Rear View Mirror: Martin Fierro
Who Was Martin Fierro?
Standing at life’s proverbial crossroad, Martin Fierro faced a win-win decision: Accept an invitation from Thelonius Monk and Dizzy Gillespie to join them in New York City, or go to San Francisco to play with the little-known band, Mother Earth. It was Spring of ’68 and the lure of Haight-Ashbury proved irresistible. Fresh off the bus from Mexico City, he headed to Golden Gate Park with his saxophone. Jamming amidst a throng of 40 conga players, Fierro was approached by a wide-eyed admirer with a proposition of his own. “You want to come play with us tonight at the Matrix?” he asked. “My name is Jerry Garcia…”
Rising from humble beginnings in the border-town of Juarez, Mexico, Martin [Mar-Teen] Fierro launched his career at age 15. Cutting his teeth on jazz, he quickly transcended stylistic boundaries to appease the demanding Texas music scene. Once in the Bay Area, Fierro’s roots came in handy as he and a group of Lone Star-transplants established a supportive network. This ragtag bunch included Janis Joplin, Steve Miller, Boz Scaggs, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He recalls, “Whatever any of us had, everyone could have. We made each other strong.”
Garcia and Fierro sparked a musical brotherhood that first night at the Matrix. Playing informally over the next several years, the saxophonist would contribute to the Grateful Dead’s 1973 album, Wake of the Flood, and sit in with the band for a string of concerts. It was away from the bright lights, however, that the friends realized the breadth of their connection. Solidified in 1973 along with bassist John Kahn and keyboard-dynamo Merl Saunders, a band known as Legion of Mary spent the next two years working their magic in between Dead tours. Fierro’s funky, soulful sound and innovative approach clearly inspired Garcia during his most experimental period. Looking back he muses, “We were trading information that was vital to both of us.”
Legion of Mary’s sudden disbandment was a devastating blow for Fierro who spent the next eight years involved with low-profile endeavors. Finally in 1984 he was plucked from his plateau by the perfect band. Led by a pair of guitar virtuosos in John Cippolina, a longtime pal, and Steve Kimock, Zero offered the ideal forum for his talents; musically and comically. A relentless jokester, Fierro is known for his unabashed onstage antics almost as much as his rich, honeysuckle tone. Zero is currently enjoying a rebirth following a six-year hiatus.
These days Fierro is active as can be, playing with Zero and sitting in with jamband-standouts like ALO, Perpetual Groove and New Monsoon. ALO guitarist Dan Lebowitz raves, “He’s a guy who just makes you feel good.” Other than performing, his greatest pleasure is spending time with his six -year old daughter Jessica. Even at age 65, Fierro usually comes across as the biggest kid in the room. “Once I’m up onstage, I feel just like when I was 16; the same sense of amazement and mystery. After 50 years I’m still discovering things.”
