Martin Fierro
Martin Fierro (January 18, 1942 – March 13, 2008) was an influential American saxophonist known for his work in rock, jam band, and jazz rock genres. Born in Mexico and raised in El Paso, Texas, Fierro was a self-taught saxophonist who began his musical journey in rock bands as a teenager. In his early 20s, he focused on jazz and toured Mexico before moving to San Francisco, where he joined the blues rock group Mother Earth.
Fierro became a member of the Sir Douglas Quintet in 1968 and collaborated with notable acts such as Quicksilver Messenger Service and James Cotton. In 1971, he played on "Hooteroll?," an album by Jerry Garcia and Howard Wales, and later joined Garcia's project Legion of Mary. He also appeared on the Grateful Dead's "Wake of the Flood" in 1973.
In 1984, Fierro joined the Bay Area jam band Zero, contributing significantly to the jam band style with his improvisational skills. He continued to perform with other jam bands like the String Cheese Incident and the Dark Star Orchestra, and also led the Martin Fierro Jazz Quartet in local gigs.
Fierro's discography includes collaborations with artists like James Cotton, Mother Earth, Shades Of Joy, Sir Douglas Quintet, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jerry Garcia, Merl Saunders, Zero, Rory Gallagher, and the String Cheese Incident. He passed away from cancer in Marin County, California, at the age of 66. He is survived by his son, actor David Fierro.