conduct and arrange for soundtracks in his five decade career, which began in high school. In 1973 he played on the album "Wake of the Flood," by the Grateful Dead. He would then join The Dead that year for a round of East Coast dates. He also was part of the Legion of Mary with Garcia and keyboardist Merl Saunders. Fierro often played in San Francisco with his band Zero, his most recent collaboration with Steve Kimock and Merl Saunders. His evolution in the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene lifted Fierro's status and recognition as a highly regarded saxophonist and gentle spirit in the local music scene.

One of Fierro's last great performances was an extended sit-in with the UK's deep funk band The New Mastersounds on January 11th of this year. As he was called up in the middle of the second set by band leader and drummer Simon Allen, a sold out crowd roared a mighty show of appreciation, knowing that they were in the presence of San Francisco's adopted son and world-class sax virtuoso. Although his health was already failing, as he played from a seated position at centerstage, his trademark funky, soulful sound filled the venue and left the crowd wanting more. His final performance would be one week later, January 18th in Sonoma County, on his birthday. Fierro was 66.

Luckily for Fierro fans, this performance can be obtained through Bay Recorders Organization, run by Fierro's friend and well-known music aficionado Joe Baker. The recording is a trio of discs capturing the
full live performance at The Independent, including Fierro's collaboration on the tracks, "Hey Fella" and "Jammin." Fierro maintained friendships with San Francisco's younger crop of professional musicians, such as guitarist Byron Rynes of the Smokedaddies. Rynes' weekly melange of top tier musicians gathers for an old-fashioned jam every Wednesday at The Blackthorn Tavern, located in the Inner Sunset, and has included notables such as Greg Anton, who has played with Fierro many times in Zero, and bassist Marc Calderon (Vusi Mahlasela, Albino) as well as Jordan Feinstein (The RituaL), Paulo Baldi (Les Claypool, Cake), Peter Canton (Luce), the horns from Jazz Mafia, and frequently blessed with the soulful voice of Miss Edna Love. Mr. Fierro would show up with his sax in hand from time to time, and take the intimate crowd of music lovers into a zen-like journey with his hypnotic sax playing.

Most of these performances can also be obtained through the BRO BY MAIL program, both many of the wonderful Wednesday nights at the Blackthorn Tavern and also that very special night sitting in with the New Mastersounds at the Independent.

www.bayrecorders.org/smokedaddies
www.bayrecorders.org/the-new-mastersounds

Mr. Fierro's friendly and humble attitude can be represented by one quote in particular. Jambase writer Alan Rhody interviewed Fierro in February of 2006, after a Zero homecoming performance at the Fillmore. When asked if he feels the love from his audience, Mr. Fierro replied, "Oh yeah, I love our fans. I always try to look out in the audience, make eye contact, and smile. I think I'm the only one in the band that does that. I tell those guys it's ok to do it!"

Martin Fierro will be remembered by his friends and the musical community as continuously spreading that positive and honest energy, which was only surpassed by his love for playing itself.

-Rebecca Alon